Understanding how environmental factors affect brain inflammation and degeneration in Parkinson's disease
Official title: Deciphering innate immune signaling mechanisms in glial cells linking lifetime environmental exposures to neuroinflammation, protein aggregation and neurodegeneration in Parkinsons disease
Funded at Colorado State University · NIH-11064829 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how things in our environment, like pesticides and heavy metals, might affect brain cells and lead to Parkinson's disease, helping patients understand how their past exposures could influence their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project start | June 12, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,093,345 |
| NIH project number | 5R35ES035043-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064829 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of environmental exposures and those at risk for developing Parkinson's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been diagnosed with advanced Parkinson's disease may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how environmental exposures, such as pesticides and heavy metals, contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease (PD) by affecting glial cells in the brain. It aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that trigger inflammation in these cells, which is believed to play a crucial role in the onset of PD. By using advanced genetic models and molecular techniques, the study seeks to clarify how these environmental factors influence the progression from early symptoms to full-blown disease. Patients may gain insights into how their lifetime exposures could impact their neurological health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Parkinson's disease by targeting environmental risk factors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of environmental factors in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tjalkens, Ronald — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Tjalkens, Ronald
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Gut-brain clues in Parkinson’s disease: supplement to a large registry
A plant-wide supplement to an NIH program will enroll people with Parkinson’s, with and without GI symptoms, plus healthy controls, to study how gut function, brain signals, and sleep rhythms relate to Parkinson’s symptoms.
-
Gut-brain connections in Parkinson’s disease: how the gut and environment shape symptoms
A Mayo Clinic team is studying how gut problems, environmental factors, and genetics together influence Parkinson’s disease and its GI symptoms to find biomarkers and better understanding of the disease.
-
Gut-brain communication in Parkinson’s disease for better symptoms and daily life
This project enrolls people with Parkinson’s disease and healthy controls to build a big registry and study how gut function, brain signals, sleep, and circadian rhythms relate to PD symptoms.
-
Gut microbiome and Parkinson's disease: how gut bugs relate to symptoms and progression
A multi-year study will look at gut bacteria and related markers in people with Parkinson’s disease to understand how the gut-brain connection may influence symptoms and progression.
-
Gut-Brain Axis in Parkinson’s Disease: biomarkers and procedures to track progression
A patient-focused program to study how gut health and the brain interact in Parkinson’s disease using biomarkers and clinical procedures.
-
How air pollution, weather, and green spaces affect Parkinson’s symptoms in older adults
This project looks at whether everyday environmental factors like air quality, temperature, and access to parks worsen or improve Parkinson’s symptoms in people aged 65 and up.
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.