Why some brain cells are more vulnerable to tau damage in Alzheimer’s
Molecular mechanisms of selective vulnerability of neurons to tauopathy
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11262860
Researchers are looking at why certain nerve cells in the brain are more likely to be harmed by tau protein in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11262860 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team is comparing gene activity in individual brain cells from people with Alzheimer’s to find which neurons are vulnerable or resilient to tau-related damage. They use single-nucleus RNA sequencing of the entorhinal cortex to identify candidate genes linked to vulnerability. Lab tests will then probe whether changing those genes makes neurons more or less likely to be harmed by tau. The goal is to find neuron-specific pathways that could be targeted to protect cells from degeneration.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, or donors with early-stage disease who can contribute brain donation or clinical data, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: This is not a treatment trial, so people seeking immediate therapies are unlikely to get direct clinical benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets for drugs that protect vulnerable neurons and slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have identified molecular differences in vulnerable neurons using single-cell techniques, but turning those findings into proven protective treatments is still largely untested.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KAMPMANN, MARTIN — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: KAMPMANN, MARTIN
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer disease treatment