The Foundation supports research across basic, translational and clinical science to speed breakthroughs that can lead to the creation of new treatments and a better quality of life for people with Parkinson's disease.
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Previously funded studies appear chronologically, with the most recent appearing first.
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Oligomeric & pS129 Assay LEAPS, 2017Exploring the Use of Alpha-synuclein Assays for Translational Biomarkers and Pharmaceutical Intervention Trials
Study Rationale:
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's disease. The biggest roadblock facing the development of disease-modifying therapies is... -
Target Advancement Program, 2017Antibody Therapy to Block Alpha-Synuclein Spread and Toxicity
Study Rationale:
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the accumulation of misfolded pathologic alpha-synuclein. This toxic alpha-synuclein moves between neurons and causes progressive neuronal... -
Target Advancement Program, 2017Activation of PINK1/Parkin-mediated Mitochondrial Quality Control
Study Rationale:
Homeostasis (balance) of mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells, is crucial for longevity. Accumulation of damaged mitochondria is toxic for cells, which is believed to be one of the... -
LRRK2 Biology Consortium, 2017How Does LRRK2 Activity Affect Inflammatory Signaling in Parkinson's Disease?
Study Rationale:
Differences in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene can increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease (PD), and there is an abundance of the LRRK2 protein in blood... -
Research Grant, 2017Developing Disease-modifying Chemical Probes to Inhibit Alpha-synuclein Accumulation
Promising Outcomes of Original Grant:
Funding from The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) has facilitated the rapid screening of over 370,000 compounds of chemicals that prevent alpha-synuclein (protein... -
Research Grant, 2017Identification and Optimization of beta-Glucocerebrosidase Modulators for Parkinson's Disease
Study Rationale:
Genetic studies have demonstrated that the GBA1 gene encoding beta-glucocerebrosidase (GCase) (an enzyme that breaks down fats) is a major risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD)...
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Our funding programs support basic, translational and clinical research from academia and industry.