Since locust genome sequencing, RNAi and CRISPR is avilable, I tried to model Parkinson's Disease in locust. Injection of rotenone into the head of locusts can cause severe loss of TH positive cell. But can the parkinson community accept my model? How can I do to substantiate my research?
Hi Zhikang,
Very interesting indeed. I think it would be interesting to study neurophysiological changes in this model. Studying synaptic dysfunction would also be very interesting.
In addition, since motor circuitry is impaired in Parkinson disease, I would be happy to know more about the extent and presentation of impaired motor function in locusts. Finally, although there are already several classes of mammalian models of α-synucleinopathy, It would be interesting to see whether locusts would also be a practical model for drug development as well.
Hope this helps,
Parham
There are handful of genes that are known to be associated with PD, if there are homologoues of these genes in the locust, genome and you will able to knockout these genes, and you find phenotypes that are PD-like, I think you are up for something. If you need help in this project, you are very welcome to contact me offline and I will help you.
We did an ordinary mouse PD model and just checked how wheel running restored neurotoxic damages:
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