Stopping toxic tau that harms brain cells and memory
Treating neurotoxicity and cognitive deficits due to hyperphosphorylated tau.
See if two existing drugs, apomorphine and raloxifene, can protect brain cells and memory linked to toxic tau in Alzheimer’s disease models including APOE4.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11145907 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient point of view, the team is studying a form of tau protein that becomes overly modified and may hurt neurons and thinking before large tangles form. They will inject normal and modified tau into the hippocampus of mice that carry Alzheimer-linked mutations (including APOE4) to watch for memory and brain changes. In parallel they will test how modified tau affects cultured neurons’ energy systems and nerve transport, and confirm those effects in mice. Finally, they will give apomorphine or raloxifene in these models to see if either drug lessens tau toxicity and cognitive problems, with the goal of repurposing known medicines.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This work is most relevant to people with Alzheimer's disease, older adults at risk, and those who carry the APOE-e4 gene variant.
Not a fit: Because this is preclinical lab and animal work focused on tau-related Alzheimer's, people with non‑Alzheimer’s dementias or those seeking immediate treatments should not expect direct clinical benefit now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to existing drugs that protect neurons and slow memory decline in tau-related Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab studies show apomorphine and raloxifene can reduce tau aggregation in cells, but these approaches have not yet been proven effective in people with Alzheimer's.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kuan, Chia-Yi — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Kuan, Chia-Yi
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.