Protein buildup and loss of brain chemicals in Parkinson's disease
Protein Aggregation and Neurotransmitter Deficits in Parkinson Disease
This project examines how sticky proteins and the loss of key brain chemicals relate to thinking, memory, and movement problems in people with Parkinson's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11128768 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From the patient's viewpoint, researchers follow people with Parkinson's over time, tracking thinking, behavior, and walking. When participants die, the team analyzes frozen brain tissue to measure clumps of alpha-synuclein, amyloid-beta, tau, and signs of lost nerve endings. They also map loss of dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine projections across many brain regions. The goal is to link these brain changes to the symptoms people experienced while alive.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who can take part in long-term clinical visits and are willing to consent to brain donation are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without Parkinson's disease or those unwilling to join long-term follow-up or donate brain tissue would not directly benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify what brain changes cause dementia in Parkinson's and point toward better tests or treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Prior autopsy studies have linked alpha-synuclein and other protein deposits to dementia in Parkinson's, but combining broad neurotransmitter and synaptic measurements across many regions is a more comprehensive approach.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kotzbauer, Paul T — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Kotzbauer, Paul T
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.