Rhes‑SUMO pathway's role in Huntington's disease
Official title: Rhes-SUMO Pathway in Huntington Disease
Funded at Florida Atlantic University · NIH-11299742 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work looks at whether the Rhes‑SUMO protein system increases toxic huntingtin and helps it spread in the brain, which may explain early striatal damage in people with Huntington's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida Atlantic University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boca Raton, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $119,008 |
| NIH project number | 7R01NS128225-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11299742 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People who carry the HTT gene mutation — either diagnosed with Huntington's disease or pre-symptomatic carriers — are the patients most relevant to this research.
✕Less likely to help
People without the HTT mutation or those looking for immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to benefit directly because this is laboratory and animal-focused work.
What this research studies
Researchers are focusing on two molecules — Rhes and SUMO1 — that seem to change levels and spread of mutant huntingtin protein in the brain. They will use cell models and a genetically accurate mouse model of HD to track how Rhes and SUMO1 affect huntingtin movement between neurons and its buildup. The team will test whether reducing SUMO signaling or removing SUMO1 lowers toxic huntingtin and improves brain structure and behavior in the animal model. Results are intended to point to targets that could be used to slow striatal damage and limit spread of the disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to lower toxic huntingtin or block its spread, potentially leading to therapies that slow or prevent Huntington's progression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous preclinical studies have shown Rhes interacts with mutant huntingtin and that reducing SUMO1 can improve outcomes in HD mouse models, so there is encouraging lab-based evidence but no proven human therapies yet.
Where this research is happening
-
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Subramaniam, Srinivasa — Florida Atlantic University
- Study coordinator: Subramaniam, Srinivasa
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Harnessing neuron-derived vesicles to find Huntington’s disease biomarkers
A research project aims to identify brain-derived biomarkers in blood that reflect Huntington disease activity, using neuronal extracellular vesicles as the signal source.
-
Understanding how blood flow problems in the brain affect Huntington’s disease
A study at a major hospital is looking at how blood vessels in the brain may contribute to symptoms and brain changes in Huntington’s disease.
-
Understanding how ribosome stalling affects Huntington disease
This study is looking at how a problem with protein production in the brain might contribute to Huntington disease, which could help us find new ways to treat the condition.
-
Rhes-SUMO Pathway and Huntington Disease in Mice
A study in mouse models explores how the Rhes-SUMO pathway may drive brain and nerve cell vulnerability in Huntington disease.
-
Investigating the role of the Rhes-SUMO pathway in Huntington's disease
This study is looking at how a specific pathway in the brain might affect the worsening of Huntington's disease, with the hope of finding new ways to help manage the symptoms and slow down the disease for those living with it.
-
Understanding how Huntington disease disrupts protein production in brain cells
Researchers are studying Huntington disease to learn how a faulty protein blocks ribosomes and slows protein-making in brain cells, which may contribute to movement and thinking problems.
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.