Dopamine is an essential neurotransmitter modulating major brain functions such as motor control, cognition, and emotions. A dysfunction of the dopaminergic system plays a critical role in devastating brain disorders including Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia and affective disorders.

The overall aim of our lab is to better understand the molecular mechanisms controlling the development, maintenance and dysfunction of dopaminergic neurons, with the ultimate goal of advancing therapies for dopamine-associated disorders.

In particular, we are currently focusing on the role of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in the development, survival and degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and evaluate the BMP pathway as a novel drug target for Parkinson’s disease.