Monitoring tau-related changes in brain cell recycling processes
Official title: Innovation in monitoring tau-induced dysregulation of the autophagy lysosomal pathway
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10905445 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tau proteins, which are involved in conditions like Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia, affect the way our brain cells recycle and clean up waste, using special tools to see these changes in real-time, with the hope of finding new ways to help treat these diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $426,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG087578-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10905445 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or frontotemporal dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia not related to tau pathology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how tau proteins, which are linked to diseases like Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia, disrupt the autophagy-lysosomal pathway (ALP) in human neurons. The team has developed innovative biosensors that allow for real-time monitoring of key processes in this pathway, providing insights into how tau misfolding affects cellular recycling mechanisms. By understanding these dynamics, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets for treating tauopathies. Patients may benefit from advancements in treatment strategies that arise from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for treating tau-related neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using biosensors to study cellular processes, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sachs, Jonathan N — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Sachs, Jonathan N
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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.