Investigating cholesterol metabolism in multiple system atrophy
Official title: Abnormalities of cholesterol metabolism in multiple system atrophy
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10792884 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cholesterol levels change in people with multiple system atrophy (MSA) to see if it can help us find new ways to treat this condition, and we’d love for patients to help by sharing some samples.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $205,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG077243-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10792884 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with multiple system atrophy who are experiencing symptoms related to the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other neurodegenerative diseases or those without a diagnosis of multiple system atrophy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how cholesterol metabolism is affected in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA), a neurodegenerative condition that leads to coordination and movement difficulties. The study aims to explore the relationship between cholesterol levels and Coenzyme Q, a vital molecule for cell function, particularly in the brain. By examining these metabolic pathways, researchers hope to uncover potential therapeutic targets that could lead to new treatments for MSA. Patients may be involved in providing biological samples to help elucidate these mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new therapies that modify the progression of multiple system atrophy.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on cholesterol metabolism in MSA is novel, similar research in other neurodegenerative diseases has shown promising results in understanding metabolic pathways.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Quinzii, Catarina M. — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Quinzii, Catarina M.
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.