Understanding how genes and environment affect Parkinson's disease
An in vivo multiplex model to study gene-environment interaction in Parkinson's Disease
This project explores how a person's genes and their environment might combine to influence the risk and progression of Parkinson's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11121078 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project aims to understand how genetic factors and environmental exposures work together to cause Parkinson's disease. Researchers are using a special model that combines human alpha-synuclein protein with specific genetic changes in fruit flies, exposing them to environmental factors like rotenone. They are also using human brain cells grown from stem cells (iPSC-derived neurons) to further examine these complex interactions. The goal is to uncover new ways that genes and the environment influence the disease. Ultimately, this work could help identify new targets for future medications.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients living with Parkinson's disease, particularly those with a family history or specific genetic risk factors, could potentially benefit from future treatments developed from this research.
Not a fit: Individuals who do not have Parkinson's disease would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets for medications that might slow or prevent Parkinson's disease by addressing gene-environment interactions.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of gene-environment interactions in Parkinson's disease is recognized, this project uses a novel multiplex model to explore these complex relationships in a new way.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sarkar, Souvarish — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Sarkar, Souvarish
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.