Tauopathies remain some of the most mysterious diseases in science, with no current treatments available for conditions like PSP, CBD and MSA. Dr. Kathryn Bowles and her team at the University of Edinburgh are studying mutations in the MAPT gene, a known driver of tauopathies, and how these mutations alter mitochondrial function in brain cells. Using cutting-edge 3D organoid models, or “mini-brains” created from patient blood cells, they aim to unravel the complex relationship between tau and neuron survival. Dr. Bowles shares how understanding these mechanisms could open the door to novel treatments for primary tauopathies and prevent neuron death in these diseases. 

With support from CurePSP’s Pathway grant program, which provides seed funding to support projects studying the fundamental neurobiology of PSP and CBD, Dr. Bowles hopes to develop new treatments to prevent these mutations. Read more about her study here.