Our research focusses on alpha-synuclein aggregation and neuroinflammation in Parkinson’s disease. Even though it is known that alpha-synuclein aggregation and neuroinflammation are key features of Parkinson’s disease progression there are still many unanswered questions. Where does the toxic aggregation begin? How does it spread? Which cells respond to it? How can we prevent these processes? In order to study glial activation and the aggregation process, and answer these questions we benefit from access to genetic models, patient-derived induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, human tissue and alpha-synuclein PLA-based assays. This technology will help us provide novel insights of the role alpha-synuclein oligomers and glial activation play in Parkinson’s and so, could be used to identify new treatments
Cell culture, including immortalized cell lines, human embryonic neural stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells and primary neural cells. Microfluidics of primary neural cultures and induced pluripotent stem cells. Human organoid culture of induced pluripotent stem cells. Tissue processing for in situ hybridization, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and proximity ligation assays. Generation and quality control of protein aggregates. Fluorescent and confocal microscopy. RNAseq sampling and analysis.