Protecting Brain Cells from Dopamine Toxicity
Vesicular modulation of dopamine neuron toxicity
This research explores how dopamine, an important brain chemical, can sometimes become toxic and lead to conditions like Parkinson's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11004693 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Dopamine is essential for brain function, but if it's not stored properly within brain cells, it can become harmful. This improper storage can cause damage to brain cells that looks very similar to what happens in Parkinson's disease. Our team has found a specific protein, SV2C, that plays a key role in keeping dopamine safely stored inside these cells. We believe SV2C helps protect brain cells from this dopamine-related damage, and we are working to understand exactly how it does this.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with Parkinson's disease or those at risk might eventually benefit from this foundational understanding of brain cell protection.
Not a fit: Individuals without conditions related to dopamine neuron toxicity would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for protecting brain cells and developing treatments for Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous findings from this and other laboratories have shown that improper dopamine storage can lead to neurodegeneration, and a key protein involved has been identified in Parkinson's disease.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Gary W — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Miller, Gary W
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 below.