Understanding tau metabolism in frontotemporal dementia
Tau Metabolism in FTD: From Gene Mutations to Molecular Chaperones and Lysosomal Proteases
This study is looking at how the tau protein behaves in people with frontotemporal dementia, especially how genetic changes and helper proteins affect its production and breakdown, with the goal of understanding what causes tau to build up and lead to brain cell damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10891466 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how tau protein metabolism is affected in frontotemporal dementia (FTD), focusing on the role of genetic mutations and molecular chaperones. The team aims to create a comprehensive understanding of tau production, its interactions, and how it is degraded in the body. By studying these processes, they hope to identify the mechanisms that lead to tau accumulation and neurodegeneration, which are critical in FTD. The research involves advanced techniques to analyze cellular structures and pathways involved in tau metabolism.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia or those with genetic mutations associated with tau metabolism.
Not a fit: Patients with other forms of dementia not related to tau pathology may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating frontotemporal dementia and related neurodegenerative disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding tau metabolism, but this approach aims to provide a more unified and comprehensive view, making it a novel endeavor.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kao, Aimee — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Kao, Aimee
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.