Abstract

The researchers have discovered that there is an existing drug, licensed for some liver conditions, that fixes the disrupted tether between the endoplasmic reticulum and the mitochondria. They will further test this drug in brain cells grown in the lab and look at its effect on the tether in great detail using a powerful electron microscope. They will also test the effects of this drug in animals that show symptoms of frontotemporal dementia. There are currently no treatments for frontotemporal dementia. Understanding the mechanisms that underlie the condition is a key part in finding ways to prevent or cure it. By focusing on an existing drug, this research also has the potential to bring a much needed treatment to people as soon as possible. Repurposing drugs in this way is a key aspect of our Drug Discovery programme.