Investigating how a specific protein affects brain health in Parkinson's disease and dementia
Official title: Effects of 14-3-3θ phosphorylation vesicular transport and alpha-synuclein aggregation
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11048288 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called 14-3-3θ to see how it helps protect brain cells from a harmful protein linked to Parkinson's disease and similar conditions, with the hope of finding new ways to treat these diseases and improve patients' lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,361,977 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1NS136240-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11048288 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or Dementia with Lewy Bodies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other neurodegenerative disorders not involving alpha-synuclein aggregation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of the 14-3-3θ protein in the aggregation of alpha-synuclein, which is linked to neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease and Dementia with Lewy Bodies. The study aims to uncover how phosphorylation of 14-3-3θ influences its ability to prevent alpha-synuclein toxicity and neuronal dysfunction. By using advanced techniques such as molecular dynamics simulations and mass spectrometry, researchers will explore the cellular mechanisms that could lead to new therapies for these conditions. Patients may benefit from insights that could inform future treatments aimed at slowing disease progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that modify the course of Parkinson's disease and Dementia with Lewy Bodies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting protein interactions to mitigate neurodegenerative processes, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yacoubian, Talene Alene — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Yacoubian, Talene Alene
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.