Investigating the role of EPG5 in Parkinson’s Disease pathogenesis
Parkinson’s disease (PD) causes both motor symptoms, like tremors and stiffness, and non-motor issues such as cognitive decline, but its underlying causes are still not fully understood. This project focuses on a PD-associated gene called EPG5 that is essential for autophagy, the cellular recycling system that clears damaged proteins and organelles. Using patient-derived cells and clinical data, the study will examine how PD-linked EPG5 mutations disrupt this recycling process and harm mitochondria, the cell’s energy producers. By uncovering how these molecular changes contribute to PD, this research aims to identify new therapeutic targets and support the development of more effective treatments.
