The neuroplasticity of the subthalamic nucleus and its afferent projections arising from the brainstem: Involvement in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease

Description

The goal of this research project is to characterize the neuroadaptive changes of neural circuits that occur in Parkinson's disease, as well as those that characterize pharmacological and neurosurgical treatments of this neurodegenerative disease. Genetically modified mice (CRISPR/Cas9) and MPTP monkeys used as animal model of the disease will help to characterize the rearrangement of serotonin, acetylcholine and dopamine axons from neurons whose cell bodies are located in the brainstem. Relevance of observations made in models will be supported by a detailed analysis of post-mortem human brains obtained from patients who have suffered from Parkinson's disease and who have received or not a neurosurgical treatment (DBS).

Research Field

- Neurosciences
- Parkinson' disease
- Monkey
- Neuronal microcircuitry
- Neuroplasticitéy
- Neurosurgery
- Mouvement disorder
- Dopamine
- Cripr/Cas9

Research Supervisor

Martin Parent

Research Environment

CERVO Brain Research Centre

CERVO Research Center, one of Canada's leading neuroscience and mental health centers, focuses on the root causes of brain diseases. It brings together some sixty researchers in charge of research teams with more than 400 people, offering multidisciplinary expertise, ranging from membrane biophysics to social intervention, and the psychology of cognition.

Web Site

Financial Aid Available by Program of Study

Doctorate in Neurosciences

Program description

Financial Aid Available*

Financial Aid Related to Research Project

$21500 per year for 4 years.

Internation meetings

Program-Specific Financial Aid

Graduate Studies Awards

Milestone	Amount
Program progress award (S-1 to S-8)	8 x $525
Program progress award (S-9 to S-11)	3 x $200
Successful completion of Ph.D exam	$800
Submission of dissertation deposit before the end of the 12th semester	$2,000
Language training	$250
Total	$7,850

Université Laval: Student Financial Aid

Funding source	Amount
Leadership and Comittment Scholarship (Canadians & permanent residents)	$30,000
Citizens of the World Scholarship (International students)	$30,000
Mobility Grant for Out-of-Province Internships or Research Visits (in French)	$1,000 to $2,000
Graduate Scholarships from Granting Agencies	$25,000 to $40,000$
Online Directory of Graduate Scholarships (in French)	$500 to $50,000

Supplemental Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship Program: Entitles international students to pay Canadian student tuition fees, for overall savings of around $40,000.

_{* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly.}

Master's Degree in Neurosciences with thesis

Program description

Financial Aid Available*

Financial Aid Related to Research Project

$18500 per year for 2 years.

Internation meetings

Program-Specific Financial Aid

Graduate Studies Awards

Milestone	Amount
First submission of thesis by the end of the 5th semester of full-time registration	$2,000
Language training	$250
Total	$2,250

Université Laval: Student Financial Aid

Sources de financement	Montant
Leadership and Comittment Scholarship (Canadians & permanent residents)	$10,000
Citizens of the World Scholarship (International students)	$20,000
Mobility Grant for Out-of-Province Internships or Research Visits (in French)	$1,000 to $2,000
Graduate Scholarships from Granting Agencies	$20,000 to $27,000
Online Directory of Graduate Scholarships (in French)	$500 to $50,000

_{* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly.}

Desired Profile

- Biomedical Science
- Neurology
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Neuropathology
- Microbiology

Requirements and Conditions

- BSc degree obtained

Required Documentation

- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitæ
- Student transcript

By email: martin.parent@fmed.ulaval.ca

Find Out More

Martin Parent
Professeur titulaire
Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale
martin.parent@fmed.ulaval.ca