Understanding how lipid metabolism affects protein aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases
Official title: Investigating the role of lipid metabolism in protein aggregation and neurodegenerative disease progression
Funded at Seattle Inst for Biomedical/clinical Res · NIH-10990515 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific gene mutation related to Parkinson's disease affects fat processing in the body and how this might speed up the spread of harmful proteins in the brain, using fruit flies, mice, and human cells to help find new ways to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Seattle Inst for Biomedical/clinical Res NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2020 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $318,592 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS119897-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10990515 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with genetic mutations related to glucosidase beta acid 1 (GBA) and those diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without neurodegenerative diseases or those not carrying relevant genetic mutations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of lipid metabolism, particularly focusing on a gene mutation associated with Parkinson's disease, in the spread of protein aggregates that contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. By utilizing models from fruit flies, mice, and human neuronal cell cultures, the study aims to uncover how deficiencies in lipid metabolism can accelerate the progression of these diseases. The research will explore the mechanisms by which these aggregates move between cells, which is crucial for understanding disease progression and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for slowing down or preventing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of lipid metabolism in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Seattle Inst for Biomedical/clinical Res
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davis, Marie Ynez — Seattle Inst for Biomedical/clinical Res
- Study coordinator: Davis, Marie Ynez
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.