Novel manganese-based antioxidant may protect brain cells in a Drosophila model of Parkinson’s-related neurodegeneration
Official title: Evaluating efficacy and mechanisms of a novel manganese porphyrin in a Drosophila model of Parkinson's disease
Funded at Midwestern University (Glendale Az) · NIH-11444562 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A science team is testing a manganese porphyrin antioxidant in fruit flies that mimic Parkinson’s disease to see if it can reduce brain cell damage from oxidative stress.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Midwestern University (Glendale Az) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Glendale, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $553,721 |
| NIH project number | 1R15NS151714-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11444562 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not a patient-facing study; results may benefit individuals with neurodegenerative diseases in the long term through improved therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals with these conditions may not directly participate in this model system or benefit from the study during its execution.
What this research studies
This project uses a Drosophila model with parkin mutations to study how oxidative stress damages dopamine neurons. The researchers will test MnTnBuOE-2-PyP5+ (MnBuOE), a redox-active compound, to see if it lowers harmful reactive oxygen species in vulnerable neurons. The work aims to connect biochemical changes with neuron survival and brain function in a disease-relevant model. Results could guide future steps toward therapies that slow neurodegeneration in humans. The study spans three years and is focused on understanding mechanisms that contribute to Alzheimer’s-related and Parkinson’s-like brain damage through oxidative stress.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could inform strategies to protect brain cells from oxidative damage in Alzheimer’s and related dementias, potentially slowing disease progression.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows that redox-active compounds can modulate oxidative stress in neuron models, supporting the potential of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Midwestern University (Glendale Az)
Glendale, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Buhlman, Lori — Midwestern University (Glendale Az)
- Study coordinator: Buhlman, Lori
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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.