LRRK2 and Oxidative Stress in Parkinson’s Disease
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11378506 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study from the University of Pittsburgh looks at how a human protein called LRRK2 interacts with oxidative stress to contribute to Parkinson’s disease, with findings aimed at understanding why some people develop the condition and how to target it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 23, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $490,660 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS131137-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11378506 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with Parkinson’s-related LRRK2 biology or those at risk due to oxidative stress pathways; findings may inform future trials
✕Less likely to help
People whose Parkinson’s is unrelated to LRRK2 signaling or oxidative stress may see limited direct benefit
What this research studies
This project investigates how normal LRRK2 enzyme activity can be triggered by stress inside cells and how this relates to Parkinson’s disease. Researchers will study where LRRK2 behaves in the cell during mitochondrial stress and how this affects oxidative damage. The work combines cellular experiments with stressors such as hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation products to map activation pathways and downstream effects. By clarifying the link between LRRK2 activity and oxidative stress, the study could point to new avenues for therapies that reduce disease progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could inform the development of treatments that modulate LRRK2 activity and oxidative stress to slow or prevent Parkinson’s disease progression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has linked LRRK2 activity with oxidative stress, with some studies showing modulation can alter disease-relevant pathways
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Greenamyre, J Timothy — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Greenamyre, J Timothy
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding LRRK2 and Oxidative Stress in Parkinson's Disease
This project aims to understand how a protein called LRRK2 and cellular stress are connected in Parkinson's disease, especially in people without a known genetic mutation.
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Investigating why certain brain cells are more vulnerable in Parkinson's Disease
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Investigating the role of LRRK2 and oxidative stress in Parkinson's disease
This study is looking at how a protein linked to Parkinson's disease gets activated by stress in cells and how this affects cell function, with the hope of finding new ways to help manage the disease.
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Gut-brain clues in Parkinson’s disease: supplement to a large registry
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Gut-brain connections in Parkinson’s disease: how the gut and environment shape symptoms
A Mayo Clinic team is studying how gut problems, environmental factors, and genetics together influence Parkinson’s disease and its GI symptoms to find biomarkers and better understanding of the disease.
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.