Understanding Brain Cell Connections in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
Dendrite regulation by the mitochondrial kinase PINK1: Implications for PD/LBD
This project explores how a specific protein called PINK1 helps maintain healthy connections between brain cells, which is important for conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11139509 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
In diseases like Alzheimer's and Lewy body dementia, brain cells lose important connections, which affects memory and thinking. This project looks at a protein called PINK1, which is known to be involved in Parkinson's disease and is also found in lower levels in some dementia patients. We want to understand how PINK1 helps brain cells form and maintain these vital connections. Specifically, we are focusing on how PINK1 affects the tiny powerhouses within brain cells, called mitochondria, and their movement to support these connections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients living with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or Lewy body dementia, and their families, may find this fundamental research relevant to their conditions.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to neurodegenerative diseases or the specific brain cell mechanisms being studied here would not directly benefit from this particular research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could uncover new ways to protect brain cell connections and develop new treatments for dementias like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team has already identified a new pathway where PINK1 helps brain cells form connections and found that a lack of PINK1 reduces these connections.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chu, Charleen T — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Chu, Charleen 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.