Alpha-synuclein seed test in blood or urine for Parkinson’s and Lewy body diseases
Official title: Development and validation of an alpha-synuclein Seed Amplification Assay using peripheral bodily fluids of patients affected by Parkinson's disease and Dementia with Lewy bodies
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11443945 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new blood or urine test using seed amplification to help diagnose Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and related conditions earlier and more clearly.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $722,153 |
| NIH project number | 1R61NS151436-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11443945 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with suspected Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, PD dementia, or related synucleinopathies who could benefit from earlier diagnosis.
✕Less likely to help
People without synucleinopathies or those whose disease does not involve alpha-synuclein pathology may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project develops and validates a blood/urine test that looks for alpha-synuclein aggregates using a seed amplification method. By focusing on non-invasive samples, it aims to provide an earlier, easier-to-use diagnostic tool for people who might have PD, DLB, or related disorders. The goal is to complement current imaging and clinical signs so patients get faster and more accurate information about their condition. If successful, the test could become part of routine evaluation for at-risk individuals and those with early symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive earlier and less invasive diagnosis, potentially guiding timely treatment decisions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous alpha-synuclein seed amplification tests in CSF have shown promise, and translating to blood/urine could broaden impact but remains proof-of-concept.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Soto, Claudio — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Soto, Claudio
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.