How Nurr1 interacts with Parkinson's risk factors and how drugs or natural molecules might control it
Crosstalk Between Nurr1 and Risk Factors of Parkinson's Disease and its Regulation by Nurr1's Ligands
This project explores whether drugs and natural molecules that activate Nurr1 can help protect the dopamine-producing brain cells affected in Parkinson's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mclean Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Belmont, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11324951 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will test how the Nurr1 protein interacts with known Parkinson's risk factors, including α-synuclein and toxin models, using lab-grown neurons and animal models. They will examine synthetic drugs (such as amodiaquine) and natural molecules (such as prostaglandins) that bind Nurr1 to see whether they restore its function and reduce neuron damage. The team will use viral tools and known toxins to mimic Parkinson's changes and measure neuron survival, inflammation, and α-synuclein aggregation. Results will guide whether boosting Nurr1 is a promising path toward future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Parkinson's disease or those showing early signs of dopaminergic neuron loss could be future candidates for Nurr1-targeting therapies developed from this research.
Not a fit: Individuals without Parkinson's disease or whose movement symptoms stem from other causes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to drug approaches that boost Nurr1 to protect neurons and potentially slow Parkinson's progression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous preclinical work has shown Nurr1 activators can protect dopamine neurons in cell and animal models, but benefits in people remain unproven.
Where this research is happening
Belmont, United States
- Mclean Hospital — Belmont, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Kwang-Soo — Mclean Hospital
- Study coordinator: Kim, Kwang-Soo
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 below.