Neurodegenerative diseases

Overview

The specific focus of the neurodegenerative diseases research group is to understand pathological hallmarks of Parkinson's disease.

We utilise a range of techniques including surgical techniques to set up in vivo models of the disease. We assess motor behaviours in a range of in vivo models and we measure various changes that take place at cellular and molecular levels.  

Background 

Parkinson’s disease is the most prevalent movement disorder which results from the death of nerve cells in the brain that produces a chemical known as dopamine.

Its symptoms include slowness of movement, tremor and rigidity which are progressive becoming more severe as more dopamine producing cells die. 

The main treatment for Parkinson’s disease is the replacement of dopamine with levodopa or the use of dopamine agonist, which mimic its actions. 

There is no treatment that stops the disease process itself. Although a number of drugs have been shown to slow the loss of dopamine neurons in preclinical test, none have been effective in clinical trials.

Areas of research interest

• Role of inflammation in Parkinsonian neurodegeneration.      
• Role of neurotrophic factors in neurorestoration of nigrostriatal tract.
• Symptomatic treatment of motor deficits using non-dopaminergic strategies.
• Treatment of levodopa induced dyskinesia.

Collaborations

• King’s College London, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences: Professor Peter Jenner, Dr Sarah Salvage (nee Rose)  
• King’s College London Wolfson Centre For Age-Related Diseases: Professor Paul Francis, Professor Clive Ballard