Understanding Tau Protein Changes in Alzheimer's and Related Dementias
Interdisciplinary Research Network on Biologically Active Tau Aggregate Polymorphs from Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
This project aims to better understand how abnormal tau proteins contribute to Alzheimer's disease and similar memory disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11133009 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many memory disorders, including Alzheimer's, are linked to a protein called tau that clumps together in the brain. These clumps can look different in various conditions and may affect how severe the disease becomes. Our goal is to collect and study these different tau clumps from brain tissue of people with Alzheimer's and related conditions. By understanding their unique structures, we hope to create new ways to detect them and develop treatments tailored to each specific type of tau problem.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with Alzheimer's disease, Corticobasal Degeneration, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, or Pick's disease may benefit from future diagnostic and therapeutic advancements stemming from this foundational work.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not related to tau protein aggregation would likely not receive direct benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new diagnostic tests and more effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
How similar studies have performed: While the general concept of tau aggregation is known, this network aims to standardize and characterize a full range of specific tau aggregate structures, which is a novel and critical step for future success.
Where this research is happening
Galveston, United States
- University of Texas Med Br Galveston — Galveston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kayed, Rakez — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Kayed, Rakez
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.