Angiotensin signals that cause nerve cell death in development and disease
Mechanisms of renin-angiotensin signaling in programmed and insult-induced neuronal death
This project looks at whether drugs that block angiotensin signaling can protect brain nerve cells in conditions like Gaucher disease and Parkinson's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11164668 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use small animal models, including zebrafish with a chemical method that selectively kills dopamine neurons, to screen many compounds for ones that prevent neuron loss. They focus on the renin-angiotensin system, a hormone signaling pathway, and study how that pathway triggers programmed (developmental) and injury-related neuron death. Promising compounds from the screen are followed up to understand the molecular steps by which angiotensin signaling harms neurons. Findings are being connected to human diseases such as Gaucher disease and Parkinson's to guide potential future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Gaucher disease that affects the nervous system or with Parkinson's disease could be candidates for future clinical follow-up or trials based on this research.
Not a fit: People without neurodegenerative conditions or whose disease does not involve angiotensin-related pathways are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to existing or new drugs that slow or prevent neuron loss in Gaucher-related neurodegeneration and Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Some animal studies and observational human data suggest angiotensin-blocking drugs may protect neurons, but the approach remains experimental and not yet proven in clinical trials.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guo, Su — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Guo, Su
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.