Understanding how sugar modifications on tau protein affect Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Dissecting the role of tau glycosylation in Alzheimer's disease
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-10662150 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how sugar changes to a protein called tau, which is connected to Alzheimer's disease, affect its behavior in the brain, and it's for anyone interested in understanding more about how these changes might help us find new ways to treat the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,031,054 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG079294-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10662150 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk of developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to tau protein modifications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of glycosylation, a type of sugar modification, on the tau protein, which is linked to Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to explore how these modifications influence tau's behavior in the brain, particularly its structure and how it interacts with cells. Researchers will examine the effects of glycosylation alongside other modifications and assess how these changes impact the protein's stability and toxicity in neurons derived from human stem cells. By addressing these questions, the research seeks to fill critical gaps in our understanding of tau's role in Alzheimer's and pave the way for new treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapeutic and diagnostic approaches for Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding protein modifications in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walczak, Maciej — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Walczak, Maciej
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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.