Regulation of regeneration of Dopaminergic neurones in the substantia nigra

帕金森氏病(PD)是大脑黑质部分脑细胞进行性丧失的结果。这些脑细胞含有一种名为多巴胺(DA)的化学物质。当大约80%的DA神经元丢失时，帕金森氏症的症状就会出现，这表明到目前为止必须进行某种形式的补偿。在以前的研究中，我们已经证明了这种补偿的一种机制是通过剩余神经元的萌发或分支。我们有初步证据表明它是如何萌发和再生受到控制的。这笔赠款的目的是详细探索诱导和调控萌发的机制。这项研究的意义在于，它可能为控制神经系统再生的调控方式提供洞察。它在帕金森氏症的治疗中有特殊的应用。

Parkinson's Disease (PD) results from the progressive loss of brain cells in the part of the brain called substantia nigra. These brain cells contain a chemical called Dopamine (DA). The symptoms of Parkinson's disease arise when about 80% these DA neurones are lost suggesting that some form of compensation must occur up to this point. In previous studies we have demonstrated that one mechanism for this compensation is through sprouting or branching of the remaining neurones. We have preliminary evidence about the way this is sprouting and regeneration is controlled. The aim of this grant is to explore in detail the mechanisms whereby sprouting is induced and regulated. The significance of this study is that it may provide insights into the way in which regulation of regeneration of the nervous system is controlled. It has specific applications to therapies for Parkinson's disease.