Molecular Neuroanatomy

Our research

Åsa Mackenzie’s research group has as goal to solve the internal organization of the subthalamic area with the purpose to decode neurobiological underpinnings of emotion. 

Despite their impact on well-being, affective symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including anxiety, apathy and depression, have remained under-investigated. The underlying anatomy and neurocircuitry remain to be fully elucidated to better understand the origin and pathology, as well as treatment advancement; key scientific goals of MultiPark. 

One key brain structure in Parkinson’s disease is the subthalamic nucleus which shows dysfunction in this disease, but importantly also in Huntington and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD); three disorders with different pathology but with the subthalamic nucleus as one common denominator. This is where we come in, to shed light on this brain region. We use transcriptomics, tract tracing, neurocircuitry, behavior analyses in mice, and we bridge towards translational value by assessing primate brain tissue and clinical cohorts.

Aims

• Advance knowledge of emotion neurocircuitry in Parkinson’s disease.
• Define the precise anatomy of the subthalamic area in mouse and primate.
• Identify effects of neurodegeneration on emotion circuitry and mood regulation.
• Integrate clinical data with mouse models of neurodegenerative disease.
• Improve treatments for affective symptoms in Parkinson’s disease, including Deep brain stimulation (DBS).

Impact

By integrating targeted manipulations in mouse models with clinical data, we seek to define subthalamic circuit dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease and its role in affective symptoms. Our work will contribute to earlier diagnosis, symptom prevention, and treatment optimization, with focus on affective non-motor symptoms.

How our research contributes to the goals of MultiPark

Through our work on limbic neurocircuitry and the impact of mood on movement and behavior, we contribute to MultiPark goals specifying the importance of understanding the origin and progression of neurodegenerative disease, developing earlier diagnostics, and improving therapeutic approaches for treatment. 

Research Team & Publications

Read about publications and research team members of the Molecular Neuroanatomy in the LU Research Portal.