Investigating how a specific modification of a protein affects neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Official title: Role of N-terminal acetylation in alpha synuclein stability, function, and therapeutic targeting in synucleinopathies
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10999561 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific change in a protein related to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's might affect its behavior, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with these diseases feel better or slow down their progression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $858,471 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS135829-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999561 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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative diseases not related to alpha-synuclein, such as certain types of frontotemporal dementia, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of N-terminal acetylation in the protein alpha-synuclein, which is linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The team will explore how this modification affects the stability and function of the protein, using advanced techniques like CRISPR in human cell lines and neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. By identifying how altering this modification can influence disease progression, the research aims to develop new therapeutic strategies that could potentially lower the risk or severity of these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively reduce the risk or impact of Alzheimer's and related dementias.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting protein modifications for therapeutic benefits in neurodegenerative diseases, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rhoades, Elizabeth — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Rhoades, Elizabeth
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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.