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Shake It Up is proud to announce the funding of two innovative research projects aimed at deepening our understanding of Parkinson’s disease and advancing the search for effective treatments.
These studies, led by Professor Lezanne Ooi at the University of Wollongong, focus on genetic and environmental factors influencing disease development.
With this exciting new announcement, it takes the total amount that Shake It Up has now co-funded in research projects to more than $36.4 million. This funding has supported the vital work of 85 Parkinson’s projects across 24 institutes.
Project 1: Investigating Genetic Influences on Brain Cells
The first project is exploring the impact of the SNCA gene triplication, a common familial mutation linked to the development of Parkinson’s disease. Professor Ooi’s team will analyse and compare neurons, astrocytes, and microglia cell samples from both people with Parkinson’s as well as healthy controls.
Throughout the course of this research, the team will uncover the key differences in cell health and functionality, and the affect of this genetic mutation. This groundbreaking work will help guide future research into targeted therapies to support people living with Parkinson’s disease. Read more on this project here.
Project 2: Understanding Environmental Toxins and Parkinson’s Risk
The second project explores how environmental factors like pesticides, long-lived chemicals, nanoplastics, and PFAS affect the neurons and glial cells in our brains. Using advanced mass spectrometry to analyse cell samples from both people with Parkinson’s as well as healthy individuals, the study aims to identify how the brain cells change after exposure to these environmental chemicals.
The date from this study will be used to provide key information for regulatory bodies to improve human health and protect against Parkinson’s disease risk. Read more on this project here.
A Step Toward a Cure
“These Parkinson’s research projects represent a significant leap forward in understanding this disease and how it works,” said Vicki Miller, CEO of Shake It Up Australia.
“By unlocking both genetic and environmental factors, this research will help inform potential new therapies, ways to prevent the disease, and ultimately, unlock a cure Parkinson’s.”