The project is about the measurement of LRRK2 kinase levels in striatum with Sandwich-ELISA in an in vivo viral model of LRRK2-associated Parkinson’s disease. LRRK2 is a protein, encoded by the LRRK2 gene and the variants of this gene are associated with familial and idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD). The importance of LRRK2 levels and their relationship to PD pathogenesis is crucial for understanding underlying mechanisms of the disease and such models are crucial to test new LRRK2-targeted treatments for PD.
This study aims to combat microbial resistance and overuse of antibiotics in hospitals by developing novel antimicrobial agents from diverse sources. Nanotechnology has significantly impacted daily life, including medicine, by improving intracellular drug delivery. The study uses dendritic polymers, polyethyleneimine (PEI), to create sustainable antibiotic delivery technology for coating medicinal leathers and gauzes. Four different antibiotics were studied. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the coatings' ability to maintain biological activity in treated leathers and the xerogel with antibiotics combination. This initiative aims to regulate antibiotic use through controlled release and create xerogels with different antibiotic components for future use.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of motor control and dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta region in the ventral midbrain. Only 5-10% of PD cases are familial, with the most common dominantly-inherited gene being LRRK2. LRRK2 holds a high potential as a PD biomarker due to its hyperactive kinase function associated with idiopathic PD and mutant LRRK2-induced PD, where G2019S is the most common pathogenic mutation.
Methodology: In-house Sandwich ELISA was used to measure total LRRK2, flag-tagged LRRK2, and
phosphorylated LRRK2 levels in the ventral midbrains of mice 3-weeks post-injection with helpful adenovirus vectors to induce LRRK2 expression.
Results: Differences were observed in LRRK2 levels between treatment groups, however they were found to be insignificant 3-weeks post-injection. For future research, larger cohorts and measuring LRRK2 levels at later time-points should be considered.
