Stem cell models derived from patients with Parkinson’s disease are valuable tools that are helping researchers around the world to better understand the underlying causes of neurodegeneration and to develop biomarkers and new therapies. To maximize the potential impacts of these tools, it is critical that they are developed and shared according to the principles of open science. In her interview, Dr. Birgitt Schüle discusses her work developing alpha-synuclein cell lines, challenges and opportunities in the field, and important considerations surrounding open science. She goes in-depth on how the cell lines were developed, characterized, and deposited with the American Tissue and Cell Collection (ATCC) with funding support from The Michael J. Fox Foundation, as well as how these cells can be used to fuel future discoveries. Birgitt is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology at Stanford University School of Medicine and Co-Director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Neuropathology, and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC) Core. 

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This podcast episode was part of a limited series created by The Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2023 and 2024 for clinicians and researchers in our audience.  These episodes provide a deeper dive into exciting new scientific research in Parkinson’s disease, as well as innovative tools and valuable resources, through conversations with a variety of experts in the field. We hope you enjoy the conversation.

The Foundation’s landmark research study is exploring the connection between sense of smell and brain disease. People with and without Parkinson's can help by taking a free scratch-and-sniff test. Get yours at mysmelltest.org/request.