Investigating brain changes in multiple system atrophy
Official title: Single Cell Transcriptomic Profiling of Multiple System Atrophy Brain
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10801665 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at brain tissue from people with multiple system atrophy (MSA) to learn more about how the disease affects different brain cells, especially those that support nerve health, which could help us find new ways to treat MSA in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $666,123 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS131658-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10801665 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with multiple system atrophy, particularly those with either MSA-P or MSA-C subtypes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other neurodegenerative diseases or those not diagnosed with multiple system atrophy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding multiple system atrophy (MSA), a rare neurodegenerative disease, by analyzing brain tissue from affected patients. Using advanced techniques like single nucleus RNA sequencing, the study aims to identify specific changes in different types of brain cells, particularly oligodendrocytes, which are crucial for neuronal health. By examining tissue from various brain regions, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind the disease and how it affects brain function. This could lead to better insights into the progression of MSA and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients with multiple system atrophy.
How similar studies have gone: While research on neurodegenerative diseases is ongoing, this specific approach using single nucleus RNA sequencing in MSA is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kang, Un Jung — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Kang, Un Jung
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Integrated MRI biomarkers to diagnose and monitor multiple system atrophy
This project will help doctors use MRI markers to better diagnose multiple system atrophy and track how the disease progresses.
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Clinical Trial Readiness for Multiple System Atrophy
A multi-center study to help people with multiple system atrophy by creating better clinical and biological measures to use in future drug trials.
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Single-cell brain profiling to map MSA cell changes
Researchers will map gene activity in individual brain cells from people who had multiple system atrophy to understand how the disease affects cells in key brain regions.
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Investigating how inflammation caused by alpha-synuclein affects multiple system atrophy
This study is looking at how inflammation affects multiple system atrophy (MSA) and aims to understand how the immune system might play a role in the disease, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with MSA.
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Understanding brain inflammation in multiple system atrophy
This research explores how a specific immune signal, interferon-gamma, contributes to brain damage in multiple system atrophy.
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Single-cell gene map of brains from people with multiple system atrophy
This project reads gene activity in individual brain cells from people with multiple system atrophy to find cell-specific changes linked to the disease.
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.