MAPT and tauopathy: One study demonstrated that a reduction of tau in nilotinib-treated models of tauopathies results in enhanced astrocyte activity and improved neurotransmitter balance.25 Autophagy clearance of α-synuclein and tau is concurrent with improved astrocytic activity and balance of neurotransmitters, including dopamine.9,10,25,26,27 Collectively, the effects of nilotinib on CSF biomarkers indicate that a reduction of oligomeric α-synuclein and p-tau may improve dopamine metabolism in patients with PD.