Chronic nicotine effects on brainstem neurons in Parkinson's disease risk
Official title: Chronic nicotine effects on vulnerable brainstem neurons
Funded at Georgetown University · NIH-11365320 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new study at Georgetown University will explore whether long-term nicotine exposure can strengthen brainstem neurons to potentially reduce Parkinson's disease risk in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | July 6, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $531,306 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS142876-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11365320 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to direct patient participation; this is an animal-model study.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient participation is not involved in this animal-focused research.
What this research studies
Researchers will use animal models to examine how persistent exposure to nicotine changes brainstem neurons that are usually vulnerable in Parkinson’s disease. The study aims to identify lasting brain changes that may make these neurons more resilient after nicotine exposure has stopped. Findings could point to why past nicotine use is linked with lower PD risk and help guide future protective strategies. This work focuses on specific brain cells in regions like the substantia nigra and pedunculopontine nucleus. Results may inform whether similar protective mechanisms could be relevant to people at risk for PD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lay the groundwork for strategies that bolster brain resilience against Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows nicotine’s protective effects in models, but lasting post-exposure protection mechanisms are not fully understood.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgetown University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Evans, Rebekah Coleman — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: Evans, Rebekah Coleman
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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.