A light-inducible protein clustering system for in vivo analysis of α-synuclein aggregation in Parkinson disease.

Neurodegenerative disorders refer to a group of diseases commonly associated with abnormal protein accumulation and aggregation in the central nervous system. However, the exact role of protein aggregation in the pathophysiology of these disorders remains unclear. This gap in knowledge is due to the lack of experimental models that allow for the spatiotemporal control of protein aggregation, and the investigation of early dynamic events associated with inclusion formation.

Sox6 expression distinguishes dorsally and ventrally biased dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra with distinctive properties and embryonic origins.

Dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral tier of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) degenerate prominently in Parkinson's disease, while those in the dorsal tier are relatively spared. Defining the molecular, functional, and developmental characteristics of each SNc tier is crucial to understand their distinct susceptibility. We demonstrate that Sox6 expression distinguishes ventrally and dorsally biased DA neuron populations in the SNc.

A novel wireless brain stimulation device for long-term use in freely moving mice.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been used in clinical settings for many years despite a paucity of knowledge related to the anatomical and functional substrates that lead to benefits and/or side-effects in various disease contexts. In order to maximize the potential of this approach in humans, a better understanding of its mechanisms of action is absolutely necessary. However, the existing micro-stimulators available for pre-clinical models, are limited by the lack of relevant small size devices.

A novel combinational approach of microstimulation and bioluminescence imaging to study the mechanisms of action of cerebral electrical stimulation in mice.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is used to treat a number of neurological conditions and is currently being tested to intervene in neuropsychiatric conditions. However, a better understanding of how it works would ensure that side effects could be minimized and benefits optimized. We have thus developed a unique device to perform brain stimulation (BS) in mice and to address fundamental issues related to this methodology in the pre-clinical setting.