What causes tau protein buildup in older adults' brains
Mechanisms of age-related tauopathy
This project looks at donated brain tissue and genetic data to learn why older people develop a tau-related condition called PART that can mimic Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10795769 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers collect a large set of brain samples from older adults who donated their brains and examine the tissue under the microscope to map where tau accumulates. They combine detailed histopathology with genetic analyses (including work on a gene region called JADE1) and molecular studies to find risk factors and mechanisms. The team compares affected hippocampal subregions and other features with Alzheimer disease and other tauopathies to see what makes PART distinct. Findings will be linked to clinical records and biomarkers to improve how PART is recognized and understood.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are older adults (with or without memory problems) who are willing to join brain donation programs or longitudinal clinical studies that contribute tissue and medical records.
Not a fit: People looking for an immediate treatment option or a clinical trial testing a therapy will not directly benefit because this is basic and postmortem research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help separate PART from Alzheimer disease and point to biological targets or biomarkers that might guide future prevention or treatments for age-related tau problems.
How similar studies have performed: Tissue-based and genetics studies have successfully identified risk genes and mechanisms in Alzheimer disease, but applying these approaches specifically to PART is relatively new and still developing.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Crary, John Fonda — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Crary, John Fonda
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.