Date of Award
2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Natural Sciences
First Advisor
Leininger, Elizabeth
Area of Concentration
Biology
Abstract
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, however, there has been difficulty in determining the pathogenesis of PD. Recent evidence has supported the hypothesis that the gut microbiota may play a causal role in PD development. This thesis presents findings from human-based and animal-based models of PD that revealed differences in the abundances of PD patients’ gut microbiota when compared to those of healthy controls. Additionally, this review discusses proposed mechanisms and pathways involved in PD pathogenesis, specifically focusing on interactions involving the gut microbiota. The mechanisms and pathways discussed include the propagation and spread of a-syn via the vagus nerve, a role for enteroendocrine cells in alpha-synucleinopathies, how dysbiosis results in the translocation of gut-derived bacterial metabolites (LPS and SCFA), and the effects of hydrogen-sulfide-producing bacteria on mitochondrial function. Despite some discrepancies between studies, it appears that the gut microbiota has been causally implicated in PD and may serve as a target for developing therapeutic strategies.
Recommended Citation
Visiko, Emily, "PARKINSON’S DISEASE AND THE MICROBIOME: DETERMINING A FUNCTIONAL LINK BETWEEN MICROBIOTA COMPOSITION AND PD PATHOGENESIS" (2023). Theses & ETDs. 6440.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/6440