Understanding how tau pathology spreads in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Identifying Determinants of Tau Pathology Seeding
Funded at Van Andel Research Institute · NIH-10903314 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in the brain, called tau, spread in Alzheimer's disease, which could help us understand why memory and thinking skills decline, and it’s for anyone interested in learning more about how Alzheimer's develops and progresses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Van Andel Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Rapids, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $47,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AG084199-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10903314 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals aged 65 and older who are experiencing cognitive decline or have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under 21 years old or those with other forms of dementia unrelated to tau pathology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind the spread of tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease, which is crucial for understanding cognitive decline in patients. By using both laboratory techniques and animal models, the study aims to identify the structural and environmental factors that influence how tau proteins aggregate and propagate in the brain. The research will focus on comparing different forms of tau fibrils to determine which characteristics are most associated with disease progression. This could lead to new insights into how Alzheimer's disease develops and progresses in individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease by targeting the mechanisms of tau pathology.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding tau pathology, but this specific approach of examining post-translational modifications in tau proteins is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Van Andel Research Institute
Grand Rapids, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kasen, Alysa Marie — Van Andel Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Kasen, Alysa Marie
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.