Latest research projects
Vital new projects are getting underway in 2011 which will bring
us closer to a cure for Parkinson's.
These exciting new studies focus on why nerve cells die in
Parkinson's, and pioneering new treatments to improve the
lives of people with the condition.
Studying nicotine's potential to treat Parkinson's
Dr Stephanie Cragg, University of
Oxford- £142,451 over 2 years
- Start date: tbc
- Project grant: G-1103
Stephanie's research has shown that nicotine affects how nerve
cells release dopamine. Her new project will explore how nicotine
boosts dopamine release, and will hopefully lead to new treatments
for people with Parkinson's.
Studying nicotine's
potential to treat Parkinson's - research project summary (PDF,
170KB)
Understanding the role of the Fbxo7 gene in Parkinson's
Professor Dario Alessi, University of Dundee- £145,600 over 3 years
- Start date: October 2011
- PhD studentship: H-1101
Changes in the Fbxo7 gene are linked to early onset forms of
Parkinson's. So understanding what Fbxo7 does will help us
understand why nerve cells die and help us develop better
treatments for Parkinson's.
Understanding the role of the Fbxo7
gene in Parkinson's - research project summary (PDF,155KB)
Linking alpha-synuclein to Parkinson's
Professor Maria Grazia Spillantini,
University of Cambridge- £127,997 over 2 years
- Start date: October 2011
- Project grant: G-1102
Maria's project is investigating what the protein
alpha-synuclein does inside nerve cells. Alpha-synuclein may be the
key to Parkinson's because it forms sticky clumps that clog up the
cells affected in people with the condition.
Linking alpha-synuclein to
Parkinson's - research project summary (PDF, 170KB)
Targeting brain rhythms to find better treatments for
Parkinson's
Dr Ian Stanford, Aston University- £177,578 over 3 years
- Start date: September 2011
- Project grant: G-1008
Ian wants to know if zolpidem - a drug used for the treatment of
insomnia - can reduce beta activity in the brain (which is
abnormally high in people with Parkinson's). This could have
exciting potential as a new treatment.
Targeting brain rhythms to find
better treatments for Parkinson's - research project summary (PDF,
170KB)
Improving the way we replace the nerve cells lost in
Parkinson's
Professor
Anne Rosser, Cardiff University- £184,787 over 3 years
- Start date: August 2011
- Project grant: G-1105
Stem cell transplants have great potential as a future cure for
Parkinson's - but there are still lots of challenges. Anne aims to
find ways to help transplanted nerve cells survive and work
properly once they're inside the Parkinson's brain.
Improving the way we replace
the nerve cells lost in Parkinson's - research project summary
(PDF, 168KB)
What is the link between Gaucher's disease and Parkinson's?
Professor Anthony Schapira, Institute of Neurology,
London- £333,229 over 3 years
- Start date: July 2011
- Project grant: G-1104
People who have a genetic condition called Gaucher's disease are
more likely to develop Parkinson's. Anthony wants to know why and
will investigate the genetics involved in both conditions.
What is the link between
Gaucher's disease and Parkinson's? - research project summary (PDF,
100KB)
The development of Parkinson's in the brain
Dr Roger Barker, University of Cambridge- £247,868 over 3 years
- Start date: June 2011
- Project grant: G-1011
Roger's project will study how the death of nerve cells spreads
from one part of the brain to another in Parkinson's. Hopefully
this will help identify ways to prevent it and halt the progression
of the condition.
The development of Parkinson's
in the brain - research project summary (PDF, 165KB)
How you can help
We are closer than ever to finding a cure, but we need your
help.
All our research is totally dependent on voluntary
donations.
- email
-
Share