How the Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Dopamine Transmission Shift in Parkinson’s Disease to Support Motor Function

Study Rationale:                         

Loss of dopamine in the brain is the main cause of Parkinson’s disease motor symptoms. Previous research shows that the brain can lose many of the cells that produce dopamine without causing any movement problems. This suggests that the dopamine cells can undergo incredible adaptations to maintain healthy movement. Our study tracks dopamine across the brain and over time to understand how dopamine cells adapt. We hope that understanding these adaptations will create new ways to help people with Parkinson’s disease move freely and comfortably.

Hypothesis:

Dopamine neurons can rewire to produce dopamine and keep the brain working, but this rewiring can also cause dopamine to become hidden and harder to detect.

Study Design:

We will use several new methods to track dopamine in the brain while monitoring physical movement. By using models of Parkinson’s disease to do this, we can understand how changes in dopamine cause changes in movement. We will also use tools to look at specific parts of dopamine cells to see if they are responsible for the changes in dopamine.

Impact on Diagnosis/Treatment of Parkinson’s disease:                    

Current treatments bring dopamine back to the brain, but not necessarily to the right spots or at the right time. Our work will help identity the spots and times when dopamine is most important so we can create treatments that send dopamine there. 

Next Steps for Development:

Once we know where and when to send dopamine in the brain, we will need to find ways to deliver it effectively.