Role of Prokineticin 2 in Mn Neurotoxicity and Brain Health
Official title: Role of Prokineticin 2 in Metal Neurotoxicity
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-11468688 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist-led study will explore how a brain chemical called prokineticin 2 responds to manganese exposure and what that means for movement, thinking, and smell problems in people who may be exposed to manganese.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | January 25, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2027 |
| Award (this year) | $342,957 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES034196-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11468688 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with occupational or environmental manganese exposure or those at risk of Mn-related neurotoxicity, though this grant does not enroll patients itself.
✕Less likely to help
People without manganese exposure are unlikely to directly benefit from this basic science study.
What this research studies
This project investigates how manganese exposure affects the brain’s basal ganglia and how the peptide prokineticin 2 may act as a protective signal in early neurotoxicity. Using in vitro experiments and animal models, the team will track PK2 changes in regions linked to movement, mood, and olfactory function, aiming to map a potential protective mechanism. The findings could help identify targets for preventing or mitigating manganese-related motor and cognitive symptoms. The research focuses on translating basic observations into clues about human brain health in the context of environmental exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could uncover new strategies to protect brain function in people exposed to manganese and guide future therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows PK2 changes during neurotoxicity, suggesting a plausible, yet still exploratory, protective role.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kanthasamy, Anumantha Gounder — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Kanthasamy, Anumantha Gounder
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.