Understanding how tau proteins spread in the brain
Official title: Cellular Anatomy of Tau Seeding
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10754959 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tau proteins, which are connected to memory problems in Alzheimer's Disease, move into and spread through brain cells, using special imaging techniques to help us understand how this happens and find new ways to treat the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $205,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG080497-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10754959 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 for developing it.
✕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 how tau proteins, which are linked to cognitive decline in Alzheimer's Disease, enter and spread within human neurons. By using advanced imaging techniques and human neurons derived from stem cells, the study aims to identify the specific parts of the neuron involved in tau uptake and amplification. This approach allows researchers to visualize the process in real-time, providing insights into the mechanisms of tau pathology. The findings could lead to a better understanding of Alzheimer's Disease progression and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Alzheimer's Disease by targeting the mechanisms of tau propagation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using advanced imaging techniques to study neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shahmoradian, Sarah H — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Shahmoradian, Sarah H
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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.