Background pattern of a brain with neural connections

Team De Camilli

Impaired integration of organelle function in Parkinson’s disease

2020-Present

We hypothesize that the functions of multiple Parkinson’s disease genes converge on common biochemical pathways involving endocytic organelles and/or mitochondria within vulnerable cell types. We will use a comprehensive cell biology tool kit including cutting-edge biochemistry, structural biology, microscopy at different scales, and genome editing tools to elucidate the function of selected Parkinson’s disease genes and the effects produced by their dysfunction both in cellular models in vitro and in mouse and rat models. By defining the molecular and cellular networks in which the products of these genes operate, we hope to identify strategies for reversing the cellular vulnerabilities that cause Parkinson’s disease or increase disease risk.

Tags
LRRK2 Lysosomal dysfunction Metabolism SYNJ1 VPS13C

Leadership

Pietro De Camilli

Pietro De Camilli

Lead PI (Core Leadership)

Shawn Ferguson

Shawn Ferguson

Co-PI (Core Leadership)

Kallol Gupta

Kallol Gupta

Co-PI (Core Leadership)

Karin Reinisch

Karin Reinisch

Co-PI (Core Leadership)

Timothy Ryan

Timothy Ryan

Co-PI (Core Leadership)

Benjamin Johnson

Benjamin Johnson

Project Manager

Project Highlights

Lipid dynamics at membrane contact sites

In eukaryotes, lipid building blocks for cellular membranes are made largely in the endoplasmic reticulum and then redistributed to other organelles. Lipids are transported between organelles by vesicular trafficking or else by proteins located primarily at sites where different organelles are closely apposed. Here we discuss transport at organelle contact...

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 DeCamilli

Open Science Champions

De Camilli Lab, Ben Johnson

Awards

2023 Collaborative Meeting

Network Spotlights

William Hancock-Cerutti

In the News

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