International collaboration drives Parkinson's research forward in Wolverhampton

A unique partnership between the University of Wolverhampton, the University of Milan, and local company iBiotech has yielded promising Parkinson's Disease research.

Claudia Novello, a PhD researcher from the University of Milan, has concluded a highly productive six-month placement at the University of Wolverhampton, contributing significantly to Parkinson's Disease research being undertaken here at the University of Wolverhampton as well as enhancing our understanding of potential new treatment.

Claudia arrived at Wolverhampton in September 2024 to collaborate with Dr Hafid Omar (Reader in Immunology within the Research Institute in Healthcare Science; School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences) and Dr Mark Morris (Reader in Molecular Oncology and Director of the Research Institute of Healthcare Sciences; School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences). Her work was also supported by Professor Iza Radecka’s Biopolymer team. Claudia’s work focused on utilising human tissue cell models to investigate the complexities of Parkinson's Disease, a neurodegenerative disorder affecting millions worldwide.

During her time at Wolverhampton, Claudia not only made progress on her PhD project but also proved to be an invaluable resource to her fellow students, diligently preparing their tissue cultures and sharing her expertise.

Dr Brian Johnston, Senior Lecturer in the School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, said: "Claudia worked with dedication throughout her placement, consistently demonstrating a strong commitment to her research." Dr Johnston, along with Mattia Parati PhD researcher (who inspired the research area during his PhD project) as well as iBiotech (a local research and development company) facilitated Claudia’s visit via a PhD sponsorship programme and as part of an ongoing industrial collaboration with the University of Milan.

Dr Johnston will also be contributing to further aspects of the Parkinson’s project thanks to support from Professor Iza Radecka and Dr Mark Morris. Dr Johnston will be working on polymer-protein interactions, essential for understand the mechanisms associated with Parkinson’s Disease treatment.  

Professor Sabbir Ahmed, Head of the School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, said: “The project undertaken by Claudia and Brian is an excellent example of how multidisciplinary teams can come together to produce highly positive and impactful results.”

Claudia's work has resulted in the submission of a research paper to a leading scientific journal, with publication expected by June 2025. Her supervisor, Professor Graziella Cappelletti of the University of Milan, expressed immense satisfaction with the progress. "Claudia's work has been outstanding, and we are thrilled with the advancements she has made during her time in Wolverhampton," Professor Cappelletti stated.

Professor Radecka and Dr Hafid Omar also praised Claudia's dedication and progress by co-signing a certificate which was presented by Dr Morris at an event organised to celebrate Claudia’s achievements and her departure from the University of Wolverhampton.

The collaborative research will be further showcased at a prestigious conference at Cambridge University, "Facing the Complexity of Synucleinopathies," where a poster presentation will highlight key findings. This event will bring together world-renowned experts in Parkinson's Disease and protein research, including Professor Werner Poewe (Medical University Innsbruck), Professor Michele Hu (Professor of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oxford) and Professor John Hardy (University College London).

The conference will feature discussions on crucial topics such as Parkinson's Disease and Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), prodromal synucleinopathies, the genetic complexity of Parkinson's Disease, and clinical-imaging subtypes.

Claudia's placement underscores the importance of international collaboration in advancing scientific research and fostering the next generation of researchers. Her successful tenure at the University of Wolverhampton serves as a testament to the power of shared expertise and the pursuit of scientific breakthroughs.