In
vitro testing of new lysosomal modulatory drugs for reducing tau aggregates
in a hippocampal slice model
Investigator(s): Ben
Bahr, PhD
Institution(s):
University of Connecticut
Duration: 2008 - 2009
Reducing protein aggregates is essential for slowing the progression of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and related diseases. Drugs that can enhance protein degradation processes within neurons have been shown to reduce FTD related tau aggregates in brain slices. These drugs are also able to promote recovery of synaptic markers found to be lost at the same time as the tau protein deposits accumulate in neurons. Proof-of-principle studies previously established that drugs called "lysosomal modulators" which produce increases in enzymes involved in protein clearance. These drugs present a potentially new pharmacological strategy against tau-related pathology. The proposed research will develop and test novel lysosomal modulators with improved potency as part of a unique drug discovery collaboration aimed at treating FTD.