Interactive effects of deep brain stimulation in the subthalamic nucleus on dopaminergic plasticity and neurogenesis in a genetic rat model of Parkinson’s disease: From non-motor impact to biomarker development (C04)

• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells ; Molecular and Cellular Neurology and Neuropathology
• Term: since 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 299150580

The project focuses on long-term effects of deep brain stimulation in the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS) in a novel genetic animal model of Parkinson’s disease presenting with consecutive overexpression of α-synuclein. The effects of STN-DBS on structural, functional and behavioural alterations will be dissected and potential biomarkers for the development of feedback-controlled stimulation will be characterised. These findings will contribute to the pathophysiological understanding of mechanisms of action in deep brain stimulation and potential optimisation of therapeutic DBS also in the clinical setting.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1270: ELectrically Active ImplaNts - ELAINE
• Applicant Institution: Universität Rostock
• Project Heads: Dr. Mareike Fauser, since 7/2021; Professor Dr. Alexander Storch