The goal the project is to identify novel drug candidates against microRNAs to provide protection against neurodegeneration in FTD caused by aberrant forms of the protein tau. For this screen, we will combine a high-throughput brain tissue screening platform we have recently developed with custom drug lead libraries targeting microRNAs to be developed specifically for this project by Regulus Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on the development of microRNA-based drugs. Importantly, positive compounds emerging from this screen will be based on a drug chemistry that is already FDA-approved--thus these drug lead candidates will be in a strong position for further clinical development for FTD.