Tau protein changes in Alzheimer's disease
Tau structure and dynamics in Alzheimer's disease
This work looks at how the tau protein changes shape and spreads in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease to help guide future treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11311903 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks closely at the tau protein found in Alzheimer's brains to learn how it folds, sticks to other cell parts, and moves between cells. Scientists will use high-resolution tools such as solid-state NMR and electron microscopy to visualize both the ordered core and the disordered regions of tau. They will also run biochemical tests and mouse neuron toxicity experiments to see how different tau forms harm nerve cells and cross membranes. The goal is to identify molecular interactions that drive tau misfolding and spread so new ways to block that process can be developed.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal contributors would be people with Alzheimer's disease or their families who are willing to donate brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid, or other samples for research.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's disease or those unable or unwilling to provide biological samples are unlikely to directly participate or benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new targets for drugs that slow or stop tau spreading and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior structural work like cryo-electron microscopy has revealed parts of tau filaments, but much of the protein remains uncharacterized, so this work builds on earlier successes while targeting less-understood regions.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hong, Mei — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Hong, Mei
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.