Understanding how tau protein and RNA interact in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Formation of Tau RNA Complexes disrupts tau function and drives tau neuropathology
Funded at Seattle Inst for Biomedical/clinical Res · NIH-11123270 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work explores how a protein called tau, when it binds with RNA, might cause brain changes seen in Alzheimer's disease and related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Seattle Inst for Biomedical/clinical Res NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $661,062 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG084680-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11123270 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but focuses on understanding the disease mechanisms relevant to individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical intervention would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
What this research studies
In Alzheimer's disease, a protein called tau builds up in brain cells, which is a key sign of the condition and linked to how severe memory loss becomes. We are learning that tau can bind to RNA, forming complexes that might lead to harmful tau clumps and nerve cell damage. This project aims to uncover the exact ways tau and RNA interact, how these interactions affect tau's normal job, and how they contribute to the disease process. By understanding these molecular details, we hope to find new ways to stop or slow the progression of Alzheimer's and similar brain disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new targets for therapies that prevent or reverse the harmful tau changes in Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that RNA-binding proteins affect tau function and clumping in model systems, suggesting this approach builds on existing knowledge.
Where this research is happening
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Seattle Inst for Biomedical/clinical Res
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kraemer, Brian C. — Seattle Inst for Biomedical/clinical Res
- Study coordinator: Kraemer, Brian C.
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.