TBI brains for aggregate analysis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Single-Molecule Characterization of α-synuclein, β-amyloid and Tau Aggregates in Traumatic Brain Injuries
IRAS ID
363196
Contact name
David Klenerman
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Cambridge
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, frontotemporal dementia, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy are linked to the buildup of abnormal proteins in the brain such as tau and β-amyloid. These proteins can clump together into small toxic aggregates that disrupt brain function. Traumatic brain injury’s (TBIs) have been identified as a major risk factor for developing these diseases later in life. However, we still do not fully understand how TBI triggers the early changes in the brain that lead to long-term decline with regards to neurodegenerative diseases. Most studies have focused on the effects of insoluble aggregates whereas our group is in a unique position to profile the small insoluble aggregates found during the earliest stages of the disease.
This project aims to detect and study these small aggregates in brain tissue from individuals with and without a history of TBI. We will use two single-molecule techniques developed in our lab: one that measures the amount of protein aggregates with high sensitivity, and another approach that visualizes individual aggregates to study their size and shape. Together, these tools will help us uncover early molecular changes after TBI and may reveal clues about why some people go on to develop neurodegenerative diseases.
REC name
London - West London & GTAC Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/1282
Date of REC Opinion
9 Oct 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion