Understanding when Parkinson's disease mutations start causing problems in mice
Official title: Determining the critical time window of action of Parkinson mutant alpha synuclein expression in mice
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11017832 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in genes linked to Parkinson's disease affect the brain and body in mice at different ages, which could help us spot early signs of the disease and understand how it develops.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $204,688 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS126731-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017832 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a family history of Parkinson's disease or those experiencing early symptoms such as sleep disturbances or anosmia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Parkinson's disease or those who do not have any genetic predisposition to the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the timeline of how mutations associated with Parkinson's disease affect the brain and body in mice. By studying these mutations, the researchers aim to determine if there is a critical period during which these mutations lead to significant neurological changes. The approach involves using mouse models that express these mutations at different life stages to observe the resulting effects on behavior and brain function. This could help identify early signs of Parkinson's disease and improve understanding of its progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and intervention strategies for Parkinson's disease, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown that understanding the timing of genetic mutations can significantly impact disease progression, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mccallion, Andrew S — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Mccallion, Andrew S
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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.