Unlocking Tau’s Secrets: Human Brain Cells in the Mouse Brain

Project Summary

Dr. Qu has pioneered modeling tau buildup in human neurons using different types of neural cells from stem cells derived from skin biopsy. This study proposes transplanting both human neurons and microglia—the brain’s immune cells—into mouse brains to generate a groundbreaking chimera human-mouse model that develops tau accumulation. Using this model, the study will also examine how human specific molecular pathways affect the disease's progression. This research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding and treating Alzheimer’s and other tau-related diseases.