Understanding brain inflammation in multiple system atrophy
Official title: Interferon-gamma mediates neuroinflammation, demyelination, and neurodegeneration in a mouse model of multiple system atrophy (MSA)
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11144952 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how a specific immune signal, interferon-gamma, contributes to brain damage in multiple system atrophy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | July 20, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $86,190 |
| NIH project number | 5K00NS129106-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11144952 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is relevant to individuals living with multiple system atrophy, as it seeks to understand the underlying disease mechanisms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients currently seeking direct treatment or clinical trial participation will not find immediate benefit from this basic science project.
What this research studies
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a serious brain disease where a protein called alpha-synuclein builds up, leading to inflammation and damage to nerve coverings. We know that immune cells called T cells are involved, releasing a signal called interferon-gamma. This project aims to understand exactly how interferon-gamma causes inflammation and nerve damage in MSA. By studying its role, we hope to uncover new ways to protect the brain from this progressive disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets for treatments that slow down or stop the progression of multiple system atrophy by reducing harmful brain inflammation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that inflammation and T cells are present in the brains of MSA patients, and preliminary results from this team suggest interferon-gamma plays a key role.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Corbin-Stein, Nicole — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Corbin-Stein, Nicole
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Integrated MRI biomarkers to diagnose and monitor multiple system atrophy
This project will help doctors use MRI markers to better diagnose multiple system atrophy and track how the disease progresses.
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Clinical Trial Readiness for Multiple System Atrophy
A multi-center study to help people with multiple system atrophy by creating better clinical and biological measures to use in future drug trials.
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Single-cell brain profiling to map MSA cell changes
Researchers will map gene activity in individual brain cells from people who had multiple system atrophy to understand how the disease affects cells in key brain regions.
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Investigating how inflammation caused by alpha-synuclein affects multiple system atrophy
This study is looking at how inflammation affects multiple system atrophy (MSA) and aims to understand how the immune system might play a role in the disease, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with MSA.
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Single-cell gene map of brains from people with multiple system atrophy
This project reads gene activity in individual brain cells from people with multiple system atrophy to find cell-specific changes linked to the disease.
-
Identifying biomarkers for multiple system atrophy using gene expression analysis
This study is looking at how multiple system atrophy (MSA) affects brain cells by examining changes in their genes, and it aims to find new ways to diagnose and treat the condition, with opportunities for patients to help by sharing samples.
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.