Gut–brain communication and constipation in Parkinson's disease
Mayo Clinic Consortium for Gut Brain Communication in Parkinson (Administrative Supplement)
['FUNDING_U01'] · MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER · NIH-11367656
This project looks at how gut problems like constipation relate to brain changes and disease markers in people with Parkinson's using scans, biopsies, and molecular tests.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11367656 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will compare three groups: people with Parkinson's who have constipation, people with Parkinson's who do not, and healthy volunteers. You may have brain imaging, blood and stool collection, questionnaires about exposures and symptoms, and a gut (rectal) biopsy. The team will run detailed molecular tests (microbiome, epigenetics, protein markers) and look for misfolded alpha‑synuclein and signs of gut inflammation. They will combine these findings with clinical information to look for patterns that link environmental exposures, gut changes, and brain–gut dysfunction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who either have chronic constipation or do not, as well as healthy adults willing to undergo imaging, blood/stool collection, and possible gut biopsy.
Not a fit: People without Parkinson's disease or those unwilling or medically unable to undergo scans, biopsies, or biological sample collection are unlikely to gain direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify biomarkers and targets that lead to earlier diagnosis or new treatments for gut symptoms and neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown constipation and microbiome changes often precede Parkinson's and are linked to alpha‑synuclein, but integrating imaging, gut biopsies, omics, and exposome data together is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES
- MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER — ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BHARUCHA, ADIL E. — MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER
- Study coordinator: BHARUCHA, ADIL E.
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.