Characterization of striatal innervation by drNPC-A9 cells in a rat model of Parkinsons Disease

Parkinsons Disease is the second most common neurological disorder. Over the course of the disease the brain cells that produce dopamine are slowly dying. The loss of these dopamine-producing cells means that less dopamine is available in the brain, causing many symptoms such as tremors. Unfortunately, brain cells cannot regenerate, so a patients symptoms will worsen over time. In the current project we aim to investigate human dopamine cells (i.e. drNPC-A9) that were grown in a petri-dish by New World Laboratories. Pre-clinical studies have revealed that the injection of these drNPC-A9 cells in rats, can rescue Parkinson disease-like symptoms. In this project we aim to understand how these drNPC-A9 cells are able to do that. The acquired information will directly contribute to the development of a therapy for Parkinsons Disease.

Faculty Supervisor:

Louis-Eric Trudeau

Student:

Willemieke Kouwenhoven

Partner:

New World Laboratories Inc

Discipline:

Pharmacy / Pharmacology

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

Program: