## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Resources & Support](/resources-support) - [Parkinson's Today Blog](/resources-support/blog) ## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Resources & Support](/resources-support) - [Parkinson's Today Blog](/resources-support/blog) Advancing Research # Investigating the Role of Lipids in Parkinson's May 27, 2019 ![Scientist in a lab](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/rolelipids-blogprev.png?itok=hWvU6CkK) Over the next three years the Parkinson’s Foundation will invest more than $50 million to Parkinson’s disease (PD) research and clinical care. At the heart of our research initiatives are scientists and researchers who have received Foundation awards to improve our understanding of Parkinson’s, which will ultimately lead us to a cure. Much of our understanding of Parkinson’s disease comes from [**genetic**](/understanding-parkinsons/causes/genetics "Genetics & Parkinson's") studies. The most [**common genetic changes**](/understanding-parkinsons/causes/genetics/understanding-genetics "Understanding Genetics") linked to Parkinson’s occur in the *GBA* gene. The role of *GBA* in cells is to break down complex lipids in the cell’s “recycling bin,” the lysosome. ![Roy Alcalay headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/Roy_Alcalay-2025_0.jpg?itok=MEaccia-) Roy N. Alcalay, MD, MS, is a **Stanley Fahn Junior Faculty Awardee** at Columbia University Medical Center who received a Parkinson’s Foundation grant to identify the parts of lipid metabolism that are most affected by Parkinson’s and to find potential drug targets to correct them. With cutting-edge technology, Dr. Alcalay’s research will measure 520 lipids in blood samples from people with Parkinson’s and from people without the disease. In people who carry Parkinson’s-related mutations in the *GBA* or alpha-synuclein genes, we will test if altered lipid levels are linked to Parkinson’s [diagnosis](/understanding-parkinsons/getting-diagnosed "Getting Diagnosed"). Dr. Alcalay’s research will also analyze 600 people with Parkinson’s and 400 without the disease, testing for genetic changes in 32 genes involved with lipid metabolism. His team will look at the relationship between lipid levels and the activities of lysosome enzymes, also assessing genetic changes in the enzymes’ genes. Our hope is that Dr. Alcalay’s and his team can identify novel drug targets and biomarkers for Parkinson’s that will improve diagnosis and treatment of the disease. *The Parkinson's Foundation Stanley Fahn Junior Faculty Award helps ensure promising early career scientists stay in the PD [research](/advancing-research "Advancing Research") *field. This award provides junior investigators the support they need to develop their own independent funding source.* **What's Next: Reporting Our Findings** Parkinson’s Foundation research awards fund Parkinson’s studies than can span up to three years. Scientists submit yearly progress reports to the Parkinson’s Foundation, and we report findings once the studies have concluded. Stay up to date with our latest research findings at [**Parkinson.org/Blog**](/resources-support/blog "Parkinson's Today Blog"). ## Related Blog Posts ![Woman working from home with family in the background](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/2026-science-news-6-blog-hero.jpg?h=ed9ce7df&itok=FfSOrcf_) Science News ### [ Early-Onset Parkinson’s in Younger Adults Is Rising Worldwide, Global Study Finds ](/blog/science-news/early-onset-parkinsons-rising) READ NOW ![Neurologists looking at brain scans](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/sn-5-2026-preview.jpg?h=9105c3fe&itok=XlXeezsl) Science News ### [ Two New Studies Show Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation May Improve Walking in Parkinson’s ](/blog/science-news/adaptive-deep-brain-stimulation) READ NOW ![Researcher looking at brain scan](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/sn4-blog-2026-preview.jpg?h=9105c3fe&itok=AVvAsXIy) Science News ### [ New Molecule Designed to Block the Protein Buildup Behind Parkinson's ](/blog/science-news/new-molecule-sk-129) READ NOW [VIEW ALL BLOGS](/resources-support/blog) ### Subscribe for the latest news - Share on Facebook - Share on X - Share on LinkedIn