Exploring how cellular environments affect the structure of a protein linked to Parkinson's disease
Official title: Determining the influence of cellular environments on a-synuclein fibril conformations
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11047756 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein linked to Parkinson's disease changes shape in different environments inside cells, which could help us create better ways to diagnose and treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $203,203 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS136951-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11047756 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or those at risk of developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other neurodegenerative disorders that do not involve α-synuclein may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the α-synuclein protein, which is associated with Parkinson's disease, changes its structure in different cellular environments. By using advanced techniques like dynamic nuclear polarization nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the study aims to compare the protein's conformations in living cells to those observed in laboratory settings. Understanding these differences is crucial for developing better diagnostic tools and treatments for Parkinson's disease. The research will utilize specialized cell lines that can propagate these protein structures to gain insights into their behavior in a biological context.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and targeted therapies for patients with Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding protein conformations in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frederick, Kendra King — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Frederick, Kendra King
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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.