Targeting mitochondrial efficiency to promote resilience of dopamine neurons

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease impacting the nervous system and resulting in a wide range of symptoms including characteristic motor impairments such as tremor, slowed movement and muscle rigidity. It is an age-related disease affecting 1% of the population over the age of 60. Although symptomatic treatments are available, there are no disease-modifying therapies. My project will target the underlying causes of neuron loss in PD, which has been linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. Amongst the most affected neuronal populations affected in PD are dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra (SNc). These neurons produce dopamine as a chemical messenger and their receptors are key regulators of brain circuits controlling movement. My project will have as a main goal to identify small molecules capable of improving the resilience of dopaminergic neurons by targeting mitochondrial energy production and oxidative stress. For this, experiments will be performed in a system of primary mouse dopamine neurons, together with advanced microscopy techniques and image analysis strategies. We will specifically test the hypothesis that molecules improving mitochondrial efficiency will increase resilience by reducing chronic oxidative stress.

Faculty Supervisor:

Louis-Eric Trudeau

Student:

Partner:

St George's, University of London

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Pharmaceuticals

University:

Université de Montréal

Program: