Metabolomics analysis of Parkinsons disease brains by Imaging mass spectrometry
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Uppsala universitet - Institutionen för farmaceutisk biovetenskap, Avdelningen för medicinsk masspektrometri |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 300 000 |
| Project duration | April 2012 - December 2015 |
| Status | Completed |
Important results from the project
Parkinson´s disease (PD) is caused by degeneration of the dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra. One of the prevailing theories suggest that oxidative stress start the process and that changes in lipids composition play an important role. These theories are relatively unexplored. In this project, we have initiated studies investigating alterations of lipids and metabolites in animal models of PD with imaging mass spectrometry to identify potential targets for treatment in the early stages of the disease.
Expected long term effects
The project was initiated to obtain new knowledge about metabolic changes in Parkinson´s disease. The participating groups have complementary competences, i.e., Prof. Suematsu at Keio University, Tokyo is the world leader in metabolomics and Dr. Shimma at Osaka University is a leader in mass spectrometric imaging. An important goal of this project was to establish new research links with leading laboratories in Japan, which has been successful. Research results will be published in the end of 2015.
Approach and implementation
With the new technology, i.e., mass spectrometry imaging, we have investigated how the Parkinson´s disease (PD) changes in neurotransmitters and metabolites are affected in different brain regions. Our research group provides unique PD brain tissues and neurotransmitter analysis using mass spectrometry imaging, whereas the groups in japan are imaging lipids and endogenous metabolites using mass spectrometry.