Investigating the mechanisms of Parkinson’s Disease

More than 100,000 Canadians are affected by Parkinson’s disease which affects the brain. It can disrupt the daily
lives of patients as they find it challenging to walk, talk and express themselves. Current therapies to treat
Parkinson’s disease provide symptomatic relief and are not effective. A protein called alpha synuclein is known
to promote brain cell degeneration by forming glue-like toxic aggregates. However, the mechanisms that lead to
the formation of alpha-synuclein protein aggregates is not clearly understood. My research uses a combination of
computational modeling, chemistry, biochemistry and cell culture based studies to identify new molecules that can
prevent the aggregation of alpha-synuclein protein aggregates and reduce their toxicity to brain cells. It is
anticipated that my research will lead to the development of novel class of molecules that can be used to study
the mechanisms of Parkinson’s disease and discover innovative treatment strategies.

Faculty Supervisor:

Praveen Rao

Student:

Partner:

Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Other services (except public administration)

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: