Study Rationale: Of high priority is a need to understand the impact of pesticides, emerging long-lived chemicals, Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, and nanoplastics on neurons and glial cells and thus their potential impact on Parkinson’s disease. Previous analyses have identified these risk factors to be a key signal in Parkinson’s disease samples. However, their direct impact on Parkinson’s patient brain cells has yet to be determined.
Hypothesis: Pesticides, long-lived chemicals and nanoplastics affect the health and signaling pathways of neurons and glial cells and impact the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
Study Design: We will identify the impact of pesticides, long-lived chemicals and nanoplastics on neurons and glial cells from Parkinson’s patients and controls. We will analyze the cells by mass spectrometry, which allows us to measure hundreds of molecules from single cells and apply computational analysis methods to identify differences within cell populations following treatments with environmental risk factors. The study will identify key changes within the neurons that degenerate and how these are impacted by other cell types within the brain.
Impact on Diagnosis/Treatment of Parkinson’s disease: Our data will provide a metabolic signature for each cell from Parkinson’s patients, in response to environmental risk factors. By identifying these differences we may identify common biomarkers in response to environmental risk factors. The data will provide key information for regulatory bodies to improve human health and protect against Parkinson’s disease risk.
Next Steps for Development: Our team included environmental and clinical toxicologists, who will guide the research to ensure clinical relevance and follow-on impact. For example, our team has previously developed online platforms for sharing data for emerging chemical threats, been on expert panels and written guidelines relevant to human health.