# DnaJB6 as a novel regulator of tau

> **NIH NIH F31** · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA · 2024 · $31,898

## Abstract

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by neuronal loss driven by
deposits of pathological tau. Therefore, identifying and targeting potent regulators of tau is crucial in developing
effective therapeutic strategies. My exciting preliminary data show DnaJB6 overexpression decreases tau
levels in HEK293T cells more than 50%, and in parallel, knockdown of DnaJB6 results in a 2-fold increase of
tau. This suggests that DnaJB6 may regulate tau levels, however, the nature of this relationship has not yet
been investigated. In this proposal, I will test the hypothesis that DnaJB6 can prevent tau accumulation through
direct and indirect mechanisms. In Aim 1, I will test this through assessing protein-protein interaction dynamics
between DnaJB6 and tau with recombinant in vitro assays, including Thioflavin T fluorescence and Surface
Plasmon Resonance. A targeted proteomic approach will be used to identify direct and proximal connections
between DnaJB6 and tau in primary neurons. In Aim 2, we will use PS19 and non-transgenic mice to assess
the associated behavioral and molecular changes that result from DnaJB6 overexpression in the brain.
Successful completion of these studies will provide crucial information regarding DnaJB6 biology, direct and
indirect effects of DnaJB6 on tau, and how regulation of DnaJB6 affects behavioral and molecular changes in
the tauopathic brain.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10873707
- **Project number:** 5F31AG082505-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
- **Principal Investigator:** Abigail Esquivel
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $31,898
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-08-14 → 2025-05-08

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10873707

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10873707, DnaJB6 as a novel regulator of tau (5F31AG082505-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10873707. Licensed CC0.

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