Yuling Li L&S Biological Sciences
Targeting mTOR to Treat Parkinson’s Disease’s Sleep and Motor Problems
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, impacting millions of people worldwide. While PD is primarily characterized by motor dysfunction due to the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), sleep disturbances, including insomnia and sleep fragmentation, are a significant yet understudied burden for most patients. The mechanisms linking dopaminergic neurodegeneration to sleep problems in PD remain unclear. mTOR pathway, a key regulator of cell growth and metabolism, has been linked to neurodegeneration when dysregulated, therefore making it a potential therapeutic target for PD. However, the role of the mTOR pathway in modulating both motor and sleep impairments remains unclear. By investigating the effects of mTOR intervention on sleep and motor behaviors in a mouse model of PD, my research aims to uncover new mechanistic insights and identify potential pathways for future PD treatments.
Message To Sponsor
Thank you for supporting my project on understanding how targeting mTOR could improve sleep and motor function in Parkinson’s disease. I am passionate about exploring new therapeutic strategies that could enhance quality of life for patients. Your support allows me to gain valuable research experience and contribute to discoveries in neuroscience. I am excited for the opportunity to learn and make an impact this summer.