MJFF-funded Distribution of PD Pre-Clinical Models into Central Repositories

Objective/Rationale: 
MJFF recognizes the need for public availability of PD pre-clinical models to ensure greatest access.  A central repository is important for maintaining colonies with consistently monitored genetics/husbandry and it reduces burden on investigators to find a pre-clinical model of interest.  

Project Description: 
MJFF established relationships to form pre-clinical PD model repositories and agreed to subsidize costs associated with curating, housing and distributing PD pre-clinical models to the broader research community.  MJFF has facilitated importation of many of the currently available pre-clinical models that have been generated at several academic laboratories into central repositories.  MJFF will also import MJFF-generated pre-clinical models into central repositories.

Relevance to Diagnosis/Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease:  
MJFF will strive to make existing models more widely available where possible; work will continue to identify models for making available through central repositories.  Enhanced access of PD models to pharmaceutical industry will serve to stimulate drug-discovery in the field of PD.

Anticipated Outcome: 
Better access to pre-clinical models will remove barriers from investigators studying PD pathophysiology and translational researchers to test efficacy of novel compounds.