Lorraine Kalia

Parkinson’s disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder for which we have no cure. It is associated with prominent death of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, and the mainstays of treatment are dopaminergic therapies. However these therapies only alleviate symptoms and are associated with substantial adverse effects. There are no available treatments that slow or stop the progressive neurodegeneration. Our research program is based on the hypothesis that understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal death in Parkinson’s disease will lead to the development of these much needed disease-modifying therapies.

We currently focus on two major goals:

1. To elucidate the critical molecular mechanisms responsible for neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease, and
2. To identify therapeutic agents that can modulate or target these molecular mediators of neurodegeneration.

To achieve these goals, we use a comprehensive approach involving molecular biology techniques, in vitrobiochemical assays, cellular models, and in vivo experiments using invertebrate and vertebrate systems.

Role(s): 

Assistant Professor, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; Scientist, Toronto Western Research Institute; Associate Member, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto; Staff Neurologist, Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic; and the Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease, Toronto Western Hospital.