Exploring why certain brain cells are more vulnerable in Parkinson's Disease
Official title: Understanding Cell-type Vulnerability and Oxidative Stress Pathology in Parkinson's Disease Using Isogenic Human Dopaminergic Neurons
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10986026 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why certain brain cells that help with movement are especially vulnerable in Parkinson's Disease, using advanced stem cell models to find out how stress and genetics play a role, with the hope of discovering new ways to treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $134,713 |
| NIH project number | 3R01NS114239-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10986026 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, particularly those with a family history of the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Parkinson's Disease who do not have a genetic predisposition or those with advanced stages of the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the specific vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons in the brain, which are crucial for motor function and are significantly affected in Parkinson's Disease (PD). By using advanced human stem cell models, the study aims to understand how oxidative stress and genetic factors contribute to the degeneration of these neurons. The researchers will analyze the cellular mechanisms that make these neurons particularly susceptible to damage, with the goal of identifying new therapeutic targets. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective treatments for PD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for protecting vulnerable brain cells in Parkinson's Disease, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding neurodegeneration through similar cellular models, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blanchard, Joel William — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Blanchard, Joel William
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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LRRK2 and Oxidative Stress in Parkinson’s Disease
A study from the University of Pittsburgh looks at how a human protein called LRRK2 interacts with oxidative stress to contribute to Parkinson’s disease, with findings aimed at understanding why some people develop the condition and how to target it.
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Understanding LRRK2 and Oxidative Stress in Parkinson's Disease
This project aims to understand how a protein called LRRK2 and cellular stress are connected in Parkinson's disease, especially in people without a known genetic mutation.
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Investigating why certain brain cells are more vulnerable in Parkinson's Disease
This study is looking at how certain brain cells that are important in Parkinson's Disease can be damaged, using special lab-grown cells to see how stress and genes play a role, with the hope of finding new ways to help treat the condition.
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Investigating the role of LRRK2 and oxidative stress in Parkinson's disease
This study is looking at how a protein linked to Parkinson's disease gets activated by stress in cells and how this affects cell function, with the hope of finding new ways to help manage the disease.
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Gut-brain clues in Parkinson’s disease: supplement to a large registry
A plant-wide supplement to an NIH program will enroll people with Parkinson’s, with and without GI symptoms, plus healthy controls, to study how gut function, brain signals, and sleep rhythms relate to Parkinson’s symptoms.
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Gut-brain connections in Parkinson’s disease: how the gut and environment shape symptoms
A Mayo Clinic team is studying how gut problems, environmental factors, and genetics together influence Parkinson’s disease and its GI symptoms to find biomarkers and better understanding of the disease.
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.