The central theme of the Emory Parkinson's Disease Collaborative Environmental Research Center (EmoryPD-CERC) is that exposure to environmental toxicants disrupts mitochondrial function and dopaminestorage, which leads to increased oxidative stress, which contributes to the pathogenesis of Parkinson'sdisease. The CNS program's focus on clinical research is predicated upon close interactions betweenclinical scientists and basic scientists. We will establish and promote these interactions at multiple levels ofour administrative core. Dr. Miller is a neurotoxicologist and will serve as PI and Director of the overallprogram. Dr. Miller will work closely with the Co-Director Dr. DeLong. Dr. DeLong is a neurologistspecializing in movement disorders. Dr. Miller and Dr. DeLong will ensure that there are rich interactionsbetween the basic and clinical scientists involved in the program and others at the university. EmoryUniversity is internationally recognized for its pioneering translational research in Parkinson's disease. In2002, Dr. Miller was recruited to the Center for Neurodegenerative Disease (CND) at Emory University andplayed an integral role in the Emory Collaborative Center for Parkinson's Disease Environmental Researchor CCPDER (Dr. DeLong, P.I.). We view our application to the CNS program as the natural continuation ofthis very successful research program. Thus, we will take advantage of the existing administrative structureof the CCPDER to provide leadership to the CNS program with an emphasis on translational science. TheCND will serve as the home for this research initiative. The majority of the investigators are housed withinthe CND and there is a well-developed series of seminars and data clubs that will foster collaboration in theEmory PD-CERC. The objectives of the Administrative Core are as follows: to lead the investigative team incollaborative research, to provide University-level input and expertise to the investigative team, to providenational-level expertise and oversight to the investigative team, and to foster development of technologies(therapeutics, predictive models, biomarkers) that may benefit the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome ofParkinson's disease patients. By pursuing these objectives, the administrative leadership will ensure that allproject teams track toward our common goal for the CNS Program, which is to integrate clinical and basicresearch to identify and mitigate the adverse impact of environmental chemicals in Parkinson's disease.
Showing the most recent 10 out of 84 publications
