How the Parkinson's protein alpha-synuclein may disrupt RNA-handling proteins in Lewy body and related dementias
Investigating physiologic and pathophysiologic connections between the Parkinson's disease protein alpha-synuclein and RNA binding proteins
['FUNDING_R01'] · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11162518
Looking at whether the Parkinson's protein alpha-synuclein interferes with RNA-handling proteins in people with Lewy body dementia, Parkinson's disease dementia, and related dementias.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11162518 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work aims to explain what alpha-synuclein does inside nerve cells and how it might disturb proteins that control RNA turnover. The team uses lab-grown neurons, biochemical mapping, and molecular analyses to track where alpha-synuclein binds and how it affects mRNA decay structures called P-bodies. They will test how these disruptions could lead to nerve cell damage seen in Lewy body and related dementias. By understanding these steps, researchers hope to point to molecular targets for future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, Parkinson's disease dementia, or mixed Alzheimer's/Lewy body pathology who can donate biospecimens (or participate in linked clinical or tissue-donation efforts) would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People without alpha-synuclein–related pathology (for example, individuals with pure Alzheimer's disease without Lewy bodies) or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could identify new molecular targets that might lead to treatments to slow or prevent neuron loss in Lewy body and related dementias.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies show alpha-synuclein can interact with cellular components and that RNA-binding protein dysfunction contributes to neurodegeneration, but directly linking alpha-synuclein to RNA-decapping machinery is a newer and partly untested area.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KHURANA, VIKRAM — BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: KHURANA, VIKRAM
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer's disease and related dementia, Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia, Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder, Alzheimer's disease or related dementia