Understanding how brain cell activity affects dopamine neuron loss in Parkinson's Disease
Official title: Elucidating the Role of Neural Activity in Midbrain Dopamine Neuron Degeneration
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10901737 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in brain cell activity might make dopamine neurons more vulnerable in Parkinson's Disease, using special mouse models to find ways to help protect these important cells from damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $43,464 |
| NIH project number | 1F31NS137765-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10901737 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease who are experiencing symptoms related to dopamine neuron degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Parkinson's Disease who are in advanced stages of the disease or those with other neurological disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind the degeneration of dopamine neurons in Parkinson's Disease (PD) by examining how changes in neural activity may contribute to their vulnerability. Using innovative mouse models, the study will manipulate the activity of midbrain dopamine neurons to observe the effects on their survival and function. By exploring the relationship between dopamine metabolism and neuron activity, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic strategies to protect these critical brain cells from degeneration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow down or prevent the loss of dopamine neurons in patients with Parkinson's Disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of manipulating neural activity in this manner is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding neurodegenerative processes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rademacher, Katerina — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Rademacher, Katerina
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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.