Investigating tau protein accumulation in the brain related to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.
Official title: Tau accumulation in the pedunculopontine tegmentum as an early node in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy pathogenesis
Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-10795724 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called tau builds up in certain parts of the brain and how that might lead to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), with the goal of finding early signs of the disease and better ways to diagnose and treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $594,588 |
| NIH project number | 4R01NS117628-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10795724 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who are experiencing symptoms consistent with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or neurological disorders that do not involve tau protein accumulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how tau protein accumulates in specific brain regions, particularly the pedunculopontine tegmentum, and its role in the development of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). By using a genetically engineered virus to induce tau accumulation in animal models, the researchers aim to replicate PSP-like symptoms and identify early biomarkers for diagnosis. The study seeks to clarify the origins of the disease, the neural pathways involved, and the progression of symptoms, which could lead to improved diagnostic accuracy and potential therapeutic targets for PSP.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatment options for patients suffering from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding tau pathology in other neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into PSP.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Buffalo
Amherst, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clark, Stewart Donaldson — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Clark, Stewart Donaldson
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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.