Professor Lezanne Ooi awarded close to $400k for new study to understand links between environmental toxins and debilitating disease
A revolutionary new study will examine whether environmental toxins could lead to the onset of Parkinson's Disease.
Professor Lezanne Ooi, from the University of Wollongong's (UOW) Molecular Horizons and School of Science, was awarded $386,000 from Shake It Up Australia Foundation and The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research to undertake the research.
Alongside a team of researchers, Professor Ooi will examine how the onset and development of Parkinson's Disease could be influenced by the exposure levels of a range of different toxins, from chemicals used in industrial settings to those in the domestic sphere.
These include pesticides, nano plastics, and long-lasting chemicals, known as PFAS, which are present in the environment.
Parkinson's Disease is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world and is second in Australia only to dementia.
According to Shake It Up, Parkinson's is a progressive, degenerative neurological condition that affects a person's control of their body movements.
There are more than 150,000 people living with Parkinson's Disease in Australia.
Professor Ooi said the funding will allow the research team to delve deeply into the fascinating relationship between exposure to environmental pollution and the risk of disease, a connection that has long been suspected in Parkinson's.
"There are many culprits that contribute to the development of neurological conditions, and it can be incredibly difficult to isolate any one culprit. Many of the toxins we will investigate are found in the environment, they are part of our daily lives, so it is vital that we understand if, and how, these impact our long-term health," Professor Ooi said.
"If we understand how the toxins contribute to Parkinson's, we can learn how to potentially prevent this devastating disease."
Professor Lezanne Ooi.
As part of the research, the team is reprogramming regular human cells into the specific brain cells that are affected by Parkinson's.
The cells - dopaminergic neurons, which produce dopamine, and glia, support cells that play vital roles in protecting neurons – are both types that are progressively lost in Parkinson's.
The team, which includes Associate Professor Shane Ellis, also based in Molecular Horizons, will then use these cells to examine the impact of environmental toxins on the debilitating neurological condition.
"This approach allows us to directly observe how these toxins affect the brain cells involved in Parkinson's disease," said Professor Ooi.
"By exposing brain cells to these substances, we can analyse the resulting changes in cellular chemistry and identify 'metabolic signatures' – unique molecular patterns that indicate damage related to Parkinson's."
Vicki Miller, CEO of Shake It Up Australia Foundation, said: "This research has the potential to provide critical insights into potential preventative measures and treatment options for Parkinson's disease. By understanding the environmental factors that contribute to the disease, we can work towards developing strategies to mitigate their impact."
Dr Paul Di Pietro, UOW Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research and Sustainable Futures), congratulated Professor Ooi and the team on the prestigious grant.
"The work of exploring what causes diseases is long and painstaking, but the findings have a tangible impact on the lives of others. This study will play a critical role in advancing our understanding of Parkinson's Disease and reflects the remarkable research capacity and capability of Professor Ooi and her team," he said.
