Bacterial extracellular vesicles as a novel therapy for sporadic Parkinson’s disease

Objetivo temático: Our study aims to validate the effects of bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) derived from the commensal bacterium Lactobacillus rhamnosus, found in the GI tract of healthy individuals, in slowing down the progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD) in our previously validated mouse model.

Área Científica: Good Health and Well-being

Síntese do Projeto: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, marked by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and the accumulation of α-synuclein (αSyn) aggregates. While motor symptoms like bradykinesia and rigidity are predominant, non-motor symptoms, including gastrointestinal dysfunction and systemic inflammation are also substantial. There is growing evidence that the gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in PD, with body-first PD patients showing alterations in gut microbiota and peripheral αSyn pathology. Given the limited current treatments focused on dopamine replacement, alternative therapies that could slow PD progression are urgently needed. An emerging therapeutic approach involves bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs), which can modulate microbiota-immune interactions and potentially influence both gut and systemic inflammation. This modulation may extend to distal sites, including the brain, offering promising implications for diseases like Parkinson's.

Investigador Responsável na UC: Sandra Morais Cardoso (PI) e Inês J. Melo Marques (PhD student)

Unidade Orgânica UC: Reitoria - CNC

Instituições participantes no Projeto: Universidade de Coimbra

Instituição Financiadora/Gestora: Parkinson’s and Movement Disorder Foundation (PMDF)

Programa de Financiamento: PMDF - Movement Disorder Grant 2024

Período de execução: 01.03.2025 - 28.02.2026

Custo total elegível (EUR): 5 000,00 $

Técnico do Projeto: Kayleigh Mikaela Oliveira Rodrigues

Contacto: 239 247 016 | kayleigh.rodrigues@uc.pt