Research in my lab focuses on the molecular-genetic causes of neurodegenerative conditions, most prominently Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, we have also recently commenced research projects on Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB). Such information is utilised to work with chemists to screen for novel pharmacological tools for alleviating aspects of such diseases and potentially rescue neuronal loss. 

In particular, research themes in the Pienaar lab are:

(1) Cell-specific mitochondrial DNA variation, as studied in the post-mortem brains of PD patients. 

(2) The cellular and molecular substrate of Deep-Brain Stimulation therapy, a highly promising surgical treatment option for PD and DLB patients. 

(3) Novel pharmacological agents and improving existing ones for more effective relief of symptoms of neurodegenerative disease and potentially to also neuroprotect. 

(4) Developing and characterising animal models of PD to accurately reflect the neuropathological changes seen in the post-mortem brains of PD patients. Such tools are invaluable as platforms against which to screen promising therapeutics againts. 

Collaborators:

Prof. Marcel Leist and Dr. Stefan Schildknecht, University of Konstanz (Germany)

Profs. Tim Bussey and Trevor Robbins, University of Cambridge (UK)

Prof. David Dexter and Dr. Puneet Sharma, Imperial College London (UK)

Dr. Joanna Elson, Newcastle University (UK)