Creating a 3D model of the brain pathway affected by Parkinson's disease.
Tissue engineered Nigrostriatal Pathway as a testbed for evaluating axonal pathophysiology in Parkinson's disease.
This study is creating a 3D model of a part of the brain affected by Parkinson's disease to better understand how the loss of certain brain cells impacts movement, which could help find new ways to treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Philadelphia VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10909017 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a three-dimensional engineered model of the nigrostriatal pathway, which is crucial for understanding the progression of Parkinson's disease. By mimicking the human brain's structure and function, the study aims to investigate how the loss of dopaminergic neurons affects motor control. The approach involves using advanced techniques to recreate the axonal connections and cellular interactions that occur in the disease, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms of Parkinson's. Patients may benefit from this research as it could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for the disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, particularly those experiencing motor symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients with Parkinson's disease who are in advanced stages or have significant comorbidities may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been advancements in understanding Parkinson's disease through various models, this specific approach using a 3D engineered pathway is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Philadelphia VA Medical Center — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duda, John Eric — Philadelphia VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Duda, John Eric
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.