Targeting a pathway to improve treatment for Parkinson's disease
Official title: Targeting the FBXW7/PGC1 Pathway as a Therapeutic Strategy for Parkinson's Disease
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11054641 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called PGC-1α can help protect brain cells from damage in Parkinson's disease, and it aims to find ways to boost this protein to keep neurons healthy and strong against harmful factors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $590,222 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS133187-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054641 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or those at risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurodegenerative conditions or those who do not have Parkinson's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein called PGC-1α in protecting brain cells from damage in Parkinson's disease. The study aims to understand how a process called chaperone-mediated autophagy can help regulate PGC-1α levels, which are crucial for neuronal survival. By targeting the FBXW7 protein, which affects PGC-1α degradation, the research seeks to find a therapeutic strategy that could enhance the resilience of neurons against toxic factors associated with Parkinson's and possibly Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that better protect brain cells in patients with Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting similar pathways for neuroprotection, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Simon, David K. — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Simon, David K.
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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.