Background pattern of a brain with neural connections

Team Wood

Mapping the PD brain: Oligomer-driven functional genomics

2020-Present

We hypothesize that alpha-synuclein oligomers can be used as cellular biomarkers to identify the specific cells where the disease processes begin, thus making their targeted study possible. By detecting the presence of alpha-synuclein oligomers, we will identify neuronal and non-neuronal cells in the human brain at different stages of disease, which we will then study using state of the art single cell genomic and transcriptomic methods. This will allow us to build a comprehensive and detailed picture of the genes and molecular processes that underlie the disease, which we will then prioritize using network theory and our knowledge of the current and emerging genetic factors. Using a human model system (iPSC) we will be able to distinguish cause and effect and deliver new targets for therapeutics, diagnostics and biomarkers of disease.

Tags
Alpha-synuclein Genomics iPSC Oligomers

Leadership

Nicholas Wood

Nicholas Wood

Lead PI (Core Leadership)

Sonia Gandhi

Sonia Gandhi

Co-PI (Core Leadership)

Steven Lee

Steven Lee

Co-PI (Core Leadership)

Mina Ryten

Mina Ryten

Co-PI (Core Leadership)

Michele Vendruscolo

Michele Vendruscolo

Co-PI (Core Leadership)

Project Highlights

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A pathogenic variant in RAB32 causes autosomal dominant Parkinson's disease and activates LRRK2 kinase

Background Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with multifactorial causes, among which genetic risk factors play a part. The RAB GTPases are regulators and substrates of LRRK2, and variants in the LRRK2 gene are important risk factors for Parkinson's disease. We aimed to explore genetic variability in RAB GTPases within cases of familial Parkinson's disease. Methods We did whole-exome...

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.

Open Science Champions

Minee Choi, Sonia Ghandi, Regina Reynolds, Mina Ryten, Karishma D’Sa, Aaron Wagen

Awards

2023 Collaborative Meeting

Network Spotlights

Gurvir Virdi, Catherine Storm, Emil Gustavsson, Saadia Rahman, Zane Jaunmuktane, Melissa Grant-Peters, Aine Fairbrother-Browne

In the News

Updates will be posted when available.

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