Investigating how specific proteins affect the clearance of a key protein involved in neurodegenerative diseases.
Official title: Role of Rab27 Isoforms on Alpha-Synuclein Endocytosis and Clearance
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10995969 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins help the brain get rid of a harmful protein linked to Parkinson's Disease and similar conditions, with the hope that understanding this process could lead to new treatments for those affected.
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 | September 25, 2024 |
| Project end | September 24, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $40,264 |
| NIH project number | 1F31NS135928-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995969 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, or related neurodegenerative disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative disorders not related to alpha-synuclein pathology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of Rab27 isoforms in the endocytosis and clearance of alpha-synuclein, a protein linked to neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's Disease and Dementia with Lewy Bodies. The study aims to explore how these proteins influence the spread and toxicity of misfolded alpha-synuclein in the brain. By utilizing advanced cellular models, the research will investigate the mechanisms behind alpha-synuclein propagation and clearance, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies. The principal investigator, Kassandra Scholz, will develop skills in neuroscience research to contribute to this important field.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or slow down neurodegeneration in patients with Parkinson's Disease and related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of proteins in neurodegenerative diseases, 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: Scholz, Kasandra J — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Scholz, Kasandra J
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.