Grant: Project Grant

Neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's cause severe movement problems and a decline in quality of life. Our research focuses on a promising new treatment that could help combat this devastating condition. The protein SUMO2 plays an important role in maintaining healthy brain connections. We have developed a drug called SBT02 that mimics SUMO2's beneficial effects. Early tests show that SBT02 can protect brain cells and improve their function in laboratory models of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Our goal is to comprehensively test SBT02 to see if it can prevent or even reverse the symptoms of these diseases. We'll use a combination of approaches, including studying brain cells in dishes and examining mice with conditions similar to human neurodegenerative diseases. We want to know if SBT02 can protect brain cells from damage, improve communication between brain cells, and enhance movement in our animal model. If successful, this research could lead to a new treatment that addresses multiple aspects of neurodegenerative diseases. By focusing on preserving and restoring brain cell connections, rather than just clearing harmful protein clumps, we hope to open up a new avenue for treating these complex diseases. This research could pave the way for more effective therapies that improve the lives of people living with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and related conditions.