Background pattern of a brain with neural connections

Team Biederer

Understanding and manipulating cellular and circuit-level vulnerability to neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease

2021-Present

Parkinson’s disease affects multiple neuronal networks, leading to progressive decline in patients that includes cognitive impairments. However, the vulnerability of neuron types and circuits remains poorly understood. This project will study the brain cortex to assess the effects of pathology progression on circuit function and identify vulnerable neuronal populations. We will use innovative technologies, including longitudinal imaging of neuron activity, single-cell RNA sequencing, quantitative pathology, and super-resolution microscopy. These results will be integrated into computational models of disease progression, guiding the experimental validation of our data through cell-specific manipulation of circuits to normalize their disruptions.

Tags
Alpha-synuclein neuronal circuits PD progression

Leadership

Thomas Biederer

Thomas Biederer

Lead PI (Core Leadership)

Elena Gracheva

Elena Gracheva

Co-PI (Core Leadership)

Michael Henderson

Michael Henderson

Co-PI (Core Leadership)

Michael Higley

Michael Higley

Co-PI (Core Leadership)

Laura Volpicelli-Daley

Laura Volpicelli-Daley

Co-PI (Core Leadership)

Tina Matos

Tina Matos

Project Manager

Project Highlights

Network models of neurodegeneration: bridging neuronal dynamics and disease progression

Computational models are indispensable for understanding neurodegenerative disease. This review surveys computational modeling approaches relevant to Parkinson’s and related neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on two historically separate traditions: whole-brain models of neuronal dynamics and network-based models of protein pathology, including prion-like spread of α-synuclein. The manuscript highlights experimental evidence showing that...

Contributions

Here is an overview of how this team’s article findings have contributed to the PD field as of June 2025. There are two different categorizations of these contributions – one by impact to the PD community and a second by scientific category.

Impact

Category

Accolades

Members of the team have been recognized for their contributions.

Team Biederer

Open Science Champions

Michael Henderson, Laura Volpicelli-Daley

Network Spotlights

Charlotte Brzozowski, Tina Matos, Thomas Goralski

In the News

Updates will be posted when available.

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