Understanding Brain Cell Communication in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's
Official title: Mechanisms of Synaptic Dysfunction in Parkinson s and Other Synuclein-Linked Diseases
Funded at Marine Biological Laboratory · NIH-10694576 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research aims to understand how a protein called alpha-synuclein harms brain cell connections in conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, hoping to find ways to fix these problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Marine Biological Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Woods Hole, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2012 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $616,013 |
| NIH project number | 4R01NS078165-13 |
| Project ID | NIH-10694576 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is for anyone interested in the underlying causes of Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia, and Alzheimer's disease, as it seeks to understand the basic biology of these conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate clinical trials or direct treatment options would not directly benefit from this basic science research.
What this research studies
Many brain conditions, including Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia, and some types of Alzheimer's, are linked to a protein called alpha-synuclein building up in brain cells. This buildup particularly affects the connections between brain cells, known as synapses, which are crucial for thinking and memory. We want to discover exactly how alpha-synuclein damages these connections, as current treatments don't address this specific issue. By understanding these detailed processes, we hope to develop new strategies to restore healthy brain cell communication.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that improve thinking, memory, and overall brain function for people living with Parkinson's, Lewy body dementia, and Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Our lab has made initial discoveries in this area, which have been supported by findings in other studies, suggesting a promising path forward.
Where this research is happening
-
Marine Biological Laboratory
Woods Hole, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morgan, Jennifer Rebecca — Marine Biological Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Morgan, Jennifer Rebecca
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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.