Development of Novel Neuroprotective or Disease-modifying Therapies

Professor Aideen Sullivan 

Professor Aideen Sullivan leads an active research group focused on Parkinson’s disease, which is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide, and for which there is currently no cure. There are currently over 10 million people living with Parkinson’s, and this incidence is projected to increase to 20 million by 2040.

Aideen’s particular research interest is the development of novel neuroprotective or disease-modifying therapies, which have potential to slow disease progression in Parkinson’s. Her research group uses preclinical models (both in vitro and in vivo laboratory models) to examine potential agents that might eventually be used clinically to help people with Parkinson’s. Her group has a strong track record in research on neurotrophic factors as disease-modifying therapies for Parkinson’s.

Current projects include: Gene therapy to deliver the dopaminergic neurotrophic factors GDF5 and GDNF as neurorestorative therapies for Parkinson’s; Use of human stem cell-derived dopamine neurons to investigate Parkinson's risk factors and novel therapies; Epigenetic enzymes HDAC5 and HDAC9 as novel therapeutic targets for Parkinson’s; Roles of the gut microbiome in Parkinson’s disease pathology and treatment; Small molecule regulators of BMP-Smad signalling as novel therapies for Parkinson’s disease.

Aideen also conducts patient-facing research, with a focus on the impacts of lifestyle and environmental factors on quality-of-life, and on motor and non-motor symptoms, in people with Parkinson’s. These projects have strong patient engagement and collaboration, and are often co-designed with people with Parkinson’s and patient advocates.

Current projects include: Pesticide exposure and risk of Parkinson’s; Exercise strategies for People with Parkinson’s; and Tracking symptoms and medications across the menstrual cycle in Women with Parkinson’s.

Aideen has supervised to completion 19 PhDs, 2 MDs, 22 MScs and 13 postdoctoral researchers, and she is currently supervising 7 PhDs and 1 MSc student.

Aideen welcome enquires from students interested in discussing MSc or PhD opportunities, from post-doctoral researchers wishing to join her research group, and from potential research collaborators. If you would like to discuss such possibilities, please contact her on a.sullivan@ucc.ie