Danny Sahtoe receives Dutch Parkinson Foundation grant for research into protein therapy

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic brain disorder in which the brain cells that produce dopamine gradually die. The dopamine deficiency causes various symptoms, such as problems with movement and thinking. The precise cause of the disease is unknown. The affected brain cells are characterized by accumulations of the protein alpha-synuclein. In his research, Sahtoe aims to design special proteins that prevent the spread of alpha-synuclein in the brain.

Stopping harmful proteins

“Instead of traditional drugs or antibodies – which are expensive and struggle to cross the blood-brain barrier – we want to develop small, custom-made proteins that can enter the brain, bind to alpha-synuclein, and prevent its harmful effects,” says Sahtoe. “Alpha-synuclein has multiple forms, but it’s unclear which one is most pathogenic. We’re designing proteins against all forms to systematically determine which one contributes most to Parkinson’s.”

Designing proteins

Sahtoe and his team will use computer modeling, laboratory experiments, and experiments in cells to develop and test the proteins. “First, we want to capture alpha-synuclein before it forms toxic clumps, preventing it from forming harmful structures that damage brain cells. We also want to block the spread of alpha-synuclein between brain cells. And finally, we want to ensure that the proteins can reach the brain. We will add a special feature to the designed proteins so that they can cross the blood-brain barrier and work effectively in the brain,” says Sahtoe.

Future

The designed proteins can be used by scientists worldwide to better study Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, Sahtoe’s research could lead to new treatments that can slow or stop the progression of Parkinson’s.

Eleven projects

Sahtoe’s project is one of eleven studies that received funding from the Dutch Parkinson Foundation. The foundation invested a total of €4.2 million. The projects were selected by an independent Scientific Advisory Board and focus on four domains: Genes, Aging, Lifestyle, and Environment. “Parkinson’s has many faces: it is a complex condition, with diverse causes and manifestations,” says Lex Knobben, director of the Parkinson Foundation. “All eleven projects contribute in their own way to understanding this complex condition.”

About the Dutch Parkinson Foundation

The Dutch Parkinson Foundation, founded in 1998, is committed to the fight against Parkinson’s with one clear mission: finding a solution to slow, cure, and ultimately prevent the disease. The Parkinson Foundation currently supports 29 research projects at nearly all university medical centers. The foundation receives no government funding and relies entirely on the support of donors, asset funds, and businesses.

About the Foundation Friends of the Hubrecht Institute

The Foundation Friends of the Hubrecht Institute is dedicated to supporting the Hubrecht Institute in the broadest sense. This includes fundraising initiatives for its research and organizing events to promote and increase awareness of the Institute’s mission.