Investigating tau protein aggregates in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Super-Resolution Imaging of Alzheimer's Disease Hyperphosphorylated Tau Aggregates
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10931330 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein called tau, which can build up in the brains of people with Alzheimer's, affects the disease and its symptoms, using advanced imaging to better understand its role and possibly find new ways to help treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AG080962-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931330 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 exhibiting symptoms of dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to tau pathology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of hyperphosphorylated tau protein aggregates in Alzheimer's disease. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to visualize these aggregates in human brain tissues, which could provide insights into their formation and relationship with the severity of Alzheimer's symptoms. The research will analyze postmortem brain samples to explore how tau aggregation correlates with clinical features of the disease. This approach seeks to clarify the mechanisms behind tau pathology in Alzheimer's, potentially leading to new therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding tau pathology, but this specific approach using super-resolution imaging is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Santiago-Ruiz, Adriana Naomi — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Santiago-Ruiz, Adriana Naomi
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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.