Investing In the Next Generation of Parkison’s Researchers
At APDA, supporting early career researchers is a strategic priority. Scientists at the beginning of their careers often bring fresh ideas and innovative ways of thinking to complex problems. By investing in these researchers early, APDA helps launch promising scientific careers while accelerating discoveries that may lead to better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
One of the key ways APDA supports emerging scientists is through its Post-Doctoral Fellowship program. These fellowships are awarded to post doctoral researchers (early career scientists who have recently received their PhDs), whose work shows strong potential to deepen our understanding of the causes of PD and to uncover new approaches to treatment. By providing funding at this critical stage, APDA allows researchers to focus on bold, high-impact projects that might otherwise struggle to receive support.
DR. BRIANNE ROGERS is a post-doctoral fellow currently focusing on understanding how certain genes linked to PD are controlled. One gene of particular interest is SNCA, which produces a protein called alpha-synuclein. In people with PD, this protein can accumulate abnormally in brain cells and form structures known as Lewy bodies, which are associated with the disease.
Rather than studying the gene itself, Dr. Rogers is investigating the “switches” in our DNA called regulatory elements that turn genes on or off. By identifying which of these switches control the SNCA gene, and how genetic differences might affect them, her research could reveal entirely new targets for therapy.
With support from APDA, early-career scientists like Dr. Rogers are helping open new paths toward better understanding of PD.
Learn more about APDA funded research projects.