Finding ways to activate NLK to help treat Huntington's disease
Official title: Developing HTS assays for identifying NLK activators to target Huntington's disease
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10783153 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new ways to help people with Huntington's disease by finding small compounds that can boost a protein called NLK, which helps remove the harmful proteins that build up in their cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 14, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $450,313 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS135139-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10783153 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Huntington's disease who may benefit from new therapeutic strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other neurodegenerative diseases unrelated to Huntington's disease may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Huntington's disease, which is caused by a mutation in the Huntingtin gene leading to toxic protein accumulation. The project aims to identify small molecule compounds that can activate Nemo-like kinase (NLK), a protein that helps clear the toxic mutant huntingtin protein from cells. By enhancing NLK activity, the researchers hope to lower the levels of this toxic protein and potentially slow down the progression of the disease. The approach involves developing high-throughput screening assays to find effective NLK activators that could be used in future treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow the progression of Huntington's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting protein clearance mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duan, Wenzhen — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Duan, Wenzhen
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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.