Understanding how abnormal proteins affect nerve cell communication in neurodegenerative diseases
Official title: Mechanisms of Endosomal Dysfunction at Synapses in A-Synuclein Pathology
Funded at Marine Biological Laboratory · NIH-10878887 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different types of a protein called α-synuclein, which is linked to conditions like Parkinson's and Dementia with Lewy Bodies, affect how nerve cells communicate with each other, using a simple model to help find new ways to treat these diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Marine Biological Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Woods Hole, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $124,269 |
| NIH project number | 5K99NS126575-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10878887 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 types of neurodegenerative disorders that do not involve α-synuclein pathology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of different forms of α-synuclein, a protein linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Dementia with Lewy Bodies, in disrupting the normal functioning of nerve cell communication. By using a lamprey synapse model, researchers will introduce specific forms of α-synuclein directly into synapses to observe their effects on endosomal trafficking, which is crucial for nerve cell function. The study aims to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind these disruptions, potentially leading to new insights into treatment strategies for these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms behind neurodegenerative diseases, paving the way for more effective treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that investigating the effects of protein aggregation on cellular processes can yield significant insights, suggesting that this approach may also be fruitful.
Where this research is happening
-
Marine Biological Laboratory
Woods Hole, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roman-Vendrell, Cristina — Marine Biological Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Roman-Vendrell, Cristina
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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.