Identifying Parkinson's disease biomarkers in nasal mucus
Official title: Parkinson’s disease biomarkers in human olfactory cleft mucus
Funded at Monell Chemical Senses Center · NIH-10659011 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the mucus from your nose might help find early signs of Parkinson's disease, especially since changes in smell can happen before other symptoms show up, and it hopes to discover helpful markers for earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Monell Chemical Senses Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 4, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $168,974 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DC020033-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10659011 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing early symptoms of Parkinson's disease, particularly those with olfactory impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been diagnosed with advanced Parkinson's disease and exhibit significant motor deficits may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of using human olfactory cleft mucus to identify biomarkers for Parkinson's disease (PD). It focuses on the early symptoms of PD, particularly olfactory impairment, which can occur years before motor symptoms appear. By analyzing proteins in the mucus, the study aims to find reliable indicators of PD that could lead to earlier diagnosis and intervention. The approach includes proteomics studies to examine the presence of specific proteins associated with PD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable earlier diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, allowing for timely treatment and management.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in identifying biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases through similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Monell Chemical Senses Center
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Hong — Monell Chemical Senses Center
- Study coordinator: Wang, Hong
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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.