Amalia Dolga partner in ZonMw Open competition Grant

Together with prof. dr. H.W.G.M. (Erik) Boddeke (UMCG) and prof. dr. A.K. (Arjan) Kortholt (GBB), prof. dr. A.M.D. (Amalia) Dolga (GRIP) was awarded a ZonMw grant on the topic “How LRRK2 affect neuron-microglia communication in Parkinson's disease”.

An emerging hypothesis in Parkinson’s Disease points towards a critical role of inflammation and cell metabolism in specific brain cells such as microglia and neurons. Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is considered as an essential player in PD pathogenesis, however the exact role of LRRK2 in immune cells is still not well understood. In the current proposal we will combine our expertise to characterize the complex activation mechanism, localization and function of LRRK2 in immunity and cell metabolism in PD. We will develop brain-on-a-chip models and use a set of unique tools to get detailed insight in the function of LRRK2 in iPSC-derived brain cells (microglia and neurons). Our innovative science will expand our understanding of PD pathology, will generate the proof of principle of novel compound targeting LRRK2 and will provide a novel model for testing future therapies.

Recently, Amalia Dolga and Arjan Kortholt also starred in the second part of a University of Groningen information series on Parkinson’s: the search for a cure.