Understanding LRRK2 and Oxidative Stress in Parkinson's Disease
Official title: LRRK2 and Oxidative Stress in Parkinson’s Disease
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11175266 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project aims to understand how a protein called LRRK2 and cellular stress are connected in Parkinson's disease, especially in people without a known genetic mutation.
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 start | August 23, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $490,660 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS131137-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11175266 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is not recruiting patients directly but aims to benefit individuals living with Parkinson's disease in the future.
✕Less likely to help
Patients will not receive direct clinical benefit or treatment from this specific laboratory-based research.
What this research studies
We know that changes in the LRRK2 protein are a common cause of inherited Parkinson's disease, and even in other forms of Parkinson's, increased LRRK2 activity seems to play a role. This work explores how normal LRRK2 becomes overactive, where this happens inside cells, and what effects it has. We are particularly interested in how LRRK2 interacts with oxidative stress, a type of cellular damage, and problems with mitochondria, the cell's powerhouses, which are both linked to Parkinson's.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could uncover new ways to target LRRK2 or oxidative stress, potentially leading to new treatments for Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has established a connection between LRRK2 mutations, oxidative stress, and Parkinson's disease, providing a strong foundation for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Greenamyre, J Timothy — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Greenamyre, J Timothy
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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LRRK2 and Oxidative Stress in Parkinson’s Disease
A study from the University of Pittsburgh looks at how a human protein called LRRK2 interacts with oxidative stress to contribute to Parkinson’s disease, with findings aimed at understanding why some people develop the condition and how to target it.
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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.