Finding new biomarkers for Parkinson's disease using nerve cells from patients

Biomarker discovery for parkinsonian diseases in extracellular vesicles from iPSC-derived neurons

NIH-funded research University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11090272

This study is looking for new signs of Parkinson's disease by examining tiny particles released from nerve cells made from patients' own stem cells, hoping to find better ways to diagnose and treat the condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-11090272 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the discovery of biomarkers for Parkinson's disease and related conditions by analyzing extracellular vesicles derived from patient-specific neurons created from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The approach involves isolating these vesicles from the culture media of neurons to identify potential biomarkers that could improve diagnosis and treatment. By comparing samples from patients with parkinsonian diseases and healthy controls, the research aims to uncover novel indicators that can enhance understanding and management of these complex neurodegenerative disorders.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or atypical parkinsonian syndromes.

Not a fit: Patients with other unrelated neurological disorders or those without a diagnosis of parkinsonian diseases may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment options for patients with Parkinson's disease and related conditions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using similar proteomics-based approaches for biomarker discovery, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.