Understanding a protein's role in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases
Role of N-terminal acetylation in alpha synuclein stability, function, and therapeutic targeting in synucleinopathies
This project explores how a specific change to a protein called alpha-synuclein affects its behavior, hoping to find new ways to help people with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11192385 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that a protein called alpha-synuclein plays a key role in diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, and reducing its levels might be helpful. However, we don't fully understand how the body controls this protein. Our team recently discovered that a process called N-terminal acetylation, which adds a small tag to alpha-synuclein, is important for its normal function. We believe that by understanding and potentially targeting this acetylation process, we could develop new treatments. This work aims to deeply explore how this tag affects alpha-synuclein and whether blocking it could be a new therapeutic approach.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit individuals living with or at risk for Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and other related dementias.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not related to alpha-synuclein dysfunction would likely not benefit from therapies developed from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of entirely new medications that target alpha-synuclein to slow or stop the progression of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and related dementias.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of alpha-synuclein in neurodegenerative diseases is well-established, targeting its N-terminal acetylation as a therapeutic strategy is a novel and relatively untested approach.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rhoades, Elizabeth — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Rhoades, Elizabeth
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.