Author:
Xhulio Docaj
Mentor:
Jane M. Tezapsidis, PhD
Abstract:
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by muscle stiffness, balance impairment, and tremors. Pathology of PD brains reveals a reduced number of dopaminergic neurons and the accumulation of misfolded alpha-synuclein (AS) protein. This protein forms intraneuronal inclusions, or Lewy Bodies (LB), in the majority of cases. Unfortunately, there is no cure for PD, however, there are available treatments that are used to relieve some of the symptoms early in the course of the disease. Because new therapies continue to be needed, we will explore the benefits of growth hormone – related peptide (Ipamorellin and CJC1295) treatment on AS expression. Our findings will have important implications for modifying pathological mechanisms that lead to PD.
