PPM1M, a LRRK2-counteracting, phosphoRab12-preferring phosphatase with potential link to Parkinson’s disease
By onLRRK2 phosphorylates Rab GTPases linked to Parkinson's disease. PPM1M identified as a phosphatase reversing Rab phosphorylation, crucial in LRRK2 pathway. PPM1M mutation found in Parkinson's patients, suggesting a new therapeutic target.
In situ cryo-ET visualization of mitochondrial depolarization and mitophagic engulfment
By onApplication of in situ cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) to visualize the consequences of mitochondrial depolarization at higher resolution.
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.
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.
Allosteric regulation of the Golgi-localized PPM1H phosphatase by Rab GTPases modulates LRRK2 substrate dephosphorylation in Parkinson’s disease
By onPPM1H phosphatase reverses LRRK2-mediated Rab GTPase phosphorylation, with Golgi localization facilitated by an amphipathic helix. PPM1H binds Rab8A and Rab10 at an allosteric site, inhibiting phosphatase activity.
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.
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.
Skip Nav Destination Tools|July 30 2025 AI-directed voxel extraction and volume EM identify intrusions as sites of mitochondrial contact
By onThe AI-directed Voxel Extraction (AIVE) segmentation strategy combines AI predictions with image electron signals to confidently segment membrane boundaries. Authors identify a new category of Membrane contact Sites named Mitochondrial Intrusions.
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.
Defect in hematopoiesis and embryonic lethality at midgestation of Vps13a/Vps13c double knockout mice
By onVPS13 proteins facilitate lipid transfer at membrane contact sites. VPS13A and VPS13C double knockout causes embryonic death due to impaired erythropoiesis and innate immunity activation.
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.
Aseptic, semi-sealed cranial chamber implants for chronic multi-channel neurochemical and electrophysiological neural recording in nonhuman primates
By onWe developed an implantable neural interface in monkeys that allows dual monitoring of electrical and chemical neural activity for long-term studies.
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.
Generation of knock-in Cre and FlpO mouse lines for precise targeting of striatal projection neurons and dopaminergic neurons
By onTo enable precise genetic targeting of key neuronal populations in the basal ganglia, we generated and characterized five knock-in mouse lines: Drd1-Cre, Adora2a-Cre, Drd1-FlpO, Adora2a-FlpO, and DAT-FlpO.
The human autophagy-initiating complexes ULK1C and PI3KC3-C1
By onULK1C and PI3KC3-C1 are crucial for macroautophagy initiation. Recent research focuses on their structural organization, activation mechanisms, and roles in autophagy initiation's protein interaction network for potential therapeutic targeting.
Autophagic stress activates distinct compensatory secretory pathways in neurons
By onNeurodegenerative diseases are linked to autophagy dysfunction causing harmful build-up of cellular waste. Neurons with Parkinson's mutation increase release of autophagic vesicles and exosomes, suggesting a protective response to chronic stress.
Presynaptic GABAA receptors control integration of nicotinic input onto dopaminergic axons in the striatum
By onDopaminergic neuron axons have GABAARs and nAChRs that influence DA release. GABAAR antagonism enhances nAChR activity, while picrotoxin inhibits nAChRs, revealing GABAARs' role in regulating nicotinic input onto DA axons.
Corticonigral projections recruit substantia nigra pars lateralis dopaminergic neurons for auditory threat memories
By onAuditory and temporal cortexes send strong excitatory signals to substantia nigra pars lateralis dopamine neurons, impacting threat conditioning. Inhibiting this pathway impairs memory retrieval, revealing its role in threatening behaviors.
