Unlocking PSP Treatment Potential

The Challenge

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder with no known cause or effective treatments. PSP is characterised by the aggregation of the protein tau in the brain, but the underlying mechanisms driving tau aggregation remain unknown.

Project Overview 

This project aims to:

• Identify the protein changes in human brain tissue that drive PSP.
• Use this new knowledge to uncover new drug targets and biomarkers.

‍Project Outcomes

• Identify Enriched Proteins: Identify proteins enriched in the insoluble proteome in PSP human brain tissue.
• Identify tau Interactions: Identify proteins that interact with tau in PSP human brain tissue.
• Understand Mechanisms: Determine how new potential drug targets mechanistically drive PSP.

Measuring Impact

Hearts and Minds measures its impact across six core categories as developed by the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes. Key highlights include:

Research Capacity Building

• Leadership: The two lead researchers on the project are women, showcasing diversity in research leadership.

Health Impacts

• Improve Quality of Life: Enhance the quality of life for people living with PSP by identifying potential treatments.

Economic Impacts

• Grant Award: A grant was awarded to a postdoc on the project to develop a high throughput assay that profiles tau aggregates in the PSP cell culture model.

Informing Decisions

• Future Research and Treatment: The findings from this study will help inform future research and treatment of PSP.

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By uncovering the protein changes and interactions that drive PSP, this project aims to pave the way for new treatments and improve the lives of those affected by this rare disorder.

‍Funding support from Hearts and Minds Investments, as nominated by Core Fund Manager, TDM Growth Partners.

This content was last updated in July 2024, for further information visit Brain and Mind Centre.