New alpha-synuclein strains linked to brain disease patterns
Official title: Effect of fibril structure on the disease pathogenesis of a novel alpha-synuclein strain
Funded at Colorado State University · NIH-11464915 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how different shapes of a protein called alpha-synuclein relate to brain diseases like Parkinson’s and related disorders, with findings that there may be multiple disease-causing forms in a single patient.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project start | September 3, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $635,317 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS151727-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11464915 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients whose brain tissue or biofluids show alpha-synuclein strains, or who have clinical features of synucleinopathies, may contribute samples in future parts of the work.
✕Less likely to help
People without synucleinopathy-related conditions or without access to relevant samples may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores how varying structures of alpha-synuclein fibrils influence disease pathways in central synucleinopathies. Using cryo-electron microscopy, the team will compare known and novel alpha-synuclein strains found in patient samples to understand why diseases like Parkinson’s and MSA differ in their progression. The work aims to connect specific molecular structures to distinct clinical outcomes, potentially guiding future therapies. The study is based at Colorado State University and involves advanced imaging and molecular analysis to link brain pathology with protein structure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could help tailor future treatments based on the exact alpha-synuclein strain present in a patient.
How similar studies have gone: Prior cryo-EM studies have linked different alpha-synuclein structures to disease groups, but mixed or novel strains remain a new area needing confirmation.
Where this research is happening
-
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Woerman, Amanda L. — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Woerman, Amanda L.
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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.