Researchers at the Udall Center at Emory University examine changes in brain activity that occur as part of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Our studies are conducted from a brain circuit perspective, and aim to develop an understanding of the brain activity changes that are responsible for the movement problems in PD. This knowledge is an essential prerequisite for targeted efforts to develop more effective and better tolerated new treatments for patients with PD.
Most of the movement problems in PD arise as a consequence of the loss of the chemical dopamine in a group of brain structures which are collectively known as the “basal ganglia.” Dopamine loss in the basal ganglia profoundly alters the activity of these structures, as well as that of brain structures that are connected to them. The research in the Udall Center at Emory University is concerned with the changes in one of these ‘connected’ brain region, i.e., the outer mantle of the brain (‘cerebral cortex’). The cerebral cortex directly regulates movements and other aspects of behavior.
Two of the four Udall Center projects (projects 1 and 2, led by Dr. Jaeger and Dr. Galvan, respectively) explore the electrical activity of the cerebral cortex in parkinsonian animals. Most of the project 1 studies are carried out in mice in which the experimental conditions can be tightly controlled. These experiments involve cutting-edge techniques that allow us to study the activity patterns of numerous cortical cells across a large region of the brain. The closely related project 2 examines a similar set of questions in monkeys, an animal species that is (relatively) close to humans. These experiments allow the investigators to study parkinsonism-related disturbances of the activity of cortical neurons with highly specific connections within the brain. Project 3 (led by Dr. Smith) study parkinsonism-related anatomical changes in the cortex using sophisticated electron microscopy methods in rodents and monkeys. The knowledge gained from the anatomical studies is essential for our understanding of the disease mechanisms at work in PD and is needed for the interpretation of the results in the other projects. Project 4 examines parkinsonism-associated changes in cortical activity related to stopping planned or ongoing movements, one of the key behavioral changes in the parkinsonian state. These studies utilize data collected from patients during deep brain stimulation surgery or during regular clinic visits.
The Center also features a Service Core (led by Dr. Galvan), and a Clinical Core (led by Dr. Factor). The Service Core provides the animal researchers with light microscopy services, and animal treatment/observation services, as well as biostatistical support to all projects. The Clinical Core helps with the recruitment and clinical evaluations of individuals enrolled in the studies under project 4.
Oversight over research and other activities is provided by an Administrative Core (led by Dr. Wichmann). This core provides oversight over the research activities and organizes Center activities pertaining to education and outreach. The Center educates trainees at all levels in PD research. Our outreach efforts serve to teach the public about the Center’s research activities, and about PD research in the Udall center network and other entities. Besides participating in many smaller events, the Center’s primary outreach event is its annual ‘Community Conversations’ symposium. Many of the Center’s outreach activities are carried out in collaboration with local or national PD support organizations.