Understanding how alpha-synuclein changes in brain diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Official title: Project II: Deciphering the Signatures of Pathological Changes on Alpha-Synuclein
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10935310 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called alpha-synuclein builds up in the brains of people with Lewy body diseases, like dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease, to help us understand how it affects thinking and memory, which could lead to better treatments for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $507,702 |
| NIH project number | 1P01AG084497-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10935310 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Lewy body diseases, including dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia that do not involve alpha-synuclein pathology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the accumulation of a protein called alpha-synuclein in the brains of patients with Lewy body diseases, including dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease. The team aims to understand how this protein interacts with other pathological features, such as amyloid plaques, which are commonly found in Alzheimer's disease. By analyzing brain samples and using advanced techniques, they hope to uncover the mechanisms behind cognitive deficits in these conditions. This could lead to better understanding and potential treatments for patients suffering from these neurodegenerative diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for patients with Alzheimer's and related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding alpha-synuclein pathology, but this specific approach of characterizing its ultrastructure in human brain samples is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Virginia M — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Lee, Virginia M
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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.