Parkinson’s Disease (PD), the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder, is based on a complex interplay between genetic predispositions, aging processes, and environmental influences. In order to better understand the gene-environment axis in PD, we pursue a multi-omics approach to comprehensively interrogate genome-wide changes in histone modifications, DNA methylation, and hydroxymethylation, accompanied by transcriptomic profiling in cell and animal models of PD as well as large patient cohorts. Furthermore, we assess the plasticity of epigenomic modifications under influence of environmental factors using longitudinal cohorts of sporadic PD cases as well as mouse models exposed to specific environmental factors. Here, we present gene expression changes in PD mouse models in context of aging as well as environmental enrichment and high-fat diet.

In this talk, Professor Hardy will discuss the different causes and predispositions of PD that exist in Africa, and the differences to European populations. He will go on to discuss the importance of highlighting these differences and the impact of this vital research to people living with PD in Africa, as well as their families and caregivers.