With Parkinson's Awareness Month in focus, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine offers insights from leading scientists into Parkinson's disease research and treatment advancements. Parkinson's Disease (PD) remains the second most prevalent neurodegenerative condition without a cure. Experts from the university are available for interviews on topics such as PD's underlying mechanisms, dopamine's role, and recent motor symptom rehabilitation approaches.
In a recent study published in Science, the role of the PINK1 protein in treating PD was highlighted. Experts can provide insights on this study as well.
Professor Daniel Corcos, focusing on physical therapy and human movement sciences, is recognized for his work on motor control deficits in Parkinson's, emphasizing the benefits of targeted exercise to ameliorate motor symptoms. Corcos' research bridges neuroscience and rehabilitation, offering practical applications for patients. His studies have been featured in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease and npi Parkinson’s Disease. Corcos also shares his findings and insights through Northwestern podcasts and video presentations.
Dimitri Krainc, chair of neurology, has devoted his career to exploring molecular pathways in neurodegenerative diseases. His work, informed by genetic insights, has led to targeted therapy development.
Joseph Mazzulli, focusing on neurology, investigates the intersection of genetics and neurodegeneration. His lab studies dopamine neurons from PD patients to explore lysosomal dysfunction's role and alpha-synuclein's accumulation in disease progression. His research has been published in Neuron and Nature Communications. Mazzulli emphasizes the significance of the PINK1 protein study, stating, “It’s remarkable the authors were able to obtain such accurate structural detail of an essential mitochondrial complex — that is likely involved in many diseases beyond Parkinson’s — by purification from human cells.”
Professor Tanya Simuni, director of the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center, works on therapeutics to slow PD progression and improve treatment for movement disorders. She discusses her research in videos available through Northwestern.
D. James Surmeier, chair of the neuroscience department, directs research on molecular and cellular mechanisms in PD. His work has led to clinical trials aimed at slowing PD progression, investigating gene therapy to improve symptomatic treatments. Surmeier's studies are published in Molecular Neurodegeneration and Nature.
These experts remain available for interviews, offering their extensive knowledge to advance understanding and treatment of Parkinson's disease.