Investigating how a protein affects Alzheimer's disease and related conditions
Official title: Defining The Substrates of Acyl Protein Thioesterase-1: Their Role in Modulating Alpha-Synuclein Toxicity
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10868028 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called alpha-synuclein affects brain health in diseases like Alzheimer's, and it’s testing whether a drug that changes another protein can help improve movement and thinking skills in mice, with hopes of finding new treatments for people with these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $243,220 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS136895-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10868028 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, particularly those experiencing motor and cognitive symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia not related to alpha-synuclein pathology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the role of a protein called alpha-synuclein in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and related dementias. It aims to understand how modifying another protein, acyl protein thioesterase-1 (APT1), can improve the function of alpha-synuclein and potentially reduce its toxicity. The study uses genetically modified mice to test the effects of a drug that inhibits APT1, assessing improvements in motor skills and cognitive function through various behavioral tests. By identifying the brain substrates affected by APT1, the research seeks to develop new therapeutic strategies for these debilitating conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve the quality of life for patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting palmitoylation to mitigate alpha-synuclein toxicity, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
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Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ho, Gary P. H. — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ho, Gary P. H.
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.