Understanding Brain Receptors in Parkinson's Disease
Simultaneous PET/phMR studies on interplay of mGlu/dopamine receptors in PD-like neurodegeneration
This project aims to better understand how brain chemicals interact in Parkinson's disease to help develop new ways to diagnose and treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11118922 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are exploring the complex ways different brain chemicals, like dopamine and glutamate, communicate in areas affected by Parkinson's disease. By using advanced imaging techniques, we hope to see how these chemicals interact and what goes wrong when nerve cells begin to degenerate. This deeper understanding could lead to more personalized treatments that reduce side effects and potentially even prevent the disease. Our goal is to uncover new targets for medications that can restore balance in the brain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit individuals living with Parkinson's disease in the future.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options would not directly benefit from this early-stage foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to improved diagnostic tools and new drug treatments for Parkinson's disease that are more effective and have fewer side effects.
How similar studies have performed: This project is inspired by a previous clinical trial's failure, suggesting a novel approach to better understand the underlying mechanisms before developing new treatments.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brownell, Anna-Liisa — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Brownell, Anna-Liisa
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.