Understanding how TDP-43 contributes to Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Mechanisms of TDP-43 neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease
Funded at VA Puget Sound Healthcare System · NIH-10950297 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called TDP-43, which builds up in the brains of people with Alzheimer's, interacts with other proteins to make the disease worse, and it aims to find new ways to understand and treat Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Puget Sound Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2022 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005762-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10950297 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who are experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of TDP-43, a protein that forms aggregates in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, and how it interacts with other proteins like tau to worsen neurodegeneration. By using advanced models, including precision gene editing and behavioral assays in C. elegans, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind TDP-43's neurotoxicity. The findings could lead to a better understanding of Alzheimer's disease progression and potential new therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow down or prevent cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding protein interactions in neurodegenerative diseases can lead to significant advancements in treatment strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liachko, Nicole Faron — VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Liachko, Nicole Faron
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.