Understanding how manganese exposure affects brain health through a specific protein
Official title: Mechanism of Manganese-induced neurotoxicity via microglial Leucine Rich Repeat Kinase 2 (LRRK2)
Funded at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical Univ · NIH-11130601 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how long-term exposure to manganese might affect brain health and contribute to symptoms like Parkinson's disease, focusing on a specific protein that could help us understand the risks of environmental toxins for people with neurological issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida Agricultural and Mechanical Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tallahassee, United States) |
| Project start | June 6, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $682,698 |
| NIH project number | 1R01ES036670-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11130601 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with chronic exposure to manganese, particularly those in occupational settings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to manganese or do not exhibit neurological symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of chronic manganese exposure on brain health, particularly focusing on a protein called Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2). The study aims to uncover the mechanisms by which manganese induces neurotoxicity, which can lead to symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease. By examining how manganese influences LRRK2 activity and its role in microglial responses, the research seeks to clarify the relationship between environmental toxins and neurological disorders. Patients may benefit from insights into how to mitigate risks associated with manganese exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for manganese-induced neurological diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the role of LRRK2 in neurotoxicity can lead to significant advancements in treating related neurological conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical Univ
Tallahassee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Eun Sook Yu — Florida Agricultural and Mechanical Univ
- Study coordinator: Lee, Eun Sook Yu
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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.