OpenScholar

Welcome! Our current projects are featured below.

We are dedicated to unraveling the intricacies of Parkinson's disease pathogenesis. By focusing on mechanisms of neurodegeneration and innovative approaches to neuroprotection, we strive to make significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of Parkinson's.

The VPS35 Gene

A rare VPS35 gene mutation causes familial PD

Illustration by Il-Sun Wu in (Kim et al., 2017)

PGC1-alpha

This transcriptional coactivator is a key regulator of cellular energy metabolism

Illustration from (Cardanho-Ramos & Morais, 2021)

USP30 and Mitophagy

USP30 inhibits mitophagy by removing ubiquitin attached by PARKIN or other E3 ligases

USP30 is a deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) and could be a potential target for regulating mitophagy and modifying disease progression in PD.

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. Additionally, we often attend and present at national conferences such as the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) Annual Meeting.

Outreach

Part of our mission is to broaden the areas of interest we include in Parkinson's Disease research. The Simon Lab continues to expand its network by collaborating with various institutions. Contact us to learn more, or check out the Collaborations page.