Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the ability of the brain to control movement. It features the loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain, and currently there is no cure for the condition.

Mitochondria are small organelles found within cells that are essential for energy production. They are important in supporting the function of synapses, where nerve cells communicate with each other.

In Parkinson’s, both faulty synapses and mitochondria have been detected. With an Enhancing Research Award, Dr Michael Devine and his team are working out whether faulty mitochondria located within synapses might be a cause of the disease.

Therefore, to better understand the role of mitochondria in Parkinson's, the team will use mass spectrometry imaging to study the distribution and function of these organelles in different locations within neurons.

This technique allows for the precise measurement of the proteins and other molecules that make up the mitochondria, providing a detailed picture of their activity and potential involvement in the disease.

Studying the mitochondria in this way may help to uncover new insights into the underlying causes of Parkinson's disease, and could potentially lead to new therapies that specifically target these organelles within synapses to slow or stop the progression of the disorder.