How gut bacterial protein fibers (curli) may influence Parkinson's-related protein clumping
Controlling Bacterial Amyloid Formation and the Influence of Curli Subunits on Pathogenic Alpha-synuclein Aggregation
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · NIH-11335568
This work looks at whether protein fibers made by E. coli can change how the Parkinson's-linked protein alpha-synuclein clumps together, which could matter for people at risk of Parkinson's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11335568 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are examining curli, a type of protein fiber produced by E. coli, and how different curli subunits form and interact. They use bacterial genetics, biochemistry, and lab models to control curli assembly and test effects on alpha-synuclein aggregation in cells and experimental systems. The team also studies how bacterial biofilms create distinct cell populations that influence curli production. Results aim to reveal mechanisms by which bacterial products might promote or block harmful protein clumping linked to neurodegeneration.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Parkinson's disease, with early signs of synucleinopathy, or with a strong family history would be the most relevant group for future human-focused studies related to this work, though the current grant is largely lab-based.
Not a fit: Patients without neurological or synuclein-related conditions are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to prevent or reduce Parkinson's-related protein clumping by targeting bacterial amyloids or their production.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies have suggested bacterial amyloids can promote alpha-synuclein aggregation, but translating those findings to human disease remains early and not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR — ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHAPMAN, MATTHEW RICHARD — UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- Study coordinator: CHAPMAN, MATTHEW RICHARD
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.