NOX2 enzyme and Parkinson's disease
NADPH Oxidase 2 in Parkinson's Disease Pathogenesis
Researchers are looking at whether a brain enzyme called NOX2 makes harmful oxidative stress worse in people with Parkinson's disease.
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 ID | NIH-11234263 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies how NOX2, an enzyme that produces reactive oxygen species, may amplify damage in the neurons lost in Parkinson's disease. Scientists will use animal models and lab-based cell and tissue approaches, plus a new proximity ligation assay, to detect when and where NOX2 is active. The team will examine how NOX2 activity connects to LRRK2 kinase activation and toxic changes in alpha-synuclein that impair cellular clearance. The goal is to clarify mechanisms that could point to new treatment targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Parkinson's disease or individuals willing to donate brain tissue would be the most relevant candidates for related future studies or sample collection.
Not a fit: People without Parkinson's disease or those seeking immediate treatment options are unlikely to receive direct medical benefit from this preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to NOX2 as a new target for therapies that reduce neuron-damaging oxidative stress in Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary and other preclinical studies support a role for NOX2 in amplifying mitochondrial ROS and linking to LRRK2 and alpha-synuclein, but therapeutic translation remains early.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Di Maio, Roberto — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Di Maio, Roberto
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 below.