We use cell sorting and cell engineering techniques to generate dopamine neuron precursor cells specifically for transplantation purposes, and explore techniques for insertion of genes into stem cells to direct the development of stem cells into transplantable midbrain dopamine neurons. In a second line of research we explore rodent models of Parkinson´s disease to study the mechanisms underlying development of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesias, and use recombinant viral vectors as tools to model Parkinson-like neurodegeneration in rodents, and for delivery of putative therapeutic factors, GDNF and Nurr 1 in particular, to the brain.

Our research aims at developing new restorative and neuroprotective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases using cell transplantation and direct in vivo gene delivery. The Neurobiology Unit seeks to develop techniques for isolation and identification of neural progenitor cells with the capacity to generate fully functional dopamine neurons after transplantation to the Parkinsonian brain.