Investigating how lipids affect fatty acid balance in Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia
Official title: Mechanistic Dissection of Lipase (LIPE) Regulation of Fatty Acid Homeostasis as a Parkinson's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia Therapeutic Strategy
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11095857 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein related to Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia affects fat and oil balance in our cells, with the hope of finding new ways to help manage symptoms for people living with these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $716,020 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS133243-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11095857 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or Lewy body dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other neurodegenerative disorders not related to α-synuclein may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of α-synuclein, a protein linked to Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia, in regulating lipid metabolism and fatty acid homeostasis. By using both laboratory and animal models, the study aims to explore how misfolded α-synuclein interacts with lipid membranes and affects cellular processes. The goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets that could restore balance in lipid and fatty acid levels, which may help alleviate symptoms of these neurodegenerative diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve the management of Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting lipid metabolism in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fanning, Saranna — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Fanning, Saranna
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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.