Rainwater Charitable Foundation, Aging Mind Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association and CurePSP Award $2.5 Million in Research Grants for Neurodegenerative Diseases
The Tauopathy Challenge Workshop, established in 2023, aims to bridge the funding gap for innovative neurodegenerative research on primary tauopathies, including Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD), and Frontotemporal Dementias (FTD).
Today, the Rainwater Charitable Foundation, one of the largest independent supporters of primary tauopathy research, announced $2.5 million in grants to fund five innovative research projects over two years, emerging from the second annual Tauopathy Challenge Workshop, in collaboration with the Aging Mind Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association, and CurePSP.
The Tauopathy Challenge Workshop is a funding program that brings together interdisciplinary experts to address the unmet needs in primary tauopathies. By funding innovative research, the aim is to support the development of treatments for debilitating neurodegenerative diseases like PSP, CBD, and FTD.
Since its inception in 2023, the Tauopathy Challenge Workshop has awarded $4.5 million to support novel mechanism-focused research aiming to discover new therapeutic and biomarker targets for these tau-related neurodegenerative diseases. This year, five groundbreaking projects are being funded and led by esteemed international researchers:
- Eleanor Drummond, PhD, University of Sydney ($500,000):
This research aims to explore how abnormal protein aggregation beyond tau contributes to primary tauopathies, particularly PSP, CBD, and Pick’s disease. Using advanced molecular techniques, Dr. Drummond will identify proteins in the human brain prone to forming pathological aggregates and determine if these changes are consistent across different tauopathies. By mapping the location of these proteins in brain tissue and investigating whether tau drives their aggregation, the study aims to elucidate disease mechanisms, identify biomarkers, and explore the potential reversal of these processes in cell models – ultimately leading to future therapeutic strategies.
- Leonard Petrucelli, PhD, Mayo Clinic ($500,000):
This study will investigate if fibrils of the lysosomal transmembrane protein 106B (TMEM106B) promote tau seeding and worsen PSP symptoms by analyzing postmortem brain samples and examining correlations between protein concentrations, genetic variants, and disease severity. Using innovative tools in human neurons and mouse models, Dr. Petrucelli and his co-investigator Dr. Michael Ward (National Institutes of Health) will test if TMEM106B fibrils directly influence tau pathology and lysosomal dysfunction, potentially uncovering new mechanisms and therapeutic targets for PSP.
- Vijay Rangachari, PhD, The University of Southern Mississippi ($500,000):
This research investigates the potential interaction between two amyloid-forming proteins – transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) and tau – in neurodegenerative diseases like PSP and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). While both proteins are known to independently form toxic aggregates, the study examines if they can aggregate together to form „hybrid amyloids“ with unique structures and pathological effects. Dr. Rangachari aims to confirm the presence of these deposits in human brain tissue, understand their molecular properties, and assess their role in neuronal dysfunction in the hope of developing antibodies that can detect these toxic substances in the brain.
- Wilfried Rossoll, PhD, Mayo Clinic ($500,000):
This research aims to investigate how TDP-43 co-pathology influences tau pathology and contributes to neurodegeneration in PSP and CBD. Using innovative spatial proteomics research approaches in human postmortem brain tissue and mechanistic studies in mouse brain culture models, Dr. Rossoll will examine how these proteins interact and overall affect disease progression. The insights gained will pave the way for better tools to study neurodegenerative diseases and develop effective treatments.
- Mikael Simons, MD, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, DZNE ($500,000):
This research explores how non-neuronal cells, particularly glial cells like oligodendrocytes, and factors like myelin damage and lipoproteins (especially ApoE) contribute to tau aggregation and propagation. Using advanced imaging techniques, biochemical tests, and both mouse models and human brain tissue, Dr. Simons aims to determine if disruptions in the myelin and lipid transport system play a crucial role in tau pathology. The goal is to deepen the understanding of tau-related disorders and identify potential therapeutic targets.
„We are excited about the growing momentum of the Tauopathy Challenge Workshop, with partners such as the Aging Mind Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association, and CurePSP, joining our mission to support these novel, highly effective proposals,“ said Jeremy Smith, President of the Rainwater Charitable Foundation. „Given the current constraints in research funding, our commitment to advancing primary tauopathy research remains unwavering. The insights gained from this workshop have the potential to greatly influence research on neurodegenerative diseases at large and bring us closer to meaningful treatment for those affected.“
The 2026 Tauopathy Challenge Workshop is open to all researchers through a letter of intent. Applications for the next workshop can be submitted by September 2, 2025. The focus of the 2026 session is on exploring the structural and thermodynamic properties of tau and its interactions with other diseases. A total of over $2 million will be awarded to the recipients to fund their planned neurodegenerative research.
About Rainwater Charitable Foundation
The Rainwater Charitable Foundation (RCF) was founded in the early 1990s by renowned private equity investor and philanthropist Richard E. Rainwater. When Richard was diagnosed with a rare neurodegenerative disease and primary tauopathy, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), the RCF expanded its mission to accelerate the development of new diagnostic and treatment methods for tau-related neurodegenerative diseases. The RCF’s medical research team supports this focus through leading the Tau Consortium, the Rainwater Prize Program, and the Tauopathy Challenge Workshop. With over $140 million invested in medical research to date, the RCF has helped test eight treatments in human studies. Currently, the RCF supports a range of programs focusing on family economic security, medical research, and other charitable purposes. Find out more at rainwatercharitablefoundation.org.
About Aging Mind Foundation
The Aging Mind Foundation (AMF) raises funds for scientific research exploring the causes of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Since 2013, the AMF has awarded extensive grants to support innovative research with the goal of finding a cure. By investing in research and innovation, the AMF is committed to reducing the devastating impact of dementia on individuals, families, and communities. The Aging Mind Foundation is a project of the Players Philanthropy Fund, Inc., a Texas nonprofit organization recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt public charity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (Federal Tax ID: 27-6601178). Learn more at www.agingmindfoundation.org.
About Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is a global voluntary health organization dedicated to care, support, and research of Alzheimer’s disease. Our goal is to pave the way to end Alzheimer’s disease and all other dementia by accelerating global research, advancing risk reduction and early detection, and optimizing the quality of care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
About CurePSP
CurePSP is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to the awareness, care, and cure of three neurodegenerative diseases: progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), and multiple system atrophy (MSA). As a catalyst for new treatments and a cure, CurePSP builds critical partnerships and funds essential international research. CurePSP advocates for enhancing education, care, and quality of life for individuals with PSP, CBD, and MSA and their families. Science, community, and hope are at the core of CurePSP’s mission and all its services. CurePSP is a registered 501(c)(3) charity organization in the United States (EIN: 52-1704978). Find out more at www.psp.org.
Contact Information:
Jordan Brainerd
The Rainwater Charitable Foundation
Email: jbrainerd@rainwatercf.org
Media Contact:
Kerry Sinclair
Spectrum Science
Email: ksinclair@spectrumscience.com
Phone: 202-587-1507