Monitoring tau-related changes in brain cell recycling processes

Innovation in monitoring tau-induced dysregulation of the autophagy lysosomal pathway

['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-10905445

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

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10905445 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or frontotemporal dementia.

Not a fit: Patients with other forms of dementia not related to tau pathology may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.