Understanding how a specific protein modification affects diseases like Parkinson's and dementia.
Official title: Causes and Downstream Effects of 14-3-3 Phosphorylation in Synucleinopathies
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11001437 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein called 14-3-3θ might help protect the brain from damage caused by a harmful protein linked to Parkinson's Disease and Dementia with Lewy bodies, and it hopes to find new ways to treat these conditions by examining brain samples from patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $42,629 |
| NIH project number | 5F31ES034986-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001437 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease or Dementia with Lewy bodies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or neurodegenerative diseases unrelated to synucleinopathies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of 14-3-3 phosphorylation in synucleinopathies, particularly focusing on Parkinson's Disease and Dementia with Lewy bodies. The study aims to understand how the phosphorylation of the 14-3-3θ protein influences its protective functions against the toxic effects of alpha-synuclein aggregation. By examining brain samples from patients, the researchers will explore the mechanisms behind this phosphorylation and its impact on disease progression. The findings could lead to new insights into potential therapeutic targets for these neurodegenerative conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating or preventing the progression of Parkinson's Disease and Dementia with Lewy bodies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of protein modifications in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pair, Frank Sanders — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Pair, Frank Sanders
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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.