Parkinson’s Disease Group

Our aim is to find a cure for Parkinson’s and improve patients’ lives with support from patients, caregivers, researchers and biotech companies.

Our research focus lies in all aspects of Parkinson’s disease and Parkinson’s-like conditions. By studying how Parkinson’s affects people living with the disease, we aim to develop treatments to address the symptoms. This commitment is shared by our network of people living with Parkinson’s, carers, clinicians, allied health professionals, local and international researchers and biotechnology companies. Together we can make a difference.

Research interests

  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Multiple system atrophy
Techniques

  • Human samples and testing
  • Animal and cell models

About our research

Our group focuses on Parkinson’s disease and how it affects people who live with it. We study the symptoms that are most important to them using a multi-disciplinary approach, aiming to understand the causes and to develop treatments of these symptoms. Additionally, we explore ways to prevent Parkinson’s from occurring by examining our hostile environment and the factors that contribute to its development.

Our current research focus includes:

  • Using various measurements in studies to address whether Parkinson’s disease  can be detected early. The aim is to use early detection to better understand the causal mechanisms of disease and develop disease-modifying therapies.
  • Using biomaterials to support and redirect stem cells to repair the Parkinson’s brain.
  • Investigating the molecule and cellular process that might underlie Parkinson’s disease.
  • Understanding how a protein called a-synuclein might influence cell function and healthy ageing.

For Parkinson’s support and information, please contact Fight Parkinson’s on 1800 644 189.

Research team

Research team head

Selected publications

  • Tran KKN, Wong VHY, Lim JKH, Shahandeh A, Hoang A, Finkelstein DI, Bui BV and Nguyen CTO (2022), ‘Characterization of retinal function and structure in the MPTP murine model of Parkinson’s disease’ Scientific Reports, 12(1):7610, doi:10.1038/s41598-022-11495-z
  • Finkelstein DI, Shukla JJ, Cherny RA, Billings JL, Saleh E, Stefanova N, Barnham KJ and Adlard PA (2022), The compound ATH434 prevents alpha-synuclein Toxicity in a murine model of multiple system atrophy’, Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, 12(1):105–115, doi:10.3233/JPD-212877
  • Shukla JJ, Stefanova N, Bush AI, McColl G, Finkelstein DI and McAllum EJ (2021), ‘Therapeutic potential of iron modulating drugs in a mouse model of multiple system atrophy’, Neurobiology of Disease, 159:105509, doi:10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105509
  • McQuade RM, Singleton LM, Wu H, Lee S, Constable R, Di Natale M, Ringuet MT, Berger JP, Kauhausen J, Parish CL, Finkelstein DI, Furness JB and Diwakarla S (2021), ‘The association of enteric neuropathy with gut phenotypes in acute and progressive models of Parkinson’s disease’ Scientific Reports, 11(1):7934, doi:10.1038/s41598-021-86917-5

Contact us

For more information about our group’s research you can contact us by submitting this form.

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