A universal platform for high volume genetic modifier testing in Tauopathy
Project Overview
Genetic testing shows that the Tau gene can often carry changes (DNA mutations) in people with dementia, and also in people who are not yet diagnosed with dementia. Yet doctors cannot tell if most of these changes contribute to tauopathy. This uncertainty leaves families without clear answers and slows drug discovery. We are closing the gap by developing a fruit fly system that uses high speed genetics to identify which of these human Tau mutations are toxic to brain cells in the aging brain. Within a few months, our platform will sort harmless from harmful changes to help clinicians understand the impact of any of these changes on Tau toxicity. By analyzing many naturally-occurring mutations found in people side‑by‑side, we will also pinpoint regions of the Tau protein that increase the risk of making it toxic, which will help guide the design of a new generation of improved therapies.
Principal Investigator
Douglas Allan , University of British Columbia
Partners and Donors
Alzheimer Society of Canada