Investigating how exposure to trichloroethylene affects brain health and causes neurodegeneration.
Official title: The role of lysosomal dysfunction in STING-mediated neurodegeneration from trichloroethylene exposure
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11068711 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how exposure to a chemical called trichloroethylene (TCE) might affect brain health and contribute to diseases like Parkinson's, using animal models to see how it impacts important brain cells and processes, with the hope of finding new ways to prevent or treat these conditions.
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 | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $40,264 |
| NIH project number | 1F31ES037227-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11068711 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals exposed to trichloroethylene and those at risk for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to trichloroethylene or do not have neurodegenerative diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the impact of trichloroethylene (TCE) exposure on brain health, particularly its role in causing neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease. The study will explore how TCE affects key proteins and pathways in the brain, specifically looking at lysosomal dysfunction and neuroinflammation. By using animal models, researchers will assess the effects of TCE on dopaminergic neurons and the mechanisms that lead to neurodegeneration. This research aims to uncover the relationship between environmental toxins and neurodegenerative processes, which could lead to new insights into disease prevention and treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and potential interventions for neurodegenerative diseases caused by environmental toxins.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of environmental toxins on 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: Ilieva, Neda Mihaylova — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Ilieva, Neda Mihaylova
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.