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Shake It Up Australia Foundation is providing over $386,000 in funding to a groundbreaking study investigating the potential role of environmental toxins in the development of Parkinson’s disease.
As part of the research, Professor Lezanne Ooi and her team of researchers from the University of Wollongong are reprogramming regular human cells into the specific brain cells that are affected by Parkinson’s Disease: Dopaminergic neurons – which produce dopamine (a chemical crucial for movement) and Glia – support cells that play vital roles in protecting neurons. Both cell types are progressively lost in Parkinson’s. The team are then using these cells to examine the impact of pesticides, long-lasting chemicals, nano plastics, and PFAS, all long-time suspected contributors to the debilitating neurological condition.
Professor Ooi said the funding will allow the research team to delve deeply into the fascinating relationship between exposure to environmental pollution and the risk of disease, a connection that has long been suspected in Parkinson’s.
“There are many culprits that contribute to the development of neurological conditions, and it can be incredibly difficult to isolate any one culprit. Many of the toxins we will investigate are found in the environment, they are part of our daily lives, so it is vital that we understand if, and how, these impact our long-term health,” Professor Ooi said.
“By exposing brain cells to these substances, we can analyse the resulting changes in cellular chemistry and identify ‘metabolic signatures’ – unique molecular patterns that indicate damage related to Parkinson’s.” she said.
The study will examine exposure levels ranging from industrial concentrations to those commonly encountered in domestic settings. The toxins under investigation – pesticides, long-lasting chemicals, nano plastics, and PFAS – are found in a variety of everyday products, including: Some cleaning products, pet flea and tick treatments, non-stick cookware, cosmetics, food containers and water bottles.
“If we understand how the toxins contribute to Parkinson’s, we can learn how to potentially prevent this devastating disease”, Professor Ooi said.
“This research has the potential to provide critical insights into potential preventative measures and treatment options for Parkinson’s disease. By understanding the environmental factors that contribute to the disease, we can work towards developing strategies to mitigate their impact.” Said Vicki Miller, CEO of Shake It Up Australia Foundation.
The findings from this research will be crucial in understanding how these environmental toxins may contribute to the onset and progression of Parkinson’s disease.
100% of every dollar donated goes directly back into funding groundbreaking Australian research projects, just like this. Help us keep on funding the best and brightest scientists, so that we can find a cure for Parkinson’s.
