Fellowship for Jean-Francois Poulin in support of: Genetic Dissection of the dopaminergic neuron subtype vulnerable in Parkinson's disease

The loss of neurons synthesizing dopamine as neurotransmitter, and located in the substantia nigra, underlies motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Not all neurons are equally vulnerable to this disease since the nearby dopamine neurons located in the ventral tegmental area are largely spared. Why some neurons are specifically loss in Parkinson's disease is currently unknown. In this proposal, we aim at providing a molecular, anatomical, and functional characterization of dopamine neurons specifically vulnerable in Parkinson disease using novel transgenic tools that allow a genetic access to this neuronal population. This studies will allow to understand the molecular substrates underpinning the selective vulnerability of dopamine neurons, as well as generate novel therapeutic targets.