Investigating how a protein linked to Parkinson's disease affects brain immune cells and their function
Official title: Effects of the Parkinsons Disease associated protein LRRK2 on lysosomal function and inflammatory activity in microglia
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11136647 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein linked to Parkinson's disease affects brain immune cells, using cells from patients with known genetic changes to see how these changes impact the cells' ability to handle waste and respond to inflammation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | May 9, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $227,205 |
| NIH project number | 1K08NS138592-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11136647 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with Parkinson's disease, particularly those with known LRRK2 mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Parkinson's disease or those without genetic mutations related to LRRK2 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of the LRRK2 protein, which is associated with Parkinson's disease, in the functioning of microglia, the immune cells in the brain. By using induced pluripotent stem cells from patients with known genetic mutations, the study aims to explore how these mutations impact lysosomal function and inflammatory responses in microglia. The researchers will analyze how specific genetic changes influence the ability of these cells to manage waste and respond to inflammation, which could provide insights into the mechanisms of Parkinson's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that improve the health of brain cells in patients with Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of genetic factors in Parkinson's disease, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brooker, Sarah Marie — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Brooker, Sarah Marie
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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.