Understanding how a brain protein affects immune responses
Official title: Determining the mechanism of alpha-synuclein dependent innate immune responses in the brain
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10820430 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called alpha-synuclein, which is connected to Parkinson's disease, affects the brain's ability to fight off infections and inflammation, and it's for anyone interested in understanding more about how we can better treat neurodegenerative diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | September 2, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $300,395 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS123431-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10820430 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with neurodegenerative diseases, particularly those with Parkinson's disease or related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute infections or non-neurological conditions may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of alpha-synuclein, a protein linked to Parkinson's disease, in the brain's immune responses. It aims to uncover how this protein influences the signaling pathways that help protect neurons from infections and inflammation. By using advanced techniques like induced pluripotent stem cells and CRISPR technology, the researchers will explore the mechanisms by which alpha-synuclein modulates immune signaling in the central nervous system. This could lead to new insights into neurodegenerative diseases and their treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases by enhancing our understanding of immune responses in the brain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses in the brain, but this specific approach focusing on alpha-synuclein is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beckham, John David — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Beckham, John David
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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.