Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection in Parkinson's Disease
Mayo Clinic Consortium for Gut Brain Communication in Parkinson's Disease
This work explores how gut health and environmental factors might be linked to Parkinson's disease, especially focusing on constipation, in people living with the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11172514 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are looking into how environmental factors and genetics might lead to changes in the gut, like inflammation and the buildup of a protein called alpha-synuclein, which then affects the brain. Our goal is to understand how these changes in the gut and brain contribute to symptoms like constipation in people with Parkinson's disease. We will compare people with Parkinson's who experience constipation, those who don't, and healthy individuals to find unique patterns. This includes looking at how the brain and gut communicate, examining biological markers, and studying environmental exposures. By bringing together experts from different fields, we hope to uncover new insights into the disease process.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this type of research would include individuals with Parkinson's disease, both with and without constipation, as well as healthy volunteers.
Not a fit: Patients whose condition is not related to Parkinson's disease or gut-brain communication may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to identify people at risk for Parkinson's disease earlier and develop better treatments for both gut and brain symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Previous population studies have shown a link between constipation and Parkinson's disease, and this work builds on those findings with a novel, integrated approach.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bharucha, Adil E. — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Bharucha, Adil E.
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.