2024 Grants made in collaboration with The Rainwater Charitable Foundation and CurePSP
Kathryn Bowles, PhD, UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh
Research focuses on understanding how build-up of tau affects astrocytes, one of the main cell types in the brain, and the role of astrocytes in the development and progression of PSP. Specifically, Dr. Bowles will investigate how astrocytes behave when they have a build-up of tau, and subsequently, how aggregated tau in astrocytes contributes to making neurons sick. This has not been previously studied.
Yongku Cho, PhD, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Connecticut, and co-PI Jesse Rinehart, PhD, Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology at the Yale University School of Medicine with a joint appointment in the Systems Biology Institute
Research focuses on studying post-translational modifications (chemical changes of proteins) found in tau protein aggregates of PSP and FTD patients to determine if these post- translational modifications may cause the tau protein to become more aggregation-prone and gain toxicity. This has not been conclusively tested previously.
Rik van der Kant, PhD, Alzheimer Center, Amsterdam University Medical Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR) at VU University Amsterdam
Research focuses on examining if cholesterol, or other lipids, contribute to the tau pathology in PSP and FTD, knowing that recent studies have shown that excess levels of cholesterol in the brain can drive the build-up of tau. Dr. van der Kant will map how lipid metabolism in different brain cell types is altered in these diseases, and how this might contribute to neuroinflammation. The project will help provide a better understanding of the early processes that drive PSP and FTDs.
Patrik Verstreken, PhD, VIB-KU Center for Brain & Disease Research
Research focuses on understanding how tau causes synaptic loss and finding solutions to counteract this to halt cognitive decline in disease. Some hibernating animals, such as hamsters, experience similar tau-related synapse loss, but this is temporary and reverses when these animals awake from hibernation. Dr. Verstreken plans to investigate the unique process of synapse restoration when hamsters wake from hibernation to attempt to use this knowledge to combat the tau-induced synaptic decline seen in dementia.
2023: Harvard Medical School’s The Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging Research
The research study entitled, Developing Human Cellular Models of Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease, led by Dr. Bruce Yankner, Professor of Genetics and Neurology at Harvard Medical School, Director of the Harvard Neurodegeneration Training Program, and Co-Director of the Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging. Dr. Yankner has received several awards including the Zenith Award from the Alzheimer’s Association, the Nathan W. Shock award from NIA, and the NIH Director’s Pioneer Award and Transformative Research Award.
Investigate a new molecular pathway using human brain cell models which will focus on understanding the earliest changes in the aging brain that lead to Alzheimer’s disease, as well as new preventative and therapeutic strategies.
2022: The University of Pittsburgh’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
The research study entitled, In vivo assessment of neuroimmune response to AD pathology and neurodegeneration, led by Dr. Victor L. Villemagne, recognized as one of “The World’s Most Influential Scientific Mind” based on his citations ranking in the top 1% globally in the field of Neuroscience and currently ranked #19 in the world among Alzheimer’s disease experts (2022)
Ascertain the association of astrogliosis with Alzheimer’s disease pathology, cerebrovascular disease, and neuro degeneration, which will provide critical knowledge for the design of future preventative strategies for Alzheimer’s disease
2021: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
The research study entitled, Circulating Inflammatory Factors in Early Stage Dementia, led by Dr. Lynn Bekris, co-director of the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health Aging and Neurodegeneration Biobank and Cleveland Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Biomarker Core Director
Identify and define key inflammatory factors that are active in the early stages of dementia
2020: COLUMBIA MEDICAL SCHOOL’S ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE RESEARCH CENTER
The research study entitled, Alzheimer’s-related endosomal dysfunction and CSF tau, led by Dr. Scott Small, Director of the National Institute of Aging Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) at Columbia University
Investigate the cause of cerebro-spinal fluid elevation of the protein tau in Alzheimer Disease and to further research on the trafficking hypothesis as the cause of Alzheimer’s disease
2019: YALE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE’S CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE, NEURODEGENERATION AND REPAIR PROGRAM
The research study entitled, High Fidelity Alzheimer’s Disease Models for Pathophysiological Investigation and Therapeutic Development, led by Dr. Stephen M. Strittmatter Director of Yale University School of Medicine’s Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair Program
Develop therapeutic methods to protect synapses, the specialized connections between nerve cells, from Amyloid-beta triggered degeneration. Success will rescue the brain’s neural network from Alzheimer-associated damage without a need to remove or reduce Amyloid itself
2018: UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
The research study entitled, Presymptomatic Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Tauopathies, led by Dr. Marc Diamond, Director of the Center for Alzheimer’s, and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Identify molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets that play a key role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. The research also seeks to develop new therapies and diagnostics for Alzheimer’s that will allow diagnosis and treatment in people before the onset of cognitive problems
2017: Baylor AT&T Memory Center
The research study entitled, Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Genomic Study, led by Dr. Claudia Padilla and the research study entitled Pilot study of Triheptanoin in patients with mild impairment, led by Dr. Terry Bottiglieri, Center Director for Research, Dr. Claudia Padilla, neurologist, and Dr. Cindy Marshall, Director of the Baylor Neuroscience Center’s AT&T Memory Center
Conduct a gene sequencing study on “outlier” Alzheimer’s patients, so that the disease can be predicted because of a known genetic mutation. The research seeks to ascertain differences in metabolites between the normal brain and an Alzheimer’s disease brain to help identify affected pathways and lead to the possible development of targeted therapies
View Dr. Bottiglieri’s Research (PDF) ›
2016: Center for Brain Health, University of Texas at Dallas
The research study led by Dr. Namrata Singh and by Dr. Das, part of The University of Texas at Dallas’ School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences.
Explore cognitive behavior and other biomarkers found in early mild cognitive impairment by using experimental modalities
2015: Center for Vital Longevity, University of Texas at Dallas
The research study led by Dr. Sara Festini, specializing in cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience and Dr. Koen, post-doctoral scientist, and Dr. Michael Rugg, Distinguished Chair in Behavioral and Brain Science and Director of Center for Vital Longevity, University of Texas at Dallas
Support research to further advancements in the field of cognitive neuroscience of aging which focuses on cognition and brain function in busy people versus people who are less active and more relaxed