How abnormal brain proteins spread in Lewy body dementia
Mechanisms of spreading proteinopathy in Lewy Body Dementia
Looking at how Alzheimer-type plaques and tangles make Lewy body proteins spread faster in people with Lewy body dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11179221 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses advanced lab and mouse models to follow how alpha-synuclein (the protein that forms Lewy bodies) forms and spreads inside the brain over time. Researchers will seed alpha-synuclein pathology in mice and use long-term multiphoton imaging to watch individual neurons develop Lewy inclusions. They will compare brains with and without beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles to see how those Alzheimer-type pathologies change the speed or pattern of spread. The team will also study the role of brain immune cells in this process to learn why some areas are more vulnerable.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with Lewy body dementia or related alpha-synuclein disorders would be the most relevant candidates for future clinical studies informed by these findings.
Not a fit: Patients without Lewy body or alpha-synuclein pathology, or those seeking immediate symptom relief, are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this preclinical laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to targets to slow or block the spread of Lewy pathology, which may lead to new treatments to slow decline in Lewy body dementia.
How similar studies have performed: Prior mouse and lab studies, including work by these investigators, have shown that amyloid pathology can increase alpha-synuclein spread, but translation to human therapies has not yet been achieved.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Unni, Vivek — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Unni, Vivek
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.