New biomarkers to distinguish LATE from Alzheimer’s disease in dementia
Official title: New biomarkers for LATE diagnosis and differentiation from AD dementia
Funded at North Carolina Central University · NIH-11619734 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to develop blood and CSF tests that can tell apart LATE from Alzheimer’s disease in people with dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina Central University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 4, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $673,720 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AG100463-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11619734 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults with suspected ADRD who are undergoing biomarker testing or evaluation for differential diagnosis between LATE and AD.
✕Less likely to help
Some participants may not receive a direct diagnostic benefit if their biological profile does not match the studied biomarkers.
What this research studies
This NIH grant aims to create and validate fluid biomarkers that can reliably distinguish limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE) from Alzheimer’s disease in older adults with memory problems. The team will develop tests that detect TDP-43 and tau protein signatures in cerebrospinal fluid and blood, using discovery and validation patient samples. By comparing biomarker patterns across disease stages, the research seeks to improve accurate diagnosis and guide future targeted therapies for ADRD. The project involves collaboration with human samples and aims to translate findings into clinically usable tests.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more accurate diagnoses and better-targeted treatments for LATE versus Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has explored biomarkers for ADRD, but differentiation between LATE and AD remains challenging and this approach seeks to provide more precise tests.
Where this research is happening
-
North Carolina Central University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Bin — North Carolina Central University
- Study coordinator: Xu, Bin
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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.