Buck Institute scientists are collaborating on a groundbreaking new research roadmap to tackle Parkinson’s disease, published today in npj Parkinson’s Disease. Recognizing that aging is the largest risk factor for the incurable neurodegenerative disorder – affecting an estimated 10 million people globally – the international team, funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation, is urging a shift in focus for preclinical studies. The roadmap identifies optimal mouse models and standardized methodologies to incorporate aging as a central element of Parkinson’s disease development. “The research community needs to approach this disease holistically and aging is the place to start,” says Buck professor Juie Andersen, PhD, adding that “Aging biology is emerging as a therapeutic target.” This collaborative effort aims to streamline research and unlock new avenues for treatment.
Aging as a Central Risk Factor for Parkinson’s Disease
An astonishing 90 percent of Parkinson’s disease cases are not linked to family history, revealing aging as a dominant, yet historically underappreciated, factor in the neurodegenerative disorder. Researchers are now actively advocating for a paradigm shift in how preclinical studies are designed, emphasizing the critical intersection of aging and Parkinson’s pathogenesis. A collaborative roadmap, published in npj Parkinson’s Disease, details strategies for incorporating aging into research models, aiming to accelerate the development of effective therapies.
The impetus for this change stems from the observation that “many age-related changes in the brain mirror those seen in the early stages of Parkinson’s,” according to Juie Andersen, PhD, of the Buck Institute, a senior author of the paper. Specifically, hallmarks of aging – including mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired autophagy, increased inflammation, and cellular senescence – are increasingly recognized as contributors to the disease. This isn’t simply about adding age to a model; it’s about understanding how aging subtly influences disease onset and progression, potentially interacting with genetic predisposition and environmental factors.
Minna Schmidt, PhD, first author of the paper, and colleagues propose standardized methodologies and optimized resource utilization to tackle the complexities of aging studies. Fox Foundation, also addressing human cell cultures and primate research.
npj Parkinson’s Disease Roadmap for Preclinical Mouse Models
The current landscape of Parkinson’s disease research, while extensive, has historically underemphasized the critical role of aging, despite it being the largest risk factor for the condition. A new collaborative effort, detailed in npj Parkinson’s Disease, seeks to rectify this imbalance by establishing a focused roadmap for preclinical studies utilizing mouse models.
Researchers acknowledge a significant gap in understanding how age-related changes contribute to the development and progression of Parkinson’s, with the majority of investigations failing to fully integrate this crucial element. “As a group we recognize that the complexity and diversity of Parkinson’s models, combined with the lengthy nature of aging studies, present challenges that require substantial resources and innovative approaches,” Andersen stated. The impetus for this shift stems from the fact that approximately 90 percent of Parkinson’s cases are sporadic, not inherited, suggesting a complex interplay of factors including age and environment.
Minna Schmidt, PhD, first author, and colleagues found that “the influence of aging on Parkinson’s is subtle, emerges gradually and likely interacts synergistically with other contributing factors.” This comprehensive approach, part of a four-year consortium funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation, extends beyond mouse models to encompass human cell cultures and primate research.
Science is showing that while chronological aging is inevitable, biological aging is malleable. There’s a part of it that you can fight, and we are getting closer and closer to winning that fight.
Eric Verdin, MD, Buck Institute President and CEO
Michael J. Fox Foundation Funds Collaborative Research Consortium
Fox Foundation. The initiative addresses a critical gap in current studies – the significant, yet often overlooked, role of aging in the development of the incurable neurodegenerative disease. Despite aging being the largest risk factor, the majority of Parkinson’s research has historically proceeded without fully integrating this crucial element. This roadmap isn’t limited to mouse models; the Michael J. Fox Foundation’s funding also supports research utilizing human cell cultures and primates. The consortium acknowledges the challenges posed by the complexity of Parkinson’s and the lengthy nature of aging studies, aiming to optimize resource utilization and foster greater cooperation among researchers.
