The regulation and function of the Y chromosome gene, SRY, in experimental and clinical PD

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that results from the death of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. Whilst the cause of PD is unknown, the male-sex is a significant risk factor. My thesis investigated whether the Y-chromosome gene, SRY, contributes to the vulnerability of males to PD. I found that SRY expression is dysregulated in experimental and clinical PD, and that reducing SRY expression can slow the disease progression in multiple animal models of PD. Overall, work from my thesis reveal a novel sex-specific cause for PD and that SRY may be novel therapeutic target for PD.