First name

Hélène

Last name

CHEVAL

Research center

Paris Brain Institute, Sorbonne University

Research team

Team “Molecular pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease”, led by Jean-Christophe Corvol et Philippe Ravassard
Hélène CHEVAL

Title

Understanding how Parkin protects our cells from mitochondrial stress using human brain organoid models

Project Summary

Studies suggest that dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra are particularly sensitive to mitochondrial stress, especially in Parkinson’s disease. To investigate this vulnerability, we use organoids that mimic the substantia nigra and study the role of the Parkin protein—known for eliminating damaged mitochondria—in triggering and coordinating protective responses to stress specifically in DA neurons.