A new study set to explore the potential link between environmental toxins and Parkinson’s Disease has been awarded a substantial grant of $386,000. The funding, provided by the Shake It Up Australia Foundation and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, will support research led by Professor Lezanne Ooi at the University of Wollongong’s (UOW) Molecular Horizons and School of Science.
The research aims to investigate how exposure to various environmental toxins—ranging from industrial chemicals to everyday household substances—may contribute to the onset and progression of Parkinson’s Disease. Key toxins under study include pesticides, nano plastics, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are widespread in the environment.
Parkinson’s Disease is the second most prevalent neurological condition in Australia, after dementia, and is the fastest-growing neurological disorder globally. Over 150,000 Australians are currently living with the condition, which progressively impairs motor control.
According to the Shake It Up Australia Foundation, Parkinson’s Disease is a degenerative disorder that affects a person’s ability to control their body movements, often leading to severe disability.
Professor Ooi expressed optimism about the study’s potential to shed light on the complex relationship between environmental pollutants and neurological health. “There are numerous factors that contribute to the development of neurological diseases, and pinpointing a single cause can be incredibly challenging. Many of the toxins we’re studying are ubiquitous in our daily lives, so it’s crucial to understand their long-term effects on health,” she said. “By better understanding the role these toxins play in Parkinson’s Disease, we can develop strategies to prevent this devastating condition.”
The research team is employing innovative techniques to reprogram ordinary human cells into dopaminergic neurons—the brain cells most affected by Parkinson’s Disease. These cells, which produce dopamine, as well as glia cells, which protect neurons, are progressively lost in individuals with Parkinson’s.
Through this process, the team will be able to directly observe how exposure to environmental toxins affects the brain cells involved in Parkinson’s. By analyzing the resulting changes in cellular chemistry, the researchers hope to identify distinct molecular patterns, or “metabolic signatures,” that could provide insight into how these toxins damage the brain.
Associate Professor Shane Ellis, a key member of the research team, emphasized the importance of this approach. “This methodology allows us to study the direct effects of environmental toxins on the specific brain cells affected by Parkinson’s Disease,” he said. “The ability to observe these effects in a lab setting offers us a unique opportunity to understand the mechanisms at play.”
Vicki Miller, CEO of the Shake It Up Australia Foundation, praised the potential of the research to improve Parkinson’s treatment and prevention strategies. “This project holds significant promise in providing critical insights into how environmental factors contribute to Parkinson’s Disease,” she said. “Understanding these influences will help us develop targeted interventions to reduce the risk and impact of the disease.”
Dr. Paul Di Pietro, Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President of Research and Sustainable Futures at UOW, also congratulated Professor Ooi and her team on the prestigious grant. “The pursuit of understanding disease causes is rigorous, but its implications are far-reaching,” he said. “This study will play a pivotal role in enhancing our understanding of Parkinson’s Disease and is a testament to the exceptional research capability at UOW.”
This groundbreaking research marks a significant step forward in the ongoing quest to better understand Parkinson’s Disease and its potential environmental triggers.
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