Neuroprotection in Parkingson's Disease

Examining how drugs targeting the endocannabinoid system protect against Parkinson’s disease (PD)

Full Project Name:Targeting Cannabinoid CB1/CB2 Receptors for Neuroprotection in Mouse Models of Parkinson’s DiseasePrincipal Investigator:Qing-song Liu, PhD, Pharmacology and ToxicologyCo-Investigator:Cecilia Hillard, PhD, Pharmacology and ToxicologyAward Amount:$200,000

Award Date

January2019

Project Duration:24 months

Project Description Narrative:

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, affecting millions of people worldwide including an estimated 75,000 people in Wisconsin. However, current treatments do not address the root cause of the disease, and their effectiveness wanes over time. PD is caused by the death of brain cells (neurons), therefore preventing or slowing the death of neurons with neuroprotective drugs may prevent or delay the onset and progression of PD. Emerging evidence suggests that endocannabinoid system is a valuable target for neuroprotection for PD as well as other degenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and others.

This project aims to test whether drugs targeting the endocannabinoid system are effective to prevent neurodegeneration, how they protect against neurodegeneration, and whether these drugs are effective at treating symptoms caused by PD.

Project Updates:

Initial results revealed novel mechanisms by which CB2 receptor agonists exert neuroprotection
Secured an R01 grant from the NIH to further advance research