Grant: Project Grant

The locomotor symptoms characteristic of Parkinson's Disease (PD) are caused by the loss of midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons. We identified a subset of DA neurons that is most severely affected in PD. Why these neurons die in PD while similar neurons seem unaffected is a pressing question to answer. We hypothesize that the ability of these neurons to synthesize retinoic acid could lead to their demise. This project will dissect the molecular pathways by which retinoic acid could precipitate neurodegeneration. Doing so, we hope to identify potential targets to devise future therapeutical interventions to halt the progression of PD.