Anti-Tau DNA Aptamers: Robust Research Resources for Precision Medicines for TBI-Linked AD/ADRD
Abstract
There are more than two million new mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients each year in the U.S. alone. Recently, it was discovered that mild TBI might result in harmful accumulation of a protein called Tau that has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Our hypothesis is that short strands of DNA called aptamers can be engineered to be stable in the blood and cross the blood-brain barrier to bind Tau. If our experiments are successful, then two important new tools will be available to scientists and physicians. First, anti-Tau DNA aptamers might be used to precisely measure Tau in the blood of TBI and AD patients. Second, anti-Tau DNA aptamers might be used as medicines to reduce harmful accumulation of Tau in TBI and AD patients. In this way, anti-Tau DNA aptamers might lead to the first precision medicines to improve the lives of TBI and AD patients.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 19, 2019
- Source ID
- W81XWH1910860
Entities
People
- William Haskins
Organizations
- United States Army