Detecting early signs of synucleinopathies through skin analysis
Official title: Cutaneous Phosphorylated Alpha-Synuclein for Detection of Prodromal Synucleinopathies
Funded at Cnd Life Sciences, INC. · NIH-10912671 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how skin samples can help spot early signs of Parkinson's disease and related conditions in people who have a sleep disorder that often comes before these diseases, with the hope of creating a better way to predict and manage their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cnd Life Sciences, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Scottsdale, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 15, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $954,862 |
| NIH project number | 5R44NS127696-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912671 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder who are at risk for developing synucleinopathies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing any symptoms of synucleinopathies or do not have a diagnosis of idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of skin biopsies to detect phosphorylated alpha-synuclein, a protein associated with various neurodegenerative diseases known as synucleinopathies, including Parkinson's disease and dementia. By analyzing skin nerve fibers, the study aims to identify early signs of these conditions in patients who may not yet show clinical symptoms. The approach focuses on patients diagnosed with idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, a condition that often precedes more severe synucleinopathies. The goal is to develop a reliable diagnostic tool that can predict disease progression and improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and intervention for patients at risk of developing debilitating neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using skin biopsies to detect phosphorylated alpha-synuclein is relatively novel, preliminary findings suggest potential for success in identifying early signs of synucleinopathies.
Where this research is happening
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Cnd Life Sciences, INC.
Scottsdale, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Levine, Todd — Cnd Life Sciences, INC.
- Study coordinator: Levine, Todd
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.