Understanding how tau proteins change in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Mapping proteomic changes of tauopathy in human neurons
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11111953 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tau protein buildup affects memory and thinking in Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia, using special lab techniques and human stem cells to find out how these proteins work together and how we might develop new treatments to help.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $717,709 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG092462-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11111953 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or frontotemporal dementia, particularly those with specific tau protein mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia not related to tau pathology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind the accumulation and spread of tau protein aggregates, which are crucial in the cognitive decline seen in Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia. By using advanced techniques such as affinity purification mass spectrometry and transcriptomics, the study aims to uncover the cellular processes that influence tau propagation in human neurons. The research will utilize genetically modified human stem cell lines to explore how different tau isoforms interact with amyloid proteins and affect disease progression. This comprehensive approach seeks to provide insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow down or halt the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding tau pathology, but this study aims to explore novel mechanisms that have not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gan, Li — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Gan, Li
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.