She is receiving the award for the paper entitled "Naringenin and SMER28 target lysosomal reformation and rescue SPG11 and SPG15 hereditary spastic paraplegia phenotypes", Pharmakological Research 2025.
The prize will be presented at the Tom Wahlig Symposium in Recklinghausen, Germany on March 13 (programe).
The study investigates the potential therapeutic effect of multiple target compounds for the treatment of the HSP subtypes SPG11 and SPG15 in a genetically modified animal model (drosophila, a small fly). Both subtypes share a common pathophysiological mechanism. The mutation causes an impairment in the function of the lysosomes – the cleaning and recycling units of cells. For SPG11 and SPG15 neurodegeneration appears to be related to lysosomal malfunction. Two compounds – Naringenin and SMER28 – restored lysosomal parameters and improved locomotor function of the flies.
From the perspective of Euro-HSP in particular Naringenin might be of high interest. It is a natural compound being related to the consumption of citrus fruits. Furthermore, it is in use as a dietary supplement. Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect Naringenin is known as a neuroprotective compound. For translating findings obtained in a gene modified tiny fly to human patients some important work is strongly needed. This involves the identification of a safe but hopefully therapeutically beneficial dose for long-term therapy. This requires the quantification of potential curative effects by objectively accessible parameters in future clinical trials. However, when balancing the relatively low risk profile of Naringenin against the fatal outcome caused by untreated neurodegeneration in SPG11 and SPG15 such studies appear strongly needed and justified.
Euro-HSP is deeply committed to encourage and support this important work in the near future. We thank the Tom Wahlig foundation for the ongoing cooperation.
Adolf-Struempell-Prize Winner 2026: Dr. Giulia Guarato
