Understanding tau protein behavior in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Architecture, dynamics and cell-specific behavior of tau condensates
Funded at Advanced Science Research Center · NIH-11080308 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in a protein called tau might lead to Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia, focusing on how it behaves in brain cells, especially those that help keep our brains healthy, to find new ways to treat or prevent these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Advanced Science Research Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $383,523 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG082250-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11080308 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia unrelated to tau pathology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the early changes in tau protein behavior that contribute to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By examining how tau proteins aggregate and form condensed states in brain cells, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind these changes. The research utilizes advanced biochemical techniques to analyze tau's role in neurodegeneration, particularly focusing on its effects in oligodendrocytes, which are crucial for maintaining brain health. The findings could pave the way for new therapeutic targets to treat or prevent Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow down or prevent the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding tau pathology, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Advanced Science Research Center
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elbaum, Shana — Advanced Science Research Center
- Study coordinator: Elbaum, Shana
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.