Understanding how tau protein spreads in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Selective vulnerability and resilience to trans-synaptic pathological tau spreading in Alzheimers disease
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-11138718 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how two proteins, tau and amyloid-beta, work together in the brain and how they might contribute to memory problems in Alzheimer's disease, with the hope of finding new ways to help slow down the disease for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $200,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG089708-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11138718 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 due to age or genetic factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients 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 protein in the brain, which is linked to cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. The team will explore how amyloid-beta, another protein associated with Alzheimer's, influences the spread of tau between brain cells. By studying the interactions between these proteins, the research aims to identify potential targets for new treatments that could slow or halt the progression of the disease. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to innovative therapies aimed at reducing tau pathology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding tau pathology, but this specific approach to studying its trans-synaptic spread is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Taglialatela, Giulio — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Taglialatela, Giulio
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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.