Investigating how inflammation caused by alpha-synuclein affects multiple system atrophy
Official title: Mechanisms of alpha-synuclein mediated inflammation in multiple system atrophy
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11168261 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how inflammation affects multiple system atrophy (MSA) and aims to understand how the immune system might play a role in the disease, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with MSA.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| 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, 2018 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $553,842 |
| NIH project number | 2R56NS107316-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11168261 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with multiple system atrophy who are experiencing symptoms related to neuroinflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other neurodegenerative disorders not related to alpha-synuclein or those without a diagnosis of multiple system atrophy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of inflammation in multiple system atrophy (MSA), a neurodegenerative disorder linked to the protein alpha-synuclein. The study examines how the immune system contributes to the disease's progression by analyzing immune responses in both human brains and animal models. Researchers are using a novel viral vector to target specific brain cells in mice, allowing them to observe the effects of immune modulation on neuroinflammation and demyelination. By exploring the mechanisms of immune-mediated damage, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets for MSA.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that modify the immune response in patients with multiple system atrophy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting immune responses in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach may be effective for MSA as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harms, Ashley N — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Harms, Ashley N
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Integrated MRI biomarkers to diagnose and monitor multiple system atrophy
This project will help doctors use MRI markers to better diagnose multiple system atrophy and track how the disease progresses.
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Clinical Trial Readiness for Multiple System Atrophy
A multi-center study to help people with multiple system atrophy by creating better clinical and biological measures to use in future drug trials.
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Single-cell brain profiling to map MSA cell changes
Researchers will map gene activity in individual brain cells from people who had multiple system atrophy to understand how the disease affects cells in key brain regions.
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Understanding brain inflammation in multiple system atrophy
This research explores how a specific immune signal, interferon-gamma, contributes to brain damage in multiple system atrophy.
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Single-cell gene map of brains from people with multiple system atrophy
This project reads gene activity in individual brain cells from people with multiple system atrophy to find cell-specific changes linked to the disease.
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Identifying biomarkers for multiple system atrophy using gene expression analysis
This study is looking at how multiple system atrophy (MSA) affects brain cells by examining changes in their genes, and it aims to find new ways to diagnose and treat the condition, with opportunities for patients to help by sharing samples.
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.