Translational research for neural circuitry pathologies and biomarkers for prodromal and clinical Parkinson’s disease

The aim of this project is to develop innovative and translatable biomarkers for the prodromal and early stages of Parkinson’s disease (PD) to elucidate the latent pathology and progression before disease onset. Combining the existing longitudinal study of REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) cohort designed as a prodromal PD cohort and a new onset PD cohort, we will explore biomarkers that can predict the conversion of RBD to PD. By using marmoset and mouse models ranging from RBD to PD which recapitulate genetic and aggregated α-synuclein propagation pathologies, we will elucidate RBD/PD circuitry pathologies and develop early therapeutic interventions.