Understanding a Genetic Risk Factor for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias
Mechanistic insights into the link between the A152T risk variant and tauopathy
This project aims to understand how a specific genetic change, called A152T, increases the risk for Alzheimer's disease and similar memory disorders by affecting a protein called tau.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11353349 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many brain disorders, like Alzheimer's disease, are linked to problems with a protein called tau. Researchers are looking at a unique genetic change, A152T, which acts as a risk factor for several of these conditions, including Alzheimer's, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). We believe this genetic change might increase disease risk by altering how the tau protein is modified, specifically through a process called phosphorylation. Early findings show that people with the A152T change have more of a specific modified tau protein in their brains. Our goal is to uncover how this specific tau modification leads to brain cell damage, hoping to find new ways to protect the brain and change how these diseases progress.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to patients with Alzheimer's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, or dementia with Lewy bodies, especially those with the A152T genetic variant.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not related to tau protein dysfunction or the A152T genetic variant may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new ways to protect brain cells from tau-related damage and lead to novel treatments for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of tau in neurodegeneration is well-established, this project takes an unconventional approach by focusing on the A152T variant's specific impact on tau phosphorylation, building on novel preliminary findings.
Where this research is happening
Tampa, United States
- University of South Florida — Tampa, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cook, Casey N — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Cook, Casey N
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.