Project Grant R01NS147032

Federal Grant Award Summary

Duke University's Office of Research Administration received a $619,580 Project Grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) under the Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders program (CFDA 93.853), effective April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2031. The award funds comprehensive research investigating neuronal kinase signaling mechanisms in health and disease, with particular emphasis on Parkinson's disease and disease-associated mutations such as LRRK2G2019S. The research integrates artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms with advanced CRISPR-based proteomics and in vivo models to elucidate how kinases dynamically regulate proteomes in dopamine neurons and how disease-associated mutations alter kinase-substrate interactions and allostery.

The deliverables from this five-year investigation are expected to advance fundamental understanding of kinase neurobiology, clarify molecular mechanisms underlying neurological disease pathogenesis, and generate validated computational frameworks and experimental findings that inform future therapeutic strategies targeting dysregulated kinase signaling. Outcomes will include peer-reviewed research publications, predictive computational models, proteomic datasets, and experimental validation supporting the development of kinase-directed interventions for neurodegenerative disorders. This research addresses core NINDS objectives to support basic and translational investigations that expand knowledge of nervous system function and reduce the burden of neurological disease.