Tau and small RNAs: clues to early Alzheimer's
The interplay between Tau and ncRNAs – genomic and epigenomic clues to early AD pathogenesis
A research team is looking at how the tau protein and small RNAs interact in the brains of people with early Alzheimer's to learn what may start the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11312647 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As a patient, this means researchers will examine brain tissue from people with Alzheimer's and compare it to samples without the disease to see whether tau protein traps small RNAs involved in RNA processing. They will use lab methods like protein-RNA pull-downs, sequencing, and epigenomic tests to map which RNAs and genes are altered and how those changes relate to Braak stage. The team will also study chromatin accessibility and gene expression to see whether these tau-RNA complexes change how genes are turned on or off. Together these approaches aim to trace early molecular steps in how tau spreads and damages brain regions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people with Alzheimer’s disease or individuals who can donate brain tissue or clinical samples that cover early to late disease stages.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer’s or those with unrelated neurological conditions are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal early molecular markers or new targets for treatments that slow or prevent Alzheimer’s progression.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown tau can bind RNAs and that snoRNA/snRNA levels change in Alzheimer’s brains, but applying detailed genomic and epigenomic mapping to these tau-RNA complexes is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koldamova, Radosveta — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Koldamova, Radosveta
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.