Investigating how environmental toxins affect brain inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases
Official title: Role of 14-3-3θ in Environmental Toxicant Exposure and Neuroinflammation in Synucleinopathies
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10896903 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a certain protein might be affected by environmental toxins and how that could lead to brain diseases like Parkinson's and Dementia, with the hope of finding new ways to help patients in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $45,629 |
| NIH project number | 5F31ES034985-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10896903 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, particularly those with a history of environmental toxin exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative diseases not associated with environmental factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a specific protein, 14-3-3θ, in the development of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease and Dementia with Lewy Bodies. The study will explore how exposure to environmental toxins influences the phosphorylation of this protein and its subsequent effects on neuroinflammation and neuron health. By using laboratory assays, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to neuron degeneration, which could inform future therapeutic strategies. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how environmental factors contribute to their conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for treating neurodegenerative diseases linked to environmental exposures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of proteins in neurodegeneration, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stone, William J — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Stone, William J
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.