How Membrane Contact Sites Shape the Phagophore
By onPhagophores form membrane contact sites with organelles like the vacuole, ER, and lipid droplets. In situ imaging techniques, such as cryo-CLEM, provide valuable insights into these interactions, aiding in understanding autophagosome biogenesis.
Microinvasive Probes for Monitoring Electrical and Chemical Neural Activity in Nonhuman Primates
By onWe designed carbon fiber sensors that enable long-term simultaneous recording of both neurochemical and electrical neural activity in deep brain structures of nonhuman primates.
Reply to: Is Gauchian genotyping of GBA1 variants reliable?
By onSummarizing a study by N. Tayebi et al. in Communications Biology, published in 2025.
Neuromelanin and selective neuronal vulnerability to Parkinson’s disease
By onNeuromelanine (NM), a pigment in human catecholamine neurons, plays a crucial role in PD. We review the development of NM in dopamine versus noradrenaline neurons and focus on previously overlooked cellular organelles in NM format and function.
Article: PINK1 deficiency rewires early immune responses in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease triggered by intestinal infection
By onPINK1 KO mice show PD-like symptoms post intestinal infections, with myeloid cells dysregulation and T cell response early after infection. PINK1 plays a key role in gut immune functions linked to early PD mechanisms.
Dynamic basal ganglia output signals license and suppress forelimb movements
By onBasal ganglia is fundamental to motor control and dysfunction is linked to motor deficits. Our results demonstrate the existence and function of highly specific and temporally precise movement representations in basal ganglia output circuitry.
The bridge-like lipid transport protein VPS13C/PARK23 mediates ER-lysosome contacts upon lysosome damage
By onGenetic studies link lysosome dysfunction to Parkinson's disease. VPS13C, a PD gene, relocates to damaged lysosomes, aiding in membrane repair. This process involves Rab7 and suggests early lipid transport as a protective response.
Mitophagy in Neurons: Mechanisms Regulating Mitochondrial Turnover and Neuronal Homeostasis
By onAuthors discuss the current understanding of mitophagy mechanisms operating in neurons to govern mitochondrial homeostasis and summarize progress on our understanding of the links between mitophagic dysfunction and neurodegeneration.
Development of a simplified smell test to identify Parkinson’s disease using multiple cohorts, machine learning and item response theory
By onReduced olfaction is a common feature of typical Parkinson disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). We have created a simplified smell test based on seven specific odorants that can distinguish PD/DLB patients from healthy controls.
Leveraging animal models to understand non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
By onParkinson's disease diagnosis focuses on motor symptoms, but non-motor symptoms like cognitive issues and sleep disorders significantly affect patients. Research on non-motor signs in animals aims to improve understanding of the disease.
EndoMAP.v1, a Structural Protein Complex Landscape of Human Endosomes
By onEarly endosomes regulate protein fate, sorting plasma membrane proteins for recycling or degradation. Cross-linking and computational analysis were used to create a human endosomal structural interactome, revealing potential regulatory mechanisms.
Comparative analysis of AAV serotypes for transduction of olfactory sensory neurons
By onThis study compared the efficacy and selectivity of 11 different AAV serotypes for the efficient and selective transduction of murine olfactory sensory neurons in vivo. The findings inform research approaches and gene therapy based initiatives.
Advances in mitophagy initiation mechanisms
By onThis review will cover recent advances in our understanding of how mitophagy is initiated, and by doing so reveal the mechanistic plasticity of how autophagosome formation can begin.
Current safety recommendations for handling mouse and human αsynuclein pre-formed fibrils
By onThe paper outlines best practices in conducting research with α-synuclein fibrils. We highlight steps in which extra precautions should be taken and how to minimize exposure and potential risk associated with use of PFFs in scientific research.
Lewy body diseases and the gut
By onGI involvement in Lewy body diseases may start with ⍺-synuclein in the gut spreading to the brain. Gut microbiome, immune system, and toxins play roles. These connections could lead to new therapies targeting the gut-brain axis for disease treatment.
A RAB7A Phosphoswitch Coordinates Rubicon Homology Protein Regulation of PINK1/Parkin-Dependent Mitophagy
By onPublished: Structural and functional data support a model in which the TBK1-dependent phosphorylation of RAB7A serves as a switch, promoting mitophagy by relieving Rubicon inhibition and favoring Pacer activation. View original preprint.
Adult-specific Reelin expression alters striatal neuronal organization: implications for neuropsychiatric disorders
By onReelin levels might modulate the numbers of striatal interneurons and the density of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic projections, suggesting that these changes may be involved in the protection of Reelin against neuropsychiatric disorders.
A data-driven single-cell and spatial transcriptomic map of the human prefrontal cortex
By onA data-driven molecular map of the DLPFC reveals distinct spatial domains and cell populations, offering insights into neuropsychiatric disorders. The study provides a roadmap for implementing spatial clustering approaches in the human brain.
Integrated multi-cohort analysis of the Parkinson’s disease gut metagenome
By onThe authors perform metagenomic sequencing of multiple geographically-disparate cohorts and find that stereotypic changes in the functional metabolic potential of the gut microbiome are a consistent feature of PD.
A prebiotic diet modulates microglial states and motor deficits in α-synuclein overexpressing mice
By onWhat should Parkinson's Disease patients eat? This study shows that dietary fiber impacts gut microbes and immune cells in the brain of a mouse model of Parkinson's.
