Understanding how manganese exposure affects brain health and potential protective treatments.

Mechanisms associated with neuroprotection from Mn-induced neurotoxicity.

NIH-funded research Florida Agricultural and Mechanical Univ · NIH-11097142

This study is looking at how manganese exposure can harm the brain and lead to problems like Parkinson's disease, and it’s exploring whether a protein called REST, boosted by certain compounds like tamoxifen, can help protect brain cells from this damage, which could lead to new treatments for people with neurodegenerative diseases.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionFlorida Agricultural and Mechanical Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tallahassee, United States)
Project IDNIH-11097142 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the harmful effects of manganese exposure on the brain, particularly how it can lead to neurological disorders similar to Parkinson's disease. The study focuses on the role of a specific protein, REST, which may help protect brain cells from damage caused by manganese. By exploring how estrogen-like compounds, such as tamoxifen, can enhance the expression of REST, the research aims to uncover new ways to prevent or mitigate brain injury from manganese toxicity. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults exposed to high levels of manganese or those at risk for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's.

Not a fit: Patients who are not exposed to manganese or do not have neurodegenerative conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for protecting brain health in individuals exposed to manganese.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using estrogenic compounds for neuroprotection, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results.

Where this research is happening

Tallahassee, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Alzheimer's disease patientAnimal Disease Models
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.