Investigating brain changes in Lewy Body dementia and Parkinson's disease dementia using patient-derived neurons.
Transcriptomic assessment of pathology in PD with dementia and dementia with Lewy Bodies using iPSC neurons and brain tissue of the same individuals
This study is looking at how dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease dementia are different by examining brain cells from people who had these conditions, which could help doctors find better ways to diagnose and treat them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Phoenix, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10511261 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the differences between dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease dementia by analyzing brain tissue and neurons derived from the same patients. Researchers will create induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from individuals who have passed away, allowing them to study the disease at a cellular level. By comparing the genetic and molecular characteristics of these cells with postmortem brain tissue, the study aims to uncover insights into the progression and pathology of these dementias. This approach could lead to better diagnostic methods and treatment strategies tailored to individual patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Lewy Body dementia or Parkinson's disease dementia, particularly those who have passed away and whose brain tissue can be analyzed.
Not a fit: Patients with other forms of dementia or those who are currently alive and unable to provide postmortem tissue may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnosis and personalized treatment options for patients with Lewy Body dementia and Parkinson's disease dementia.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of iPSC models in dementia research is gaining traction, this specific approach of directly comparing patient-derived neurons with postmortem tissue is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Phoenix, United States
- St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center — Phoenix, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sattler, Rita — St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Sattler, Rita
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.