The GEMSTONE Project successfully hosted its dissemination event on 2 July 2024. Entitled "Challenges and Developments in Parkinson's and Neurodegenerative Diseases," the event aimed to facilitate discussion on the latest advancements and challenges in the field of Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases and disseminate the GEMSTONE Project's outputs.
The symposium served as a platform to share the output of the GEMSTONE Project, which focuses on identifying the origin of the alpha-synuclein protein, a critical factor in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), and building capacity in Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University (ACU) for future PD researchs. To this purpose, GEMSTONE has developed a double transgenic model. By collaborating with IMMUPARKNET, the event promoted the exchange of knowledge and experience among international researchers and fostered potential new research collaborations.
The event began with opening remarks and an overview of the GEMSTONE Project by the Principal Investigar Prof. Filiz Onat from ACU. This was followed by a series of sessions focusing on translational research and its application in the clinical setting. Topics included insights into translational research in Huntington's disease and PD from the perspective of clinical researchers, the role of peripheral immunity in PD, and the integration of clinical evidence with laboratory findings.
The second session focused on challenges and developments in PD research. Highlights included presentations on the orphan G protein-coupled receptor GPR 37 associated with PD, the creation of a double transgenic model to study the pathogenesis of PD, and discussions on the perineuronal network and microglia in neurodegenerative diseases. The molecular landscape of PD in Turkey was also explored, highlighting the genetic diversity found in the Anatolian peninsula.
The event was attended by 61 participants, including medical students, postgraduate students and academics interested in PD and neurodegenerative disease research. It facilitated the dissemination of cutting-edge research, stimulated meaningful discussion and encouraged collaboration between researchers. The event took place at ACU Kerem Aydinlar Campus in Istanbul, and provided an insightful day of presentations, discussions and networking with leading experts in the field.
