Investigating how genes and environmental factors interact in Parkinson's disease
Official title: An in vivo multiplex model to study gene-environment interaction in Parkinson's Disease
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-10875466 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our genes and the environment work together to affect Parkinson's disease, using fruit flies to see how human genes respond to toxins, with the hope of finding new ways to help manage the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00ES033723-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10875466 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 who are at risk for or diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Parkinson's disease who do not have genetic risk factors or environmental exposures related to the study may not benefit.
What this research studies
This research explores the complex interactions between genetic factors and environmental influences that may contribute to Parkinson's disease. Using a unique model involving fruit flies, the study examines how human genes related to Parkinson's interact with environmental toxins. The researchers aim to identify potential drug targets that could help mitigate these interactions. By combining advanced microscopy techniques and human-derived neurons, the project seeks to uncover new insights into the mechanisms behind Parkinson's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that better address the causes of Parkinson's disease by targeting gene-environment interactions.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of studying gene-environment interactions is gaining traction, this specific multiplex model using Drosophila is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sarkar, Souvarish — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Sarkar, Souvarish
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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.