PhD defence: Mitochondrial DNA as a driver and therapeutic target in Parkinson's Disease

Joana Marturià Navarro

Parkinson’s disease is the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disorder worldwide, yet the mechanisms driving its progression remain poorly understood.

In this PhD project, we investigated how mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation interact to promote neuronal degeneration, focusing on the role of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) .

Using a mouse model of sporadic parkinsonism, we demonstrate that damaged mtDNA acts as a pathogenic signal that triggers neuroinflammation and facilitates disease spread throughout the brain.

We further explore mitochondrial transplantation as a novel therapeutic approach, showing its potential to restore mitochondrial health, reduce neurodegeneration, and improve disease outcomes. These findings identify new therapeutic opportunities for Parkinson’s disease.

Assessment Committee

Professor Kristine Freude, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen (Chair)

Professor Ramon Trullàs, Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IIBB-CSIC)

Professor Maria Ankarcrona, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet

Supervisors

Professor Shohreh Issazadeh-Navikas, 

Associate Professor Fena Ochs

Graduate Programme

Molecular Mechanisms of Disease

Place

BRIC/Biocenter, Room: Seminar room (2nd floor), Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen N

Copy of thesis

Email address to gain access to the thesis: joana.marturia@bric.ku.dk 

You will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy.