Neuro Talk: 3 Promising Developments in Parkinson’s Research

Dr. De Miranda received a Postdoctoral Fellowship for Basic Scientists to study the role environmental exposures play in the risk for developing Parkinson’s disease.

Environmental factors that are linked to increased PD risk include pesticides, such as rotenone and paraquat, and the industrial solvent trichloroethylene (TCE). These chemicals disrupt the functioning of the mitochondria, the “powerhouse” of the cell. In addition, Dr. De Miranda has found that rotenone, paraquat and TCE cause activation of the protein affected by one of the most commonly inherited PD genetic mutations, LRRK2.

Read about Dr. De Miranda’s study

Dr. Sampson received a Stanley Fahn Junior Faculty Award to understand how Parkinson’s-linked pesticides affect the gut microbiome, the complex community of bacteria and other microbes, in the intestinal tract.

Studies suggest that people with PD harbor distinct gut microbiomes. By identifying gut microbiome changes, the effects of those specific changes on the body, and interactions between environmental exposure and genetic factors, Dr. Sampson hopes to link how insecticides trigger these defects of the intestinal tract and trigger Parkinson’s symptoms.

Read about Dr. Sampson’s study

Dr. Wilkins received a Postdoctoral Fellowship for Basic Scientists to investigate how cognitive issues in Parkinson’s impact movement symptoms.

While therapies are available for some movement symptoms of PD, people with Parkinson’s may also deal with cognitive issues related to memory or attention. Dr. Wilkins is working to determine which PD symptoms are left unaddressed by current approaches, in hopes of developing novel treatments.