Giovanni Piccoli

This study shows that LRRK2 regulates synaptic function by modulating actin cytoskeletal dynamics through BDNF signaling in neurons.

This study identifies sephin1's mechanism of action in proteostasis disruption by showing it binds G-actin, causes cytoskeleton misfolding, and modulates autophagy through mTORC1-TFEB and GCN2-eIF2-CHOP pathways.

This study creates a PrknR275W mouse model of ARJP, showing early dopamine neuron dysfunction, age-dependent loss, and motor impairment, recapitulating key features of juvenile Parkinsonism.

This study shows that the LRRK2 G2019S mutation impairs EAAT2 trafficking, leading to reduced glutamate clearance and potential neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease.

This study shows that LRRK2 G2019S kinase activity promotes NSF aggregation, which is toxic to neurons, and that autophagy can clear these aggregates and improve motor and cognitive function in a mouse model.