Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease where dopaminergic neurons deteriorate and the available treatment is only symptomatic relief. Only about 15% of PD is genetically linked so our goal is to establish a generic in vitro model of PD. This is to screen for compounds to discover those that have the potential of slowing, halting or even reversing disease progression.
Impact
Neurodegenerative disease research are mainly focused on genetic factors for onset of illness which limits the application of acquired results. Our aim with the model is to discover novel targets that has the possibility of enlightening one or more ways to improve treatment for the benefit of the many.
reNEW research
The research is divided into smaller subprojects. Right now we are optimizing the design of the device for maximum output as well as assessing the optimal way to model the pathology to simulate PD best. Also, exploring the best method to incorporate other brain cells for extra possible targets, and lastly the most efficient way to acquire reliable results while having high throughput.
Image description
Axons from human neurons. Axons grow together in bundles and achieve wave-like structures from liquid change as they are easily affected.
Credits
Katrine Lauritzen, research assistant. Janko Kajtez, PhD. Agnete Kirkeby, Associate Professor and PI. Kirkeby Group, reNEW Copenhagen.
