Understanding how certain brain cells are affected in Parkinson's disease
Cortical Neuronal Vulnerability in Parkinson's Disease
This study is looking at how certain brain cells are affected by a harmful protein in people with Parkinson's disease, to find out which cells are stronger or weaker against this damage, and the results could help us better understand how the disease progresses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Van Andel Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Rapids, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11165826 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the vulnerability of different types of neurons in the brain of patients with Parkinson's disease, focusing on the accumulation of misfolded alpha-synuclein proteins. By using advanced techniques like spatial transcriptomics, the study aims to identify which neurons are more resilient or susceptible to damage caused by these protein aggregates. The findings could help in understanding the cellular dysfunctions that lead to the progression of the disease. This project also emphasizes the development of skills in bioinformatics and genomics to enhance future research in neurodegenerative diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who are experiencing motor function decline.
Not a fit: Patients with Parkinson's disease who are in the advanced stages of the disease or those with other neurological disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights that may inform the development of targeted therapies for Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neuronal vulnerability in neurodegenerative diseases, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Grand Rapids, United States
- Van Andel Research Institute — Grand Rapids, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goralski, Thomas — Van Andel Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Goralski, Thomas
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 below.