Understanding how tau fibrils differ in Alzheimer’s disease in human brain tissue
Official title: Fibrillar polymorphs in human brain tissue
Funded at Northeastern University · NIH-11463451 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will study the different forms of tau protein clumps in brain tissue from people with Alzheimer’s disease to learn how these structures relate to disease patterns and progression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $672,919 |
| NIH project number | 4R01AG079946-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11463451 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related tauopathies whose brain tissue samples or post-mortem tissue may contribute to research.
✕Less likely to help
The study analyzes brain tissue; participants themselves are not undergoing new treatments through this grant.
What this research studies
This project looks at tau protein clumps (fibrillar polymorphs) in human brain tissue across different brain regions and stages of Alzheimer’s disease. By observing tau structures in intact tissue, scientists hope to link specific tau shapes to when symptoms begin and how rapidly the disease spreads. The work uses advanced imaging and analysis to compare tau deposits in Alzheimer’s with other tau-related conditions. Findings could clarify whether tau diversity drives clinical differences and help guide future therapies. The study is anchored at Northeastern University with a focus on human brain material and disease progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Gaining a clearer picture of tau variation could lead to better diagnostic markers and targeted therapies for Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that tau fibril structure differs by disease and may relate to clinical features, supporting the potential for meaningful insights here.
Where this research is happening
-
Northeastern University
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Makowski, Lee — Northeastern University
- Study coordinator: Makowski, Lee
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.