Study Rationale: Previous research has demonstrated that mitochondria — the energy-generating centers in the cell — are impaired in the brains of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the precise mechanisms by which mitochondrial dysfunction could lead to PD are unknown. We seek to develop a new method for efficiently and rapidly isolating mitochondria from different types of cells and tissues. Using this approach, we hope to learn more about how mitochondria are altered in PD, findings that could lead to the development of biomarkers for diagnosis and monitoring disease progression.
Hypothesis: We hypothesize that an antibody that recognizes OMP25, a protein on the surface of mitochondria, will facilitate easy isolation of mitochondria from the cells and tissues of people with PD, thereby enabling direct analysis of mitochondrial function and metabolism.
Study Design: We will partner with Abcam to generate a new sensitive and specific antibody against OMP25. We will apply this antibody to develop a novel method to isolate mitochondria for additional analysis.
Impact on Diagnosis/Treatment of Parkinson’s disease: This tool may lead to the identification of biomarkers that aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of progression of PD.
Next Steps for Development: The tool can be used in translational studies that measure proteins and metabolites of mitochondria from the cells of people with PD, an approach that could reveal new biomarkers for disease diagnosis.