Macrocyclic peptides to find key targets on tau protein
A macrocyclic peptide platform for the discovery of functional tau epitopes
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME · NIH-11247588
This project makes small circular peptides that mimic harmful tau shapes to help find parts of tau that could be targeted to treat dementia and related brain diseases.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NOTRE DAME, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11247588 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project designs and builds tiny circular (macrocyclic) peptides that copy the 3D shapes of pathological tau protein found in dementias. Researchers will use high-resolution structural information to guide peptide design and then test whether those peptides recreate the disease-associated tau folds in the lab. By reproducing these folds, they aim to expose the exact sites on tau that drive misfolding and spread so antibodies or tests can be developed against them. The work is laboratory-focused and uses biochemical models and some patient-derived samples rather than enrolling patients in a clinical treatment trial.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with tau-related neurodegenerative diseases (for example certain forms of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, or progressive supranuclear palsy) could be relevant as sample donors or future trial candidates.
Not a fit: Individuals with conditions that do not involve pathological tau, or healthy volunteers, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could enable better tests or targeted therapies that neutralize the toxic forms of tau in dementia.
How similar studies have performed: Structural mapping of tau and some tau-directed antibody efforts exist but clinical success has been limited, so this peptide-mimic approach is promising yet still early-stage.
Where this research is happening
NOTRE DAME, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME — NOTRE DAME, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DEL VALLE, JUAN R — UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME
- Study coordinator: DEL VALLE, JUAN R
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 below.