Victor Dieriks

Parkinson's disease (PD) and Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) are complex neurological conditions that affect over 10 million people globally, and currently, there are no cures available. These diseases involve the buildup of harmful protein clumps called alpha-synuclein aggregates in the brain, which contribute to the worsening of symptoms. However, these protein clumps don't fully explain why different patients experience different symptoms or why various brain cells are affected.

Recent research has discovered that these α-synuclein aggregates can differ in shape and characteristics, leading scientists to suggest that these variations might be why the disease affects people differently. Dr. Dieriks's research focuses on these different forms of α-synuclein, called 'strains'. His work aims to understand how these strains influence the disease and identify specific genes that change in response to different strains. By studying these genes, Dr. Dieriks hopes to find new ways to treat or even slow down the progression of these debilitating conditions, ultimately reducing the impact of α-synuclein in the brain. His findings could also lead to better ways to diagnose and differentiate between Parkinson's disease and Multiple System Atrophy, paving the way for tailored treatments that address the unique aspects of each condition.

Together with his team, he is investigating these early changes in human brain tissue and primary brain cells so we can find ways to delay or stop them before they become a problem.

Dr Dieriks leads the Alpha Synuclein Lab, which benefits significantly from our access to the Brain Bank and Biobank resources. Our lab specializes in advanced immunofluorescent staining techniques and detecting α-synuclein clumps in human brains and biofluids. Over the past decade, we have developed methods to isolate various cell types from human brain samples. Our innovative approach merges the study of cells from brains affected by end-stage disease with functional cellular analyses.

His research interests also extend to other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and Motor Neuron Disease, due to similarities in their underlying disease mechanisms.

Our work is supported by several prestigious organizations, including the HRC Hercus, the Neurological Foundation, Ian and Sue Parton, the Michael J Fox Foundation, the Royal Society Catalyst, and Te Tītoki Mataora. These partnerships help drive our pursuit of understanding and treating these complex diseases.

For more information:
https://www.dierikslab.com

Responsibilities:
Independent chair Doctoral examination committee

University of Auckland Biological Safety Committee

Qualifications:
B. Eng, MSc, MBE, MCE, PhD

Areas of Expertise:
Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, alpha-synuclein, strains, neurodegenerative diseases, tunnelling nanotubes, olfactory bulb, Huntington's disease

Media Keywords:
Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, olfactory bulb, cell biology