This Project Grant award, funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) under the Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders (CFDA 93.853) program, supports research to explore the influence of neuromelanin on dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease. The $616,200 award to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) will leverage expertise across three established labs to investigate how the progressive accumulation of neuromelanin in dopamine neurons leads to disrupted cellular physiology, neuroinflammation, and ultimately neuron cell death. This includes delineating anatomical and behavioral consequences, assessing effects on neuronal excitability, and correlating electrophysiological findings with molecular phenotypes. The research will also explore the impact of L-DOPA treatment on these neuromelanin-related processes. Additionally, OMRF has subcontracted with Emory University to provide critical services, including developing the mouse model of neuromelanin formation and contributing to study design and analysis.
Generated 3/4/25, 8:28 AM