91社区

Supported by the generosity of the Killam Trusts, The Neuro's Killam Seminar Series invites outstanding guest speakers whose research is of interest to the scientific community at The Neuro and 91社区.

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Martin L茅vesque

Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Laval University

Host:听j-francois.poulin [at] mcgill.ca (Jean-Francois Poulin)

Abstract:听Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to motor dysfunction. While the exact cause of PD remains unclear, mitochondrial dysfunction and the accumulation of toxic protein aggregates are thought to play central roles in neuronal death. This presentation discusses two promising neuroprotective strategies. First, a CRISPR-based genetic screen identified Ligase IV (Lig4), a DNA repair protein, as critical for dopaminergic neuron survival. Notably, Lig4 knockout protected neurons from rotenone-induced toxicity in vitro and against neurodegeneration in PD mouse models. Second, the presentation highlights the use of mini-antibodies targeting 伪-synuclein, which prevent the spread of pathology and the onset of motor dysfunction in a PD mouse model. These findings provide new therapeutic avenues for protecting neurons and potentially modifying disease progression in PD.