Targeting a specific protein to treat Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Therapeutic evaluation of targeting Tau Tubulin kinase-1 in Alzheimer’s disease
Funded at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville · NIH-11019835 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called TTBK1 to see if blocking it can help stop the buildup of harmful tau proteins in the brain, which could slow down the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.
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 start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $492,975 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG079859-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019835 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease or those showing early signs of cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia unrelated to tau pathology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of tau-tubulin kinase-1 (TTBK1) in Alzheimer's disease, focusing on how this protein contributes to the development of tau pathology in the brain. By conducting both laboratory and animal studies, the researchers aim to understand how inhibiting TTBK1 can prevent the harmful accumulation of tau proteins that are associated with cognitive decline. The goal is to explore whether targeting TTBK1 can halt the progression of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in its early stages.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new therapeutic approach that slows or stops the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting tau proteins for Alzheimer's treatment, but this specific approach focusing on TTBK1 is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
Jacksonville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ikezu, Seiko — Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
- Study coordinator: Ikezu, Seiko
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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.