This funding will be distributed over two years to four pioneering research projects that emerged from the Tauopathy Challenge Workshop.
The Tauopathy Challenge Workshop, initiated to bridge gaps in the understanding of primary tauopathies such as Frontotemporal Dementias (FTDs) and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), brought together neuroscience experts from around the globe. The workshop focused on advancing the knowledge of tau pathology mechanisms and addressing the significant challenges within this field of study.
Kathryn Bowles, PhD, from the UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh, will receive $500,000. Her research investigates the impact of tau build-up on astrocytes and their role in the progression of PSP. Dr. Bowles aims to uncover how aggregated tau in astrocytes contributes to neuronal damage, an area previously unexplored.
Research grants to bridge gaps in understanding tauopathies
Yongku Cho, PhD, from the University of Connecticut, and Jesse Rinehart, PhD, from the Yale University School of Medicine, will jointly receive $500,000. Their research examines post-translational modifications in tau protein aggregates in PSP and FTD patients. The team will test if these chemical changes make tau more prone to aggregation and toxicity, a hypothesis not conclusively tested before.
Rik van der Kant, from the Alzheimer Center Amsterdam University Medical Center, will also receive $500,000. His research explores the role of cholesterol and other lipids in tau pathology in PSP and FTD. Dr van der Kant will map lipid metabolism alterations in different brain cell types to understand their contribution to neuroinflammation.
Patrik Verstreken, from the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, will receive $500,000 as well. His research aims to understand tau’s link to synaptic loss and develop solutions to halt cognitive decline. Dr Verstreken will study synapse restoration in hibernating animals to find potential strategies to counteract tau-induced synaptic decline in dementia.
Pioneering projects led by global neuroscience experts
“The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases like primary tauopathies is expected to increase, making it crucial to support innovative research that could lead to future treatments,” said Jeremy Smith, president of The Rainwater Charitable Foundation.
“We are grateful to our partners, Aging Mind Foundation and CurePSP, for their collaboration in bringing the Tauopathy Challenge Workshop to fruition. We eagerly anticipate the advancements from Drs Bowles, Cho, Rinehart, van der Kant, and Verstreken.”
Focus on astrocytes, cholesterol, and synaptic loss
Applications for the 2025 Tauopathy Challenge Workshop, focusing on co-pathologies, are currently open. Selected researchers will receive $10,000 for their participation, fostering a collaborative environment to incubate research ideas and advance the field of tauopathy research.
The Rainwater Charitable Foundation was founded by Richard E. Rainwater to accelerate the development of diagnostics and treatments for tau-related neurodegenerative disorders.
With more than $140 million invested, RCF has supported eight treatments into human trials and focuses on a range of programs including family economic security, medical research, and other causes.
Future opportunities for researchers in tauopathy challenge workshop
The Aging Mind Foundation funds medical research aimed at uncovering the causes of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Established in 2013, AMF supports groundbreaking research to alleviate the impact of these diseases on individuals and their families.
CurePSP is dedicated to the awareness, care, and cure for PSP, corticobasal degeneration (CBD), and multiple system atrophy (MSA). As a catalyst for new treatments, CurePSP funds critical research and enhances the quality of life for those affected by these neurodegenerative diseases.
