Investigating how trichloroethylene exposure affects Parkinson's disease development

The role of lysosomal impairment in trichloroethylene induced Parkinsonian neurodegeneration

NIH-funded research University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11041139

This study is looking at how being around a chemical called trichloroethylene (TCE) might be linked to developing Parkinson's disease, and it hopes to find new ways to prevent or treat the condition by understanding how TCE affects brain health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Birmingham, United States)
Project IDNIH-11041139 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the connection between exposure to the chemical trichloroethylene (TCE) and the development of Parkinson's disease (PD). It focuses on how TCE impairs the autophagy-lysosomal pathway, leading to the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the brain, which is a hallmark of PD. By studying the mechanisms of this impairment, the research aims to uncover how environmental factors contribute to neurodegeneration. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new prevention or treatment strategies for PD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 who have been exposed to trichloroethylene or are at risk for developing Parkinson's disease.

Not a fit: Patients who have not been exposed to environmental contaminants or do not have a risk for Parkinson's disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new understanding and potential therapeutic targets for preventing or treating Parkinson's disease linked to environmental exposures.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that environmental toxins can influence neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Birmingham, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions aging associated diseaseaging associated disordersaging related diseaseaging related disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.