Understanding Gut and Brain Connections in Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson Disease Neural Circuitry and Gastrointestinal Pathobiology
This project explores how changes in the gut and brain are connected in people with Parkinson's disease, especially focusing on digestive issues and brain function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11090509 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people with Parkinson's disease experience digestive problems, sometimes even before motor symptoms appear. This project aims to understand the complex links between these gut issues and changes in the brain. We are looking at how certain protein clumps, called alpha-synuclein, might travel from the gut to the brain, and how this relates to brain circuits, dopamine levels, and the gut's own nervous system. We will also examine the gut microbiome and protein changes in the digestive lining to get a full picture of these connections in people with Parkinson's. This is the first comprehensive look at these mechanisms in different groups of human patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be individuals with Parkinson's disease who experience gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as those in early stages of the disease or at risk.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have Parkinson's disease or related gastrointestinal symptoms may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to identify Parkinson's disease earlier and develop better treatments for both digestive and cognitive symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: While some studies have explored individual aspects of gut-brain connection in Parkinson's, this project is novel in its multidisciplinary approach to characterize multiple mechanistic roles in human patients.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Camilleri, Michael L. — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Camilleri, Michael L.
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.