New qualitative and quantitative tools are being developed to measure and track changes in proteins relevant for neurodegenerative disease, and these tools have the potential to accelerate drug discovery and clinical trials. In this episode, Dr. Judith Steen discusses her work creating novel qualitative and quantitative tools and workflows at the interface of proteomics and transcriptomics, including their novel FLEXI platform. This platform uses targeted, high- throughput quantitative mass spectrometry to isolate, quantify, and identify molecular changes in proteins. She describes her ongoing project, funded by The Michael J. Fox Foundation, to develop FLEXISyn, which aims to track post-translational changes in alpha-synuclein to better understand how the protein becomes dysfunctional and begins misfolding and forming toxic aggregations in Parkinson's disease. Judith is Associate Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, a member of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, and Director of the Neuroproteomics Laboratory in the F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center at Boston Children's Hospital.

Mentioned in this episode:

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.

August is Make-A-Will Month, which serves as a reminder of the importance of creating and updating your will. Use this moment to take control of your future and ensure your wishes are respected. Visit michaeljfox.org/plan to learn more and get started.