NIH-funded research Career grant

RNA Regulation in Striatal Neurons and Parkinson's Disease

Official title: RNA Regulation in Medium Spiny Neurons of the Striatum in Parkinson's Disease

Funded at Rockefeller University · NIH-11382246 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A clinician-researcher is studying how RNA-binding problems in specific brain cells may contribute to Parkinson's disease symptoms, with potential implications for future treatments.

More s Disease research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRockefeller University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2025
Project endJuly 31, 2030
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$220,260
NIH project number5K08NS144598-02
Project IDNIH-11382246 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Patients with Parkinson’s disease or related striatal dysfunction may indirectly benefit as the findings could guide future therapies affecting STRIATAL signaling.

Less likely to help

People without Parkinson’s disease or related striatal disorders may not directly benefit from these basic science investigations.

What this research studies

This project looks at how RNA-binding proteins in the striatum of the brain affect communication signals that control movement. By focusing on the D1 and D2 neuron subtypes, researchers will examine how abnormal RNA splicing changes the way glutamate and dopamine signals are processed. The study centers on ELAVL3, a protein that influences RNA splicing and is altered in Parkinson’s disease, to see if this leads to dysfunctional signaling in patients. The investigators will use cellular and animal models to explore cell-type specific mechanisms that could eventually point to new therapeutic targets.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets to restore proper signaling in brain circuits affected by Parkinson’s disease.

How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that RNA-binding proteins can alter splicing and neuronal signaling, supporting the feasibility of this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Rockefeller University
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Irmady, Krithi — Rockefeller University
  • Study coordinator: Irmady, Krithi

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.