Investigating how a specific receptor affects inflammation in brain cells related to Parkinson's Disease
Official title: Sigma-1 Receptor as a modulator of Astrocyte pro-inflammatory activities in Parkinson's Disease
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-10823507 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific brain cell receptor affects inflammation in the brain for people with Parkinson's Disease, hoping to find new ways to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | December 2, 2024 |
| Project end | December 1, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F30AG087521-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10823507 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease who are experiencing motor deficits and neuroinflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Parkinson's Disease who are in advanced stages or have significant comorbidities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to understand how the sigma-1 receptor influences the inflammatory activities of astrocytes, a type of brain cell, in the context of Parkinson's Disease (PD). By studying the interactions between astrocytes and other cells in the central nervous system, the researchers hope to uncover the mechanisms that drive neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in PD. The approach involves using animal models to simulate PD and examining how blocking certain pathways can reduce inflammation and potentially improve symptoms. This research could lead to new therapeutic targets for treating PD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that reduce inflammation in the brain and slow the progression of Parkinson's Disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting astrocyte inflammatory responses can improve outcomes in models of neurological diseases, suggesting that this approach may be promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Piester, Gavin Edward — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Piester, Gavin Edward
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Gut-brain clues in Parkinson’s disease: supplement to a large registry
A plant-wide supplement to an NIH program will enroll people with Parkinson’s, with and without GI symptoms, plus healthy controls, to study how gut function, brain signals, and sleep rhythms relate to Parkinson’s symptoms.
-
Gut-brain connections in Parkinson’s disease: how the gut and environment shape symptoms
A Mayo Clinic team is studying how gut problems, environmental factors, and genetics together influence Parkinson’s disease and its GI symptoms to find biomarkers and better understanding of the disease.
-
Gut-brain communication in Parkinson’s disease for better symptoms and daily life
This project enrolls people with Parkinson’s disease and healthy controls to build a big registry and study how gut function, brain signals, sleep, and circadian rhythms relate to PD symptoms.
-
Gut microbiome and Parkinson's disease: how gut bugs relate to symptoms and progression
A multi-year study will look at gut bacteria and related markers in people with Parkinson’s disease to understand how the gut-brain connection may influence symptoms and progression.
-
Gut-Brain Axis in Parkinson’s Disease: biomarkers and procedures to track progression
A patient-focused program to study how gut health and the brain interact in Parkinson’s disease using biomarkers and clinical procedures.
-
Understanding posture and movement in Parkinson’s patients to reduce falls
A study using wearable sensors to track real-world balance and movement in people with Parkinson’s disease to help prevent falls.
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.