Genetic and environmental factors involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's Disease (PD). PD is a progressive illness characterized by resting tremor, slowness and stiffness of movement in addition to problems with balance and walking. PD is a common disease, affecting nearly 1 million people in the United States. The cause of PD is unknown, but combinations of both genetic and environmental factors are thought to play an important role. The goal of our research is to develop novel neuroprotective or neurorestorative therapeutics to slow, halt or reverse the progressive neurodegeneration for patients with PD. Active research projects in the Translational Neurobiology Research Unit extend from the bench to the bedside, including investigations into disease pathogenesis, preclinical testing of novel drugs and clinic trials of therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases like PD. (John Goudreau, DO, PhD Neurology and Pharmacology & Toxicology)