Background pattern of a brain with neural connections

Team Wichmann

Cortical pathophysiology of Parkinsonism

2021-Present

Many of the behavioral consequences of basal ganglia dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease are likely mediated by functional changes affecting cortical neurons that receive basal ganglia output, i.e., neurons in the primary motor cortex and the supplementary motor area. These studies will test the hypothesis that the development of parkinsonism is associated with the emergence of synchronized oscillations, altered firing rates, and neuroplastic anatomical changes in these areas. Knowledge gained from these imaging, electrophysiological recording, computational, and anatomical experiments in animal models of progressive parkinsonism will guide the development of new ways to treat parkinsonian motor signs by modulating cortical activity.

Tags
Cortex corticospinalorticostriatal mitoPARK NHP (Non-Human Primate)

Leadership

Thomas Wichmann

Thomas Wichmann

Lead PI (Core Leadership)

Hong-Yuan Chu

Hong-Yuan Chu

Co-PI (Core Leadership)

Adriana Galvan

Adriana Galvan

Co-PI (Core Leadership)

Yoland Smith

Yoland Smith

Co-PI (Core Leadership)

Johnson Agniswamy

Johnson Agniswamy

Project Manager

Project Highlights

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Decreased cellular excitability of pyramidal tract neurons in primary motor cortex leads to paradoxically increased network activity in simulated parkinsonian motor cortex

Primary motor cortex (M1) layer 5B pyramidal tract (PT5B) neurons develop intrinsic pathology in rodent and primate Parkinson’s disease (PD) models. We used computer simulation to predict how decreased PT5B neuron excitability, identified with current injection in vitro, would change activity patterns of the M1 network. Using NEURON/NetPyNE, we implemented computer simulations of PT5B neurons based on control and 6-OHDA-treated...

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 Wichmann

Open Science Champions

Hong-Yuan Chu, Anne-Caroline Martel, Damien Pittard

Network Spotlights

Thomas Wichmann

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