Understanding Brain Cell Differences in Frontotemporal Dementia
Official title: Cell Type and Regional Vulnerability in Frontotemporal Dementia
Funded at Regenerative Research Foundation · NIH-11167833 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores why certain brain cells are more affected than others in frontotemporal dementia to help find ways to protect them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Regenerative Research Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albany, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $663,462 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS123568-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11167833 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research does not directly recruit patients but uses cell lines derived from individuals with familial frontotemporal dementia caused by MAPT gene mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without frontotemporal dementia or related tauopathies would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
This research aims to understand why some brain cell populations are significantly damaged in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) while others remain relatively healthy. We are using specialized stem cells, called iPSCs, created from patients with FTD caused by specific genetic changes in the MAPT gene. By studying these patient-derived brain cells, we can observe how the disease affects different cell types and brain regions. The ultimate goal is to uncover new ways to protect these vulnerable cells and develop therapies that can slow or stop the progression of FTD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that protect brain cells from damage in frontotemporal dementia and related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: This project builds upon existing knowledge of tauopathies and utilizes established iPSC technology, but its specific focus on differential cell vulnerability and connectivity in FTD represents a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Regenerative Research Foundation
Albany, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Temple, Sally — Regenerative Research Foundation
- Study coordinator: Temple, Sally
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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.