Chloride and lysosome health in Parkinson's disease
Chloride Homeostasis in Lysosomal Function and Parkinson's Disease
This research looks at how chloride inside cell lysosomes affects nerve cell health in people with Parkinson's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11331962 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine how chloride levels inside lysosomes influence the enzymes and waste-clearance processes that keep neurons healthy. The team will manipulate the chloride channel proteins CLC-7 and Ostm1 in lab-grown cells and animal models to see how those changes affect lysosomal breakdown, autophagy, and neuron survival. They will measure buildup of waste materials and signs of neuron damage to link chloride handling to Parkinson-like pathology. Findings may guide future tests of therapies that restore lysosomal function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Parkinson's disease, especially those early in the course of illness or with genetic hints of lysosomal problems, would be most relevant to the research findings.
Not a fit: People without Parkinson's or whose condition is driven by causes unrelated to lysosomal dysfunction may not see direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets for treatments that protect nerve cells and slow progression of Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies link lysosomal chloride and CLC-7 to enzyme activity and storage disorders, but applying these findings to Parkinson's disease is a newer and still-developing approach.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mao, Zixu — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Mao, Zixu
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.