HQP Zone
 

Can you briefly explain your current research project, including its main focus and objectives? 

 

My thesis project aims to identify the early biomarkers of Parkinson’s disease in common marmosets, by characterizing the effects on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (resting-state functional MRI and structural MRI), cognitive flexibility, and daily activity of alpha-synuclein preformed fibrils (PFF) injection. Here we will assess alpha-synuclein progression over 44 weeks, focusing on its impact on behaviors (fine movement, natural behaviors, and sleep), cognition, functional connectivity, and alpha-synuclein pathology.

 

How do you see your research contributing to the advancement of knowledge in your field? 

 

This work will help to develop better interpretations of fMRI data and possibly lead to gaining insights into the dynamics of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators from fMRI scans alone which is currently not feasible. This can be used to monitor and assess the brain in both typical and pathological states.

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What is the most exciting aspect of your research so far, and why?

All the experimental aspects of the imaging, cognition, and behaviors are very exciting in my research. I would pick imaging if there must be a top one. Even though the marmosets are performing awake resting-state fMRI, which doesn’t consist of tasks, I can investigate the PFF-induced connectivity changes and volumetric differences at every 2 months through the courses of PFF progression. Using this high-resolution imaging approach, this allows us to compare the connectivity timely in parallel with other potential PD-like symptoms (e.g. in behaviors, cognitive flexibility, or sleep).

 

What initially drew you to this field of research? 

 

In prior high school and undergraduate research, I actively engaged in relevant research projects including the characterization of disease related features (e.g. audio input, EEG, etc.). Thus, my motivation stems from these ongoing research questions to understand Parkinson’s disease and to investigate new treatments. This led me to explore the potential of neuroimaging and machine learning. Motivated by the interdisciplinary approach of disease models and cutting-edge techniques, I was led to this current field of research, combining the use of imaging, behaviors, cognition, and machine learning.

How do you see your research contributing to the advancement of knowledge in your field?
 

Animal studies, especially mice, have been widely used for drug development and testing. Marmosets are also ideal for investigating PD mechanisms and progressions, as they have similar genes, brain, behavior, and immunological responses compared to humans, and can perform cognitive tasks and neuroimaging. The marmoset model of synucleinopathy (PD, dementia) is essential to test drugs, developed and working in rodents, in a nonhuman primate as an additional firewall to ensure the efficacy and safety of research outcomes, which further facilitates the “go-no-go” decision to proceed to clinical therapeutic testing.