NIH R01 · 2025
The molecular intersection of tau, TBI, and PERK
This study will establish the molecular mechanism linking mild repetitive traumatic brain injury (mrTBI) and onset of tau pathology that is associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Our preliminary data suggest that endoplasmic reticulum stress is a notable and long-lasting cascade that is activated by injury. ER stress activates a protein called PERK, which is responsible for initiating protective pathways that help restore ER function. However, long- term activation of PERK leads to cell death. Brain cells are particularly susceptible to PERK-mediated cell death. Indeed, a common sign between TBI and AD is PERK hyperactivity. We recently established that another com- mon pathological…
From the public funding record at NIH RePORTER. Describes the funded project, not the reviews below.