# Mechanistic Analysis of Genetic Modifiers in Parkinson's Disease

> **NIH NIH R35** · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $834,826

## Abstract

Summary
 I believe that combining disease gene discovery approaches with in-depth follow-up mechanistic and
functional studies is a unique aspect of my research program. Our recent discovery of “human-specific” pathways
and phenotypes (compared to mice) in midbrain DA neurons has led us to focus on patient-derived DA neurons
to examine the function of PD-linked genes. By employing co-cultures of iPS-derived neurons, microglia and
astrocytes, we will examine the interplay of cell-autonomous and no-cell autonomous pathways that lead to
dysfunction of midbrain DA neurons in PD. Moreover, we will use innovative technology to simultaneously
examine a large number of genetic variants in a pooled iPS approach that has not been possible previously.
Finally, our recent discovery of direct contacts between lysosomes and mitochondrial has opened a completely
new opportunity to examine inter- and intra-organellar dynamics in neurodegeneration. The R35 award would
provide me the time, freedom and stability to be even more adventurous and, as always, follow the most
interesting biology to have a high impact on the field.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10238596
- **Project number:** 1R35NS122257-01
- **Recipient organization:** NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** DIMITRI KRAINC
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $834,826
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-05-01 → 2029-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10238596

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10238596, Mechanistic Analysis of Genetic Modifiers in Parkinson's Disease (1R35NS122257-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10238596. Licensed CC0.

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