Purpose
The Collaborative Center for X-Linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism (CCXDP) supports an international consortium of scientists, clinicians, and patient advocates working together to advance research and treatments for X- Linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism (XDP), a debilitating neurodegenerative disease endemic to the Philippines. CCXDP is now seeking applications for its 2025-26 Research Funding Program. Three grant mechanisms are offered:
- Investigator Awards: 2 years, up to $250,000/year in direct costs
- Exploratory Pilot Grants: 1 year, up to $100,000 in direct costs
- Postdoctoral fellowships: 2 years, $75,000/year in direct costs
In addition to the amounts listed above, awards will provide 10% indirect costs to recipient institutions.
Research Objectives for the 2025-2026 Funding Program
CCXDP welcomes applications from investigators in all disciplines proposing bold and rigorous approaches to the study of XDP. We particularly encourage proposals that apply insights gained from studies of other neurodegenerative disorders to investigations of potential disease mechanisms in XDP. Collaborative projects, which may include teams at different institutions, are permitted, and applicants are encouraged to review the list of cell and tissue resources available from CCXDP.
Areas of particular interest include, but are not limited to:
- Development of screening assays for identifying small molecules that modulate XDP-related phenotypes and/or testing of known agents for their ability to rescue phenotypes in XDP model systems.
- Therapeutic strategies targeting somatic instability of DNA repeat expansions.
- Studies of the potential role of glial cells in XDP pathogenesis.
- Molecular studies of the XDP-specific SVA element, including but not limited to potential regulation by host cell factors, RNA transcription, and/or DNA replication dynamics.
- Comparative analyses to identify cellular mechanisms that may be shared by XDP and other neurodegenerative diseases.
- Functional analyses of TAF1 protein, including but not limited to mechanisms of gene regulation and/or interactions with partner proteins, with specific emphasis on how these functions may be affected in XDP cells.
- Projects that leverage machine learning/artificial intelligence (AI) to identify and analyze phenotypes in XDP model systems.
Available Resources
CCXDP has generated biospecimens and reagents which are available for research studies, including:
- DNA from XDP patients and unaffected relatives
- Fibroblasts, lymphoblasts, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from XDP patients and unaffected relatives
- Post-mortem human brain tissue from XDP patients
- Novel TAF1 antibodies
For a complete list of available resources and details about acquiring reagents, please see: www.massgeneral.org/neurology/xdp-center/resources
Application Timeline
September 24, 2025: Letters of intent due by 5pm EST
December 1, 2025: Full applications due by 5pm EST
May 2026: Funding decisions announced
July 2026: Anticipated project start
For additional information, contact Dr. Amy Alessi, CCXDP Program Director, at aalessi@mgb.org
Application Instructions
Step 1: Complete the initial inquiry on the CCXDP grant portal here.
Step 2: Submit Letter of intent (LOI) in grants portal by September 24, 2025
Submission of an LOI is required. Each will be reviewed and an invitation to apply will be sent if approved.
Step 3: Submit full grant application in grants portal by December 1st. To preview application instructions and required documents, see below.