Alpha-synuclein Post-translational Modification Quantification Program

Funding will support projects aimed to:  

• Develop, characterize, and validate assays to accurately detect and quantify alpha-synuclein post-translational modifications (PTMs) reliably  

• Optimize and refine reproducible protocols for the isolation of alpha-synuclein (soluble/insoluble) species from brain tissues and inclusions that preserve its biochemical diversity  

• Use reproducible methods to develop quantitative maps of alpha-synuclein post-translational modifications in disease-relevant brain regions 

• Utilize new technologies and/or cutting-edge methods to address previously intractable roadblocks 

When considering proposals submitted to this program, MJFF will prioritize projects and teams that: 

• Have previously demonstrated success with techniques and technologies proposed for use 

• Have assembled cross-disciplinary teams with relevant expertise  

• Have access to post-mortem brain tissue containing relevant brain regions from subjects with Parkinson’s and age-matched controls 

• Proposed the use of techniques and technologies that can be easily deployed in other laboratories 

• Proposed the quantification of alpha-synuclein post-translational modifications across multiple stages of the disease  

• Show willingness to collaborate with other teams and stakeholders for this program  

For this round, MJFF will not consider:  

• Assessments of alpha-synuclein post-translational modifications in biofluids or non-CNS tissues.  

• The study of alpha-synuclein post-translational modifications in pre-clinical or cellular models of Parkinson’s disease 

• Purely qualitative assessments of alpha-synuclein post-translational modifications present in human brain tissue  

• Development of antibodies or nanobodies toward alpha-synuclein post-translational modifications 

Email grants@michaeljfox.org with questions.  

Watch a video on this funding program that covers our application and review processes.