Targeting a specific enzyme to improve mitochondrial function in Parkinson's disease
Official title: USP30 Inhibition as a Therapeutic Strategy in Parkinson's Disease
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-10809860 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific enzyme called USP30 can help clean up damaged parts of cells in the brain, which is important for people with Parkinson's disease, and it hopes to find new ways to protect against the harmful effects of a protein linked to the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $475,475 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS130095-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10809860 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, particularly those with autosomal recessive forms linked to Parkin deficiency.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Parkinson's disease who do not have mitochondrial dysfunction or those with other unrelated neurological disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of USP30, a deubiquitinating enzyme, in enhancing the process of mitophagy, which is crucial for maintaining healthy mitochondria in the brain. By focusing on the dysfunction of mitochondrial homeostasis linked to Parkinson's disease, the study aims to understand how improving mitophagy can protect against the toxic effects of α-synuclein, a protein associated with the disease. The approach involves examining the interactions between mitochondrial proteins and the mechanisms that lead to the degradation of dysfunctional mitochondria. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing Parkinson's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve mitochondrial function and slow the progression of Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield significant advancements.
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.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Gut-brain clues in Parkinson’s disease: supplement to a large registry
A plant-wide supplement to an NIH program will enroll people with Parkinson’s, with and without GI symptoms, plus healthy controls, to study how gut function, brain signals, and sleep rhythms relate to Parkinson’s symptoms.
-
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.
-
Gut-brain communication in Parkinson’s disease for better symptoms and daily life
This project enrolls people with Parkinson’s disease and healthy controls to build a big registry and study how gut function, brain signals, sleep, and circadian rhythms relate to PD symptoms.
-
Gut microbiome and Parkinson's disease: how gut bugs relate to symptoms and progression
A multi-year study will look at gut bacteria and related markers in people with Parkinson’s disease to understand how the gut-brain connection may influence symptoms and progression.
-
Gut-Brain Axis in Parkinson’s Disease: biomarkers and procedures to track progression
A patient-focused program to study how gut health and the brain interact in Parkinson’s disease using biomarkers and clinical procedures.
-
Understanding posture and movement in Parkinson’s patients to reduce falls
A study using wearable sensors to track real-world balance and movement in people with Parkinson’s disease to help prevent falls.
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.