Project Summary In aging neurons, the accumulation of key misfolded proteins into aggregates is a hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases. For example, pathological forms of TDP43 become mislocalized to the cytoplasm and accumulate in aggregates in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and other Alzheimer Disease-related Dementias (ADRD). Highly intricate networks of enzymes called molecular chaperones combat these processes. In ADRD, it is unknown how the chaperone networks fail against pathological forms of ADRD proteins such as TDP43, FUS, and TAU. A major challenge to studying chaperone networks is the combinatorial complexity. The canonical Hsp70 network consists of 54 Hsp40, 12 Hsp70, and 16 Hsp110 gene variants, creating a landscape of 12,155 possible protein expression combinations. Unique combinations of the Hsp40-Hsp70-Hsp110 proteins are hypothesized to confer specificity for different misfolded proteins in the complex human proteome. This hypothesis is widely accepted but it has never been directly tested due to technical limitations. This NIH K99/R00 proposal outlines a plan to directly test this hypothesis by building the first exhaustive map of a chaperone network against the ADRD-associated proteins TDP43, FUS, and TAU. To achieve this goal, aim 1 will leverage a new genetic technique developed by Dr. Edward Barbieri to express and study all 12,155 possible combinations of the human Hsp40-Hsp70-Hsp110 network in yeast models of ADRD. The chaperones identified as having activity against TDP43 in yeast will be further studied in aim 2 using human cells and in vitro assays. With human cell models, Dr. Barbieri will study the effect of the TDP43-active chaperones on cytoplasmic TDP43 aggregation and assess if the chaperones restore native TDP43 function in mRNA splicing in both HEK-293T cells and neurons. Using in vitro biochemistry, he will measure chaperone activity for prevention and reversal of TDP43 aggregation. During the R00 phase in aim 3 Dr. Barbieri will apply the chaperone network screen to study the TAU aggregation and he will expand the chaperone networks studied in yeast by including Hsp40 pairs and small HSPs. Lastly, Dr. Barbieri will combine the skills he learns during the K99 phase to develop a screen for combinatorially overexpressing all 194 human chaperones directly in human cell models of ADRD to study proteostasis networks in the native context. Together, the experiments outlined in this proposal will identify key chaperones as therapeutic targets for ADRD. Dr. Barbieri will perform the K99 phase mentored in the Shorter lab at the University of Pennsylvania, a world class biochemistry lab with expertise in the study of chaperones and ADRD. This is an ideal training setting for Dr. Barbieri to acquire new skills in biochemistry. Furthermore, Dr. Barbieri assembled an advisory committee to provide expertise in ADRD and formal training in the human cell assays. The new skills will complement his current expertise in molecular genetics, and his outlined training plan will provide the necessary preparation for Dr. Barbieri to progress to his goal of an independent position.

Project Narrative The buildup of misfolded proteins can cause Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), which are becoming more prevalent as the population continues to live longer. This project will leverage a new genetic technology to greatly enhance our understanding of the intricate networks of molecular chaperones, which are the cell’s natural defense system against protein misfolding. This new approach will uncover the specific molecular chaperones that can serve as future targets for therapeutics against ADRD.