Exploring a new target to prevent protein changes in Parkinson's disease
Official title: Prevention of alpha-synuclein deSUMOylation as a Parkinson's therapeutictarget
Funded at Boise State University · NIH-11199863 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a process that affects a protein linked to Parkinson's disease might help protect brain cells, and it's for anyone interested in new ways to manage or prevent the symptoms of Parkinson's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boise State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boise, United States) |
| Project start | August 17, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $134,619 |
| NIH project number | 7R15NS121784-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11199863 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Parkinson's disease who are already in advanced stages of the condition may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific protein modification process called SUMOylation in Parkinson's disease. Using mouse models, the study aims to understand how preventing the removal of SUMO groups from the protein alpha-synuclein could protect neurons from damage associated with Parkinson's. The researchers will explore the effects of a particular enzyme, SENP, which is involved in this process, and how it might be targeted to improve neuronal health. The ultimate goal is to identify new therapeutic strategies that could help in managing or preventing Parkinson's disease symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that protect neurons and slow the progression of Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting SUMOylation in Parkinson's is novel, similar strategies in other neurodegenerative diseases have shown promise.
Where this research is happening
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Boise State University
Boise, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Yonghwan — Boise State University
- Study coordinator: Kim, Yonghwan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Healthy Idaho Clinical & Translational Research Development Program
A multi-institution effort in Idaho to build clinical and translational research capacity and workforce to address local health needs.
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Healthy Idaho Health Research Core supports translational projects
A Boise State University program funds and guides health research projects in Idaho to turn ideas into bigger health improvements for local communities.
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Healthy Idaho Clinical and Translational Research Design and Data Management
A program to strengthen how clinical and translational studies are planned, run, and using health data across Idaho, helping researchers design better studies and use EHR data responsibly.
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Healthy Idaho community engagement for translational research
A Boise State University program aims to strengthen ties between researchers and Idaho communities to support research that meets local health needs.
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Healthy Idaho professional development for clinical and translational research
A program to help Idaho investigators build skills and mentoring networks to conduct high-quality clinical and translational research.
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Healthy Idaho Clinical & Translational Research Development Administrative Core
A funded administrative core in Idaho helps coordinate and support clinical and translational research to improve health across the state.
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.