Investigating how gut health affects Parkinson's Disease
Official title: Intestinal mitochondrial dysfunction and the gut-brain-immune axis in models of Parkinson's Disease
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11052537 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems in the gut might be linked to Parkinson's Disease, with the hope of finding early signs that could help diagnose the condition sooner and create better treatments for people living with it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $170,532 |
| NIH project number | 5K08DK134872-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052537 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals over 21 years old who are at risk for or have early-stage Parkinson's Disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Parkinson's Disease or those without gastrointestinal symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between the gastrointestinal tract and Parkinson's Disease (PD), focusing on how mitochondrial dysfunction in the intestines may contribute to the disease. By studying intestinal tissues from animal models, the researchers aim to identify specific gut-related biomarkers that could help diagnose PD early and develop targeted therapies. The approach includes examining inflammation and mitochondrial stress in intestinal samples and testing the effects of α-Synuclein, a protein linked to PD, on gut health. This research could lead to innovative strategies for managing PD before significant symptoms appear.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and new treatment options for Parkinson's Disease, potentially slowing its progression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the gut-brain connection in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Videlock, Elizabeth Jane — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Videlock, Elizabeth Jane
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.