Dr. Ariadna Laguna, researcher with the Neurodegenerative Diseases group at Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), received a $100,000 grant from the Target Advancement Program of The https://www.michaeljfox.org/" Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. The study aims to reveal the potential of the LMX1B protein as a target for neuroprotective therapies in Parkinson's disease.Parkinson's disease is associated with the loss of dopaminergic neurons. A http://www.nature.com/neuro/journal/v18/n6/full/nn.4004.html" study led by the Karolinska Institute, with the participation of Dr. Laguna, recently described a function of the protein LMX1B as a regulator of the autophagic system in dopaminergic neurons. The autophagic system degrades and recycles unnecessary or dysfunctional cellular components, and is altered in Parkinson's disease.In this project, Dr. Laguna will investigate the capacity of the LMX1B protein to prevent the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in experimental models of Parkinson's disease. "We propose that increasing the expression and/or the activity of the LMX1B protein may have neuroprotective effects by restoring the function of the autophagic system," says Dr. Laguna. The Michael J. Fox Foundation grant will support this investigation into therapeutic strategies to prevent neuronal cell loss in Parkinson's disease. About The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's ResearchAs the world's largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson's research, The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to accelerating a cure for Parkinson's disease and improved therapies for those living with the condition today. The Foundation pursues its goals through an aggressively funded, highly targeted research program coupled with active global engagement of scientists, Parkinson's patients, business leaders, clinical trial participants, donors and volunteers. In addition to funding more than $525 million in research to date, the Foundation has fundamentally altered the trajectory of progress toward a cure. Operating at the hub of worldwide Parkinson's research, the Foundation forges groundbreaking collaborations with industry leaders, academic scientists and government research funders, increases the flow of participants into Parkinson's disease clinical trials with its online tool, Fox Trial Finder, promotes Parkinson's awareness through high-profile advocacy, events and outreach, and coordinates the grassroots involvement of thousands of Team Fox members around the world.