Investigating how a specific cellular mechanism may protect neurons in Parkinson's disease
Official title: Understanding the Role of Endoplasmic Reticulum-Exit Site Upregulation in Neuroprotection Against Parkinson’s Disease
Funded at Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr · NIH-11071151 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain substances, like nicotine and a smoking cessation drug called cytisine, might help protect brain cells from damage in people with Parkinson's disease, using mice to find ways to keep these important cells healthy early on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $37,568 |
| NIH project number | 1F30NS141487-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071151 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of developing Parkinson's disease or those in the early stages of the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Parkinson's disease or those who do not have any neurodegenerative conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how upregulation of endoplasmic reticulum-exit sites can protect dopamine neurons from degeneration in Parkinson's disease. The study explores the role of nicotine and cytisine, a smoking cessation drug, in reducing cellular stress that contributes to neuron loss. By using a mouse model of Parkinson's disease, the researchers aim to identify neuroprotective strategies that could be effective in early stages of the disease. The approach involves examining the effects of these compounds on neuronal health and the cellular mechanisms involved.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new neuroprotective therapies that slow or prevent the progression of Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in using pharmacological chaperones to mitigate neurodegeneration, suggesting that this approach may be viable.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garcia, Roger C — Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
- Study coordinator: Garcia, Roger C
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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.