Topic: autonomic functions

Neuromelanin (NM) is a black pigment that accumulates in human dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurons throughout life. NM levels beyond a certain threshold are believed to be toxic contribute to neurodegeneration seen in Parkinson's disease. Here, we present a genetically encoded and cell-specific viral strategy to induce NM production in disease models, which naturally do not have detectable levels of NM. We also set out to investigate how different accumulation rates of NM in noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus lead to distinct dynamics in neurodegeneration and associated changes in