Understanding how α-synuclein affects brain wiring in Parkinson’s and related diseases
Official title: Mechanisms of Synaptic Dysfunction in Parkinson s and Other Synuclein-Linked Diseases
Funded at Marine Biological Laboratory · NIH-11361536 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how clumps of a protein called α-synuclein disrupt communication between brain cells in conditions like Parkinson’s disease, DLB, and some forms of Alzheimer’s, with the aim of finding ways to reverse the damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Marine Biological Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Woods Hole, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2012 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $575,609 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS078165-14 |
| Project ID | NIH-11361536 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people with Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, or Alzheimer’s disease variants where α-synuclein pathology is present, potentially benefiting from future therapies targeting synaptic function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without synuclein-related brain changes or participation in future clinical trials may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
The project uses a model system based on lamprey neurons to explore how α-synuclein build-up at synapses interferes with synaptic vesicle trafficking and endocytosis. It builds on prior findings that excess α-synuclein can block synaptic recycling, and that different forms of the protein have distinct effects. By uncovering the cellular and molecular mechanisms, the work aims to identify strategies to restore normal synaptic function in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to treatments that improve communication between brain cells and slow or reverse cognitive symptoms in patients with PD, DLB, and related Alzheimer’s variants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using α-synuclein models have demonstrated that modulating synaptic endocytosis can affect function, supporting a translational path though further work is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Marine Biological Laboratory
Woods Hole, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morgan, Jennifer Rebecca — Marine Biological Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Morgan, Jennifer Rebecca
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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.