Investigating how a protein linked to Parkinson's disease affects brain cell function.
Official title: Alpha-Synuclein aberrantly modifies the nanoscale distribution and function of ion channels to promote neuronal cytotoxicity
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10635208 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein linked to Parkinson's disease affects the way brain cells communicate and function, which could help us understand why these cells get damaged in diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,650,534 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1NS131379-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10635208 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or related neurodegenerative conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative diseases not associated with alpha-synuclein pathology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the role of alpha-synuclein, a protein associated with Parkinson's disease, in altering the function of ion channels in brain cells. By examining how this protein affects the distribution and activity of these channels, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to cell death in neurodegenerative diseases. The approach involves advanced techniques to analyze the interactions between alpha-synuclein and cellular structures, particularly in relation to calcium signaling between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. This research could provide insights into the fundamental processes that contribute to neuronal damage in conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that slow down or prevent neuronal damage in Parkinson's disease and related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of alpha-synuclein in neurodegeneration, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dickson, Eamonn James — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Dickson, Eamonn James
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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.