Michele Morari

Dopamine neuron dysfunction and loss in the PrknR275W mouse model of Juvenile Parkinsonism

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.

LRRK2 G2019S kinase activity triggers neurotoxic NSF aggregation

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.

Identification of distinct pathological signatures induced by patient-derived α-synuclein structures in non-human primates

The paper uses machine learning to identify neurodegeneration signatures in non-human primates caused by patient-derived α-synuclein structures, showing that small aggregates are as toxic as larger fibrils.