Using brain cell signals to predict inflammation in Parkinson's disease
Official title: Using Peripheral Microglial Exosomes to predict brain inflammation in the human Parkinson’s brain
Funded at Arizona State University-Tempe Campus · NIH-10931366 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny particles from brain immune cells in the blood and spinal fluid of people with Parkinson's disease to see if they can help predict brain inflammation and understand how the disease progresses, which could lead to better treatments for you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arizona State University-Tempe Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tempe, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $215,150 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS128151-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931366 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who may be experiencing symptoms related to brain inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease or those with other neurological conditions unrelated to inflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates whether microglial extracellular vesicles, which are tiny particles shed by brain immune cells, can be detected in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid of individuals with Parkinson's disease. By analyzing these vesicles, the study aims to develop a method for predicting brain inflammation associated with neurodegeneration. This could provide insights into the disease's progression and help tailor treatments for patients. The approach involves advanced techniques like RNA sequencing to characterize the vesicles and understand their role in inflammation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a reliable method for monitoring brain inflammation in Parkinson's patients, potentially improving treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using extracellular vesicles as biomarkers for various diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights in the context of Parkinson's disease.
Where this research is happening
-
Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
Tempe, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mastroeni, Diego F — Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
- Study coordinator: Mastroeni, Diego F
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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.