Understanding why some brain cells are more vulnerable in frontotemporal dementia
Official title: Cell Type and Regional Vulnerability in Frontotemporal Dementia
Funded at Regenerative Research Foundation · NIH-10795733 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why some brain cells are more affected by frontotemporal dementia than others, especially in people with certain gene mutations, and it aims to find ways to protect those vulnerable cells from damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Regenerative Research Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albany, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $663,462 |
| NIH project number | 4R01NS123568-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10795733 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with familial frontotemporal dementia linked to MAPT gene mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without MAPT gene mutations or those with other forms of dementia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the reasons behind the differential vulnerability of brain cell populations in frontotemporal dementia, particularly focusing on mutations in the MAPT gene that encodes the Tau protein. By analyzing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from patients with familial dementia, the study aims to uncover how specific mutations lead to significant degeneration in certain brain regions while sparing others. The researchers will explore the connectivity between affected and unaffected areas to understand the mechanisms of tau spread and its impact on neural health. Ultimately, the goal is to develop therapies that can protect vulnerable neural cells from degeneration associated with tauopathies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that protect brain cells from degeneration in frontotemporal dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding tauopathies, but this specific approach focusing on differential cell vulnerability is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Regenerative Research Foundation
Albany, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Temple, Sally — Regenerative Research Foundation
- Study coordinator: Temple, Sally
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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.