Project #8

Translational development at the interface between diabetes and Parkinson´s disease

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and Parkinson’s Disease (PD) are two major disorders associated with aging, and their prevalence is steadily increasing worldwide. These two conditions share several important features: they have a complex multifactorial pathogenesis, encompass different disease subtypes, and are associated with degenerative changes in several organs. Individuals with T2D are reported to be about 30% more likely to develop PD than the general population. However, the relative increase in PD risk conferred by diabetes has varied considerably between studies, possibly depending on disease subtype and duration or severity of the associated metabolic dysfunctions. PD patients with T2D also show faster clinical progression. 

This project will work on the hypothesis that diabetes and PD share important pathogenic pathways and could benefit from shared therapeutic strategies. An altered metabolic state is potentially modifiable, and therapies that mitigate metabolic syndrome factors in T2D are indeed being considered for repurposing to PD. However, it is hitherto unknown what stages of PD pathology or PD symptom clusters would benefit the most from this therapeutic strategy. It is also unknown what types/ combinations of drugs would provide greatest benefit. After identifying which individuals with diabetes are at higher risk of developing PD, we aim to develop a new comorbid T2D-PD mouse model to test neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects of diabetes drugs and to identify biomarkers of disease progression and treatment efficacy. 

Main Principal Investigator

• João Duarte

Co-supervisor

• Angela Cenci Nilsson