Welcome to the Simon Lab
We are dedicated to unraveling the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease by exploring the mechanisms of neurodegeneration and neuroprotection. Our mission is to propel the discovery of novel approaches to the understanding and treatment of Parkinson's disease.
The VPS35 Gene
The retromer complex and a VPS35 gene mutation help explain autosomal dominant Parkinson's disease (PD)
Illustration from (Eleuteri & Albanese, 2019)
Eleuteri, S., & Albanese, A. (2019, December 17). Vps35-based approach: A potential innovative treatment in parkinson’s disease. Frontiers in neurology.
PGC1-alpha
Mitochondrial biogenesis requires the expression of PGC1-alpha, a key regulator of cellular energy metabolism
Illustration from (Simon et al., 2012)
Simon, D., Tanner, C., & Brundin, P. (2012, November). Parkinson disease epidemiology, pathology, genetics, and pathophysiology. Clinics in geriatric medicine.
USP30 and Mitophagy
USP30 is a deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) and could be a potential target for regulating mitophagy and modifying disease progression in PD.
Illustration from Fang et al. 2023
Fang, T.-S. Z., Sun, Y., Pearce, A. C., Eleuteri, S., Kemp, M., Luckhurst, C. A., Williams, R., Mills, R., Almond, S., Burzynski, L., Márkus, N. M., Lelliott, C. J., Karp, N. A., Adams, D. J., Jackson, S. P., Zhao, J.-F., Ganley, I. G., Thompson, P. W., Balmus, G., & Simon, D. K. (2023, November 13). Knockout or inhibition of USP30 protects dopaminergic neurons in a parkinson’s disease mouse model. Nature News.
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.
Our Collaborators
USP30 as a potential therapeutic target in Parkinson's disease
Multi-omics approaches to Parkinson's disease