How alpha-synuclein changes ion channels to harm brain cells
Alpha-Synuclein aberrantly modifies the nanoscale distribution and function of ion channels to promote neuronal cytotoxicity
This work examines whether the protein alpha-synuclein alters tiny ion channels and calcium signaling in brain cells in ways that matter for Parkinson's disease and related dementias.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10829257 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you take part or donate samples, you'll be helping researchers who study how alpha-synuclein changes tiny structures that control electrical signals and calcium flow in brain cells using lab-grown neurons and very high-resolution imaging. They will map changes to plasma membrane ion channels and the contact zones between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria to see how local calcium signals become toxic. Most experiments are done in cells and model systems in the lab, with possible use of human tissue or samples to connect the lab findings to Parkinson's and related dementias.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia, or related dementias might be eligible to donate tissue or samples now or be considered for future clinical work that stems from these findings.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatments or those without alpha-synuclein-related disease are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from this lab-based research right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal precise molecular steps that lead to neuron death and point to new targets for therapies to slow or prevent Parkinson's disease and related dementias.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have linked alpha-synuclein to neuronal damage and disrupted calcium handling, but translating those findings into effective human treatments remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dickson, Eamonn James — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Dickson, Eamonn James
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.