Blocking the MIF protein that may cause brain cell loss in Lewy body and Parkinson’s dementia
MIF Nuclease actions in Synuclein Dementias
Testing whether stopping a protein called MIF can protect thinking and memory in people with Lewy body dementia or Parkinson’s disease dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237104 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers aim to find out if the MIF protein’s nuclease activity drives neuron death and cognitive loss in Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia. They will use lab-grown cells, animal models with misfolded α‑synuclein, and analysis of disease brain tissue to track MIF’s effects. The team will try drugs that specifically block MIF’s nuclease activity to see whether neurons survive better and inflammation is reduced. Success would provide a clearer path toward treatments that protect memory and thinking.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with Dementia with Lewy bodies or Parkinson’s disease dementia, especially in earlier stages, would be the most relevant future candidates for therapies arising from this work.
Not a fit: People with non-α‑synuclein dementias (for example, pure Alzheimer’s disease) or those in very advanced stages may not benefit from MIF-targeting approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that slow or prevent cognitive decline in Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work has shown MIF’s nuclease activity contributes to dopamine neuron loss in Parkinson’s models, but applying MIF inhibitors to cognitive problems in α‑synuclein dementias is a novel direction.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dawson, Valina L. — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Dawson, Valina L.
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.