Investigating a magnesium transport protein linked to Parkinson's disease
Official title: Studies of SLC41A1, a Mg2+-Transporting Protein Linked to Parkinson's Disease
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-11099805 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called SLC41A1 that helps move magnesium in our cells, and it aims to find out how changes in this protein might affect magnesium levels and contribute to Parkinson's disease, which could help us understand the condition better and find new ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $387,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS126211-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11099805 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a family history of Parkinson's disease or those who have been diagnosed with the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Parkinson's disease caused by factors unrelated to magnesium transport may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the SLC41A1 protein, which transports magnesium and may play a crucial role in the development of Parkinson's disease. The study aims to understand how mutations in this protein affect magnesium levels in cells and contribute to neurodegeneration. By using advanced techniques like liposomal flux assays and electron cryo-microscopy, researchers will explore the protein's function and its impact on cellular health. This could lead to new insights into the mechanisms of Parkinson's disease and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Parkinson's disease by targeting magnesium transport mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of magnesium in neurobiology is gaining attention, this specific investigation into SLC41A1 is relatively novel and has not been extensively studied before.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zubcevic, Lejla — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Zubcevic, Lejla
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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.