How different forms of alpha‑synuclein and body factors drive disease spread
Effect of Agent and Host Factors on Alpha-Synuclein Strain Pathogenesis
This research looks at how different misfolded forms of the brain protein alpha‑synuclein and factors in the body make synuclein disorders like multiple system atrophy and Parkinson's spread and damage nerves.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159848 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will label misfolded alpha‑synuclein with fluorescent tags and watch how those protein clumps move inside nerve cells in laboratory dishes and animal models. They will change microtubules and motor proteins that carry material along axons to see which transport steps differ by strain. The project aims to connect specific strain behaviors to where and how the brain is damaged. Knowing these mechanisms could point to new ways to block spread in people with synucleinopathies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with synuclein-related disorders such as multiple system atrophy or Parkinson's disease are the patient groups most relevant to this work, although the current grant is laboratory-focused rather than enrolling patients in a clinical trial.
Not a fit: Patients without synuclein-related neurodegenerative disease are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this lab-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal how misfolded alpha‑synuclein spreads and identify targets to slow or stop disease progression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab studies have shown different α‑synuclein strains can form and seed disease, but directly linking strain-specific transport and neuroanatomical spread to clinical patterns is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Fort Collins, United States
- Colorado State University — Fort Collins, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Woerman, Amanda L. — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Woerman, Amanda L.
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.