# Imaging Tauopathy in the Dominanatly Inherited Alzheimer Network (DIAN)

> **NIH NIH R01** · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $707,367

## Abstract

ABSTRACT/PROJECT SUMMARY
In this proposal we explore the transition from preclinical to symptomatic Alzheimer disease (AD) by
incorporating the novel tau imaging tracer ([18F]-AV-1451) within the biomarker-rich protocol of the Dominantly
Inherited Alzheimer Network (DIAN). We leverage the existing infrastructure of DIAN and a collaboration with
Avid Radiopharmaceuticals to initiate tau positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in this unique cohort.
DIAN provides fundamental support to the hypothesis that AD consists of a preclinical stage in which
accumulation of beta-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) gradually lead to neuronal
dysfunction and cognitive impairment. However, key gaps remain in our understanding of the temporal and
spatial interactions that occur between Aβ and tau during the transition from preclinical to clinical symptoms.
This proposal answers these fundamental questions through three aims. Aim 1 studies the temporal dynamics
of tau deposition (using AV-1451) in relation to estimated years to symptom onset (EYO) and existing
biomarkers in DIAN (including cerebrospinal fluid, neuroimaging, and cognitive performance). Aim 2 studies
the spatial (both local and distributed) changes of tau deposition (using AV-1451). Aim 3 studies the
relationship between in vivo tau deposition (using AV-1451) and neuropathology. Unique to autosomal
dominant AD (ADAD), the young age of the DIAN participants eliminates overlap with potential age-related
neuropathology or tauopathy (PART). Our overall hypothesis is that conversion from cognitively normal to
symptomatic AD can be accurately predicted by neuroimaging biomarkers, in particular by AV-1451 PET.
Results from this proposal are fundamental for our understanding of PET tau as not only a diagnostic indicator
of disease but also a therapeutic marker to evaluate the clinical efficacy of future interventions in ADAD.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9846183
- **Project number:** 5R01AG052550-03
- **Recipient organization:** WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Beau M Ances
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $707,367
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-04-15 → 2023-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9846183

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9846183, Imaging Tauopathy in the Dominanatly Inherited Alzheimer Network (DIAN) (5R01AG052550-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9846183. Licensed CC0.

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