Tau’s effect on protein production in Alzheimer’s and PSP
Official title: The impact of tau on RNA and translation in progressive supranuclear palsy
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11215570 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant investigates how abnormal tau protein disrupts the way cells make proteins, which may contribute to memory problems in Alzheimer’s disease and PSP.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $422,125 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG095654-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11215570 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with Alzheimer's disease dementia or related tauopathies, or donors providing brain tissue for research.
✕Less likely to help
Early-stage disease participants or individuals without tau-related pathology may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will study how pathological tau interacts with the cellular machinery that makes proteins, using human brain tissue, lab models, and animal studies. They aim to see how these tau-related changes in protein production affect memory and neuron function. The project could reveal targets to restore normal protein synthesis and potentially slow disease progression in tau-related dementias. Results from this work may guide new therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding tau-induced changes in protein production could lead to new treatments that protect memory and brain function in people with tauopathies.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data show tau interacts with ribosome complexes and affects protein synthesis networks, supporting further investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abisambra, Jose Francisco — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Abisambra, Jose Francisco
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Imaging brain changes over time in progressive supranuclear palsy
This project uses repeated brain scans to track disease-related changes over time in people with progressive supranuclear palsy.
-
Platform to try new treatments for progressive supranuclear palsy
This project will compare three medicines for people with mild to moderate progressive supranuclear palsy to learn if they are safe and help symptoms.
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Investigating tau protein accumulation and its effects on movement in brain injuries.
This study is looking at how repeated head injuries might lead to movement problems, like those seen in Parkinson's disease, by examining changes in the brain after someone has passed away, and it aims to find clues that could help diagnose these issues better for people affected by chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CT
-
Using brain stimulation to improve balance in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy
This study is looking at a safe and painless way to use brain stimulation to help people with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) improve their balance and reduce the risk of falling, so they can stay active and independent for longer.
-
Understanding walking and balance problems in a rare neurological condition.
This study is looking at how walking and balance problems affect people with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and aims to create better ways to measure these issues so that patients can receive improved care and support.
-
Investigating tau protein accumulation in the brain related to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.
This study is looking at how a protein called tau builds up in certain parts of the brain and how that might lead to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), with the goal of finding early signs of the disease and better ways to diagnose and treat it.
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.