Medical Research Funding
Data, Models, and Tools for Tauopathy Research
This resource hub provides researchers with guidance on how to access high-quality data, biological models, and computational tools developed and maintained by leading investigators within the Tau Consortium and the broader neurodegeneration research community. By bringing these independent resources together in one location, our aim is to help scientists more easily identify and utilize the datasets, bioinformatics platforms, and model systems most relevant to advancing research in primary tauopathies.
Included Resources:
- Tau Consortium Bioinformatics Hub
- Tau Consortium Human iPSC Line Collection (via NSCI)
- ALLFTD Biorepository & Data Access
Disclaimer: This page will be updated periodically as new tools, datasets, and research resources become available through the Rainwater Charitable Foundation and its partners.
Access to Data & Bioinformatics Tools
Tau Consortium Bioinformatics Hub
The Tau Consortium Bioinformatics Hub is a centralized platform designed to equip researchers with high-quality computational tools, curated multi-omics datasets, and structured training resources to advance the study of tau biology and neurodegenerative disease. The hub supports data-driven discovery by integrating openly accessible datasets, analytical pipelines, and educational materials in one location.
Key resources available on the site include:
- Curated Tau Consortium datasets: Harmonized multi-omics data from large, well-characterized cohorts to support robust secondary analysis.
- GitHub analytical tools and pipelines: Open-source code repositories for data processing, visualization, and integrative analysis.
- Bioinformatics training and courses: Workshops, tutorials, and a comprehensive 20-week Computational Genomics curriculum available in English and Spanish.
- AI and machine-learning guidance: Introductory resources and recommended platforms to help researchers incorporate AI-driven methods into their scientific workflows.
Access to Cell Lines
Tau Consortium Human iPSC Line Collection
The Tau Consortium Human iPSC Line Collection provides a rigorously characterized repository of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines derived from donors with tauopathy-linked mutations as well as matched controls. Hosted via the Neural Stem Cell Institute, this collection enables investigators to model tau-driven neurodegeneration in physiologically relevant human systems.
Key features of the collection:
- Patient-derived iPSC lines representing multiple MAPT mutations (e.g., P301L/S, R406W, IVS10+16) along with isogenic control pairs.
- Extensive quality control data: karyotyping, pluripotency marker expression, genotyping, and differentiation potential confirmed for each line.
- Access conditions streamlined for research use: all requests reviewed by the Tau Consortium Stem Cell Group, typical turnaround ~10 business days (subject to MTA and institutional clearances).
- Available for both non-profit and for-profit entities (contact for pricing and terms).
Access to Biospecimens
ALLFTD Study Biorepository (NCRAD)
The ALLFTD Study Biorepository at NCRAD is a comprehensive archive of biospecimens and associated data collected under the ALLFTD (Advancing Research & Treatment for Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration) program. It supports researchers by providing rigorously collected plasma, serum, RNA, DNA, PBMCs, CSF (and other biomaterials) along with linked clinical and neuroimaging metadata through a standardized review process.
Key features available to investigators:
- A catalog of biospecimens: Banked under ALLFTD, including genomic DNA, RNA, plasma, serum, PBMCs and CSF from multiple systematic visits.
- Biospecimens with data linked: Linked clinical, neuropsychological, imaging and functional outcome datasets that support mechanistic and translational work in FTLD and related syndromes.
- Access to samples: An established infrastructure at Indiana University to support investigator access to samples across academic and translational research settings.
