Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive disorder that affects the human central nervous system and peripheral tissues. It is clinically characterized by motor symptoms as well as many non-motor comorbidities. The neuropathological hallmarks of PD are the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain (e.g., substantia nigra pars compacta) and accumulation of neuronal Lewy bodies containing -synuclein. The etiology of PD is poorly understood. Genomic and genetic studies have identified many genetic variants associated with the onset of PD and have started to provide insight into the molecular basis for pathogenic mechanisms of PD.

About Us

The Center for Parkinson’s Disease Neurobiology, part of The Friedman Brain Institute, integrates basic and clinical PD research at Mount Sinai and builds interdepartmental and core facility collaborations. We employ multi-disciplinary approaches, such as single-cell transcriptomics, spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, molecular and neural circuit, genetic mouse models, biochemistry, structure biology, human stem cell-induced 2D and 3D models (organoids), and small molecule screening for therapeutic development.