Understanding Tau and Inflammation in Alzheimer's Disease
Understanding the dynamic interactions between tau pathology and microgliamediated inflammation in Alzheimer's Disease
This project aims to understand how specific brain changes, like tau protein buildup and inflammation, contribute to Alzheimer's disease in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11138660 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We want to learn more about how Alzheimer's disease develops and progresses in the brain, focusing on how a protein called tau and brain inflammation interact. We will follow 100 patients with Alzheimer's disease over time, using special brain scans like MRI and PET to see these changes directly. This will help us understand if tau causes inflammation or if inflammation causes tau to build up, and how these processes lead to brain cell damage. Our goal is to clarify the exact sequence of these events in living patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those showing early signs of the condition.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have Alzheimer's disease or related cognitive decline would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new ways to treat or prevent Alzheimer's disease by targeting these specific interactions in the brain.
How similar studies have performed: While previous work suggests a link between tau and inflammation, this project aims to clarify their direct causal relationship in living patients, which is a relatively new area of focus.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gupta, Ajay — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Gupta, Ajay
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 below.