Abstract:

Fibrillar aggregates of the neuronal protein α-synuclein are a hallmark of Parkinson's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. However, a causative role for α-synuclein aggregation in these diseases has not been clearly identified.  In order to understand the aggregation process, our laboratory uses a multidisciplinary approach, including computational approaches combining molecular simulations and machine learning models, synthesis of α-synuclein bearing post-translational modifications and photochemical probes, single molecule biophysics, structural biology, cellular and animal models for microscopy and proteomics, and development of positron emission tomography probes for clinical imaging.  Several projects will be discussed, highlighting the value of a multi-faceted and collaborative approach.