Mapping proteins tied to abnormal tau in Alzheimer's and related dementias
Capturing the molecular complexity of tau pathology-associated proteomes involved in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
This project uses advanced protein-mapping methods to find molecules that cling to abnormal tau in people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Jacksonville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Jacksonville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11297687 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will analyze brain tissue from people with Alzheimer's and other tau-related dementias using a technique called proximity-proteomics that tags proteins near abnormal tau, letting scientists identify neighbors even inside stubborn, insoluble clumps. They will characterize the molecular makeup of neurofibrillary tangles and other phospho-tau aggregates and compare patterns across brain regions and disease stages. The team will study how these neighboring proteins influence tau clumping, spreading between cells, and damage to neurons and glia. Results are intended to point to proteins that drive tau toxicity and could become targets for new treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease or related primary tauopathies who are willing to participate in brain-tissue donation programs or be enrolled through collaborating brain banks would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients without tau-related pathology (for example, those with purely vascular or non-tau dementias) and healthy volunteers are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets to stop tau aggregation or spread, which may lead to therapies that slow or prevent dementia progression.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have mapped some tau interactions, but applying proximity-proteomics to detergent-insoluble tau aggregates in human brains is relatively new and less tested.
Where this research is happening
Jacksonville, United States
- Mayo Clinic Jacksonville — Jacksonville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rossoll, Wilfried — Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
- Study coordinator: Rossoll, Wilfried
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.