Welcome to the Simon Lab

Join us in unraveling the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease

 

Our mission is to push the boundaries of research to support wellness in those living with neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson's disease. We are committed to advancing understanding and treatment options, driven by a vision of improving the quality of life for patients. We actively seek creative and passionate scientists to join us in this noble pursuit— we aim to make a lasting impact on the future of neuroscience and contribute to advancement in this vital field.

 

asyn degradation in endolysosomal system
αsynuclein degradation in the endolysosomal system
alpha syncline in ipsc derived neurons
Pathological αsynuclein in iPSC-derived neurons (green)
From StressMarq Biosciences, Inc.

Methodology

The Simon lab uses a combination of traditional and novel laboratory techniques to test compounds for potential neuroprotective abilities in mice models of Parkinson's disease. Frequently used techniques include cell and tissue culture for in vitro studies, stereotaxic surgery and injection, protein analyses and quantification, and more. Check out our current projects to learn more about our protocols. 


 

Lab Protocol

Our members are trained and certified to utilize advanced laboratory techniques. We work with BIDMC, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), and the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) to ensure that lab members know the most up-to-date laboratory safety practices. Please visit the main BIDMC web page to learn more about policies and practices. 


 

Education

Members attend regular lab meetings and seminars, journal clubs, and other events such as annual BIDMC research retreats. We often attend and present at national conferences such as the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) Annual Meeting. Additionally, members regularly attend joint lab meetings to spur collaboration and identify novel research avenues. 


 

Outreach

Our mission is to expand the scope of Parkinson’s disease research through innovation and collaboration. The Simon Lab values teamwork and shared expertise, working with institutions and professionals across disciplines to drive progress. We actively recruit new members and welcome diverse perspectives to advance understanding, develop new therapies, and create meaningful impact for those living with Parkinson’s


 


Our Collaborators

 

Paul Thompson, PhD

USP30 as a potential therapeutic target in Parkinson's disease

Bruno Benitez, PhD

Multi-omics approaches to Parkinson's disease

Vikram Khurana, MD PhD

Wenyi Wei, PhD