Study Rationale:
Parkinson’s disease (PD) involves complex interactions between genetic factors, such as LRRK2 mutations, and lipid metabolism. Oxylipins, bioactive lipid mediators, have been implicated in inflammation and neurodegeneration. This project aims to profile oxylipin signatures in LRRK2 mutation carriers and idiopathic PD patients to uncover biomarkers for disease susceptibility and progression.
Hypothesis:
This study hypothesizes that LRRK2 mutations drive distinct oxylipin profiles, which differ from those in healthy controls and idiopathic PD and can serve as lipid-based biomarkers for disease stratification and progression.
Study Design:
This study will investigate oxylipin profiles in plasma samples from individuals with Parkinson’s disease (both LRRK2 mutation-positive and idiopathic cases) and healthy controls (with and without LRRK2 mutations). Using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry, we will quantify and compare oxylipin levels across these groups. Statistical and bioinformatics analyses will identify biomarkers associated with LRRK2 mutations and neurodegeneration, providing insights into genotype-specific and disease-related lipid alterations.
Impact on Diagnosis/Treatment of Parkinson’s disease:
This study has the potential to improve the way Parkinson’s disease is diagnosed and treated by identifying lipid-based biomarkers associated with LRRK2 mutations and idiopathic cases, enabling more personalized treatment strategies.
Next Steps for Development:
If successful, the identified biomarkers will be validated in larger cohorts and longitudinal studies to validate oxylipin biomarkers and their utility in clinical trials for patient stratification and therapeutic monitoring.