- Tuesday, March 28, 2023
- 3:30 PM–5:00 PM
- Science Building Classroom 303
"Neural Circuit Basis of Parkinson’s Disease: From Pathophysiology to Therapeutics" presented by Dr. Hong-yuan Chu
Lecture Abstract: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a rapidly growing neurodegenerative disease, afflicting more than 1 million people in the United States. PD is defined by the progressive loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons, which has been causally linked with the devastating motor symptoms. In this lecture, we will briefly discuss the classic theory of PD pathophysiology, focusing on the neural network changes following the degeneration of midbrain dopamine neurons. We will also cover some emerging research topics in PD field as well as its relevance to development of novel treatment for PD patients.
About the Speaker: Dr. Hong-yuan Chu is the Leader of the Chu Laboratory at the Van Andel Institute in Grand Rapids, MI. The Chu Lab integrates molecular, cellular and systems neuroscience to identify mechanisms that contribute to progressive degeneration of midbrain dopaminergic neurons, and abnormal circuit activity that underlies the devastating motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The long-term goal of the Chu Lab is to develop precision strategies to target specific types of neurons or neural circuits for disease prevention and treatment.
