Investigating how TFAP4 affects lysosome function and tau-related brain diseases
Official title: Evaluation of TFAP4 regulation of lysosome biogenesis and modulation of tau pathology
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11066701 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called TFAP4 can help improve the way our cells clean up harmful proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease, with the hope of finding new ways to protect brain cells and help people with neurodegenerative conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31NS141258-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066701 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related tauopathies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurodegenerative conditions or those without tau pathology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of TFAP4 in regulating lysosome biogenesis, which is crucial for clearing toxic proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies. By enhancing the autophagy-lysosome pathway, the study aims to find new therapeutic strategies to prevent or reduce neuron loss caused by toxic tau accumulation. The approach includes in vitro experiments to assess how manipulating TFAP4 levels can influence lysosomal function and potentially improve outcomes for patients with neurodegenerative diseases.
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 and related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting lysosomal function to treat neurodegenerative diseases, indicating that this approach may be viable.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Owens, Ashley — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Owens, Ashley
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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.