Tau filament structure in Alzheimer’s and related dementias
Official title: Structure of amyloid fibrils in human neurodegenerative diseases and aging
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11601017 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to map the detailed 3D shapes of tau protein filaments found in human brain diseases to help develop better diagnostics and treatments for Alzheimer’s-related dementias.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2018 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $154,275 |
| NIH project number | 3R01NS110437-07S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11601017 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with or at risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and individuals contributing brain tissue or related samples for research.
✕Less likely to help
Participants who do not contribute samples or whose disease is outside the studied spectrum may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project reads brain tissue to determine the precise atomic structures of tau filaments across different tau isoforms and disease contexts. It builds on prior work showing a common fold for tau filaments and extends it to other amyloids and conditions, with potential implications for imaging ligands and future therapies. The study emphasizes high-resolution structural insights that could guide biomarker development and targeted interventions for ADRD. Participation would align with patients who donate brain tissue or participate in related studies, as well as researchers using human-derived samples.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could enable better diagnostic tools and pave the way for targeted therapies in Alzheimer’s-related dementias and other tauopathies.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier work showed a common tau filament fold across different forms of disease, supporting the potential for translational gains.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vidal, Ruben — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Vidal, Ruben
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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.