Investigating how Tau protein breakdown affects Alzheimer's disease progression
Official title: Tau protein proteolysis signaling in Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Arizona State University-Tempe Campus · NIH-10728202 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Tau behaves in Alzheimer's disease and how its changes might lead to brain cell loss, with the hope of finding new ways to help manage the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arizona State University-Tempe Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tempe, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $431,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG083630-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10728202 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those showing early signs of cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of Tau protein in Alzheimer's disease, particularly how its breakdown and aggregation contribute to neuron loss and disease progression. The study will explore how different fragments of Tau protein can induce aggregation, which is a key feature of Alzheimer's pathology. By examining the effects of various proteases on Tau protein, the research aims to identify mechanisms that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow down or prevent the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding Tau protein dynamics, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
Tempe, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huseby, Carol J. — Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
- Study coordinator: Huseby, Carol J.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.