Program Projects

Program projects support investigator-initiated research programs in which a team of investigators works in a clearly defined area of mutual scientific interest. In a program project, achievement of the objective of the research effort is facilitated by the sharing of ideas, data, and specialized core resources such as equipment, laboratories, clinical facilities, and administrative services.

UM Udall PDRCE Program Projects: Project 1 (Martin) examines candidate genes developed through the other projects for association with PD, as well as develops methodology and tests gene-gene and gene-environmental interactions.  Project 2 (Wang) looks at gene expression changes in Parkinson disease, using the autopsy and brain bank cores.  Project 3 (Vance) explores the role of the mitochondrial genome and mitochondrial haplogroups in PD.  Project 4 (Scott) builds upon previous linkage analyses by the group, and is looking for genes associated with PD within identified linkage regions on chromosomes 5q and 9q.  Three Cores interact with the projects: the Administrative Core (A), the Clinical Core (B) and the Neuropathology and Molecular Core (C).  These cores maintain active patient collection and the perspective autopsy program used by all the projects.  Last year, Core A sponsored a young investigator pilot project from Dr. Sofia Oliveira to examine biomarkers in PD.