Parkinson’s Disease

Summary

This project explores the progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects motor functions due to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the brain. Symptoms include tremors, bradykinesia, and stiffness, with the disease often linked to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Key genetic contributors include mutations in the LRRK2, GBA, and SNCA genes, which lead to the formation of harmful protein clumps known as Lewy bodies. Current treatments such as Levodopa, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), and experimental therapies aim to manage symptoms but do not cure the disease.

Lewy bodies getting degraded after USP13 inhibition. (Figure representation created by the author: Arjun Chunduri)

Video Presentation

Impact Statement

Hello, my name is Arjun Chunduri, and I attend Diablo Vista Middle School, CA. I researched Parkinson's disease (PD), where I learnt about various causative factors, including genes like SNCA, and I learnt about using resources like NCBI and more. I also explored various approaches to easing Parkinson's and treatments such as USP13 inhibition and stem cell therapy that are still being developed. With guidance from teachers who have actual experience in the field, I learnt so much, not just about PD but also about genomes and genetics and how to navigate tools that I will be able to use in the future for scientific research.

Report White Paper

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_By: Arjun Chunduri_

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Elio Academy.

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