https://www.neuroregeneration.org/blog daily 0.75 2022-06-24 https://www.neuroregeneration.org/blog/what-went-wrong-with-alzheimer-drug-discovery monthly 0.5 2022-06-24 https://www.neuroregeneration.org/home daily 1.0 2025-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/1594047156694-OH3J1DWYZBDYZR59NFZD/F1.large.jpg Home - Our goal We are dedicated to discovering better treatments for patients with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The NRI’s expertise spans a full spectrum of approaches from preventive molecular treatments to restorative cell-based therapies for individuals whose symptoms are decreasing their functional abilities and reducing their quality of life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/1594047952402-TFISGCLYMAUCUFLFZCXH/PubMed%2BCentral%252C%2BFIGURE%2B1%253A%2BFront%2BCell%2BNeurosci.%2B2020%253B%2B14%253A%2B58.%2BPublished%2Bonline%2B2020%2BApr%2B3.%2Bdoi%253A%25C2%25A010.33.jpg Home - Neurodegenerative diseases are a major and increasing healthcare problem We apply our expertise to deciphering the genetic, family-dependent and age-related factors that increase risk of Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, while also developing unique strategies to solve these most pressing and unresolved problems. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/1594759602509-HDNARJ3KWGHQV554RS5P/Lysosome+lipid+fig+small.jpg Home - Fundamental and translational research of the highest scientific caliber For more than two decades, we have made major contributions and pioneered current cutting-edge science across the range of prevention, treatment and curative measures for patients and families who suffer from the impact of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. https://www.neuroregeneration.org/about daily 0.75 2023-10-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/1594239290328-X72NGN0RC4PEQUPX35X2/Lysosome+lipid+fig+small.jpg Current Research - Lipid storage and lysosomal enzyme deficiencies create massive risk for Parkinson’s disease. We are testing disease-provoking genetic and age-related changes in enzymes and molecules that control lipid levels inside neurons and glia. Specifically, the so-called GBA enzyme has been found to be altered in both genetic and all forms of age-induced Parkinson’s disease by NRI scientists. NRI scientists have found several key components in pathways of lysosomal and lipid function to be defective in Parkinson’s disease cells and tissues. New research at the NRI aims to elucidate which molecules can solve the lipid problem that causes Parkinson’s disease and some forms of dementia (see Isacson et al., 2019). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/1594238726681-8AXHG1YGVJ4YVWBO82MA/F1.large.jpg Current Research - Inflammation in the brain prevents function leading to nerve cell degeneration. The NRI was one of the first research teams in the world to demonstrate scientific findings that showed how the development of inflammation around neurons and glia in the brain results in cell death and loss of brain connection as in Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. This research has progressed to a stage where a refined understanding of the inflammatory mechanisms that cause degeneration of the brain can be identified and potentially reversed by novel treatments. NRI has recently begun new projects to prevent nerve cell and glial degeneration caused by inflammatory disarray in the brain. These projects have potential to provide specific and novel therapies for many patients at risk for Parkinson’s disease and dementias (see Deleidi & Isacson 2012). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/1594239510828-7UYOMPKS45D6HQPN8L2P/PubMed+Central%2C+FIGURE+1%3A+Front+Cell+Neurosci.+2020%3B+14%3A+58.+Published+online+2020+Apr+3.+doi%3A%C2%A010.33.jpg Current Research - Cell-based therapies to provide new nerve cells and glia to Parkinson’s disease patients. By the time symptoms emerge, a patient has lost over 60% of dopamine neurons due to the disease process. The NRI has developed cell-based restoration by transplantation in Parkinson’s disease, using the patient’s own cells which are reprogrammed into new dopamine neurons. This approach can restore all dopaminergic function lost by the disease. A potentially curative treatment for the well-established loss of dopamine neurons in the midbrain of patients with Parkinson’s disease is underway at the NRI and collaborative clinical institutions. The NRI pioneered the first stem cell-based dopamine transplant recovery in animal models and is now developing the last experiments to provide the final protocol to use in patients with Parkinson’s disease. We were recently awarded a highly competitive award by the NIH for this work (see Osborn et al., 2020). https://www.neuroregeneration.org/contact-us daily 0.75 2020-07-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/1594738040066-1FFVXHCF0IXJUBFCW5YC/MRC+zoom+in+picture.jpg.png Directions & Contact Us - Directions. Google Maps Public transportation To reach McLean by subway, take the Red Line to Harvard Station, then take the #73 bus to the end of the line at Waverly Square, Belmont. To reach McLean by commuter rail, take the train to Waverly Square. From Waverly Square, you may either walk to the hospital, approximately 1/2 mile, or wait for the McLean shuttle van at the MBTA bus shelter (sign posted inside van windshield). Call (617) 855-2121 to check shuttle departure and arrival times. Taxi service is available by calling (617) 489-9999 (Yellow Cab) or (617) 484-2000 (Belmont Cab). Suggested walking route (The hospital is located approximately 1⁄2 mile up a large hill) From the bus and rail station at Waverly Square, cross Trapelo Road at the Star Market traffic light. Walk west towards the gas station, cross Pleasant Street and enter the McLean grounds at the gatehouse (located at the corner of Pleasant Street and Trapelo Road). Proceed up the footpath. The hospital buildings are at the top of the hill. For further information call McLean Hospital at (617) 855-2000. https://www.neuroregeneration.org/funding daily 0.75 2020-09-02 https://www.neuroregeneration.org/articles daily 0.75 2026-03-20 https://www.neuroregeneration.org/take-action daily 0.75 2024-08-07 https://www.neuroregeneration.org/staff daily 0.75 2025-08-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/1594233309570-86O5C139L0NCOFRH6O7H/Unknown-2.jpeg Staff https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/1594233384929-JWOAPJB7YRDGVRWEFSGP/Unknown-3.jpeg Staff https://www.neuroregeneration.org/in-the-news daily 0.75 2026-03-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/f5fccee2-3e2a-4bf2-a683-5f51542b4e41/Picture1.png In the News - Presentation of interim Phase 1/2a study data showing improved clinical outcomes following autologous iPSC-derived midbrain dopamine neuron transplantation in Parkinson’s disease, at the International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases and Related Neurological Disorders (AD/PD 2026). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/450ff453-be80-4ef9-8855-1610c188a0f7/Screenshot+2026-03-20+at+5.04.33%E2%80%AFPM.png In the News - First-of-its-kind Phase 1/2a clinical trial of autologous iPSC-derived dopamine neuron transplantation for Parkinson’s disease. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/7e9ee8df-4734-4e3f-849f-3ea4896d7ff9/biorasi.jpg In the News - Dr. Ole Isacson featured on Biorasi’s Few & Far Between podcast, discussing the integration of AI in neurological diseases. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/38881a8e-f11e-4402-9a49-75955ea8e092/Isacson+Hallett+CDMRP+Web+Highlight+Draft.jpg In the News - Department of Defense – Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) 2023 Parkinson’s Research Highlights. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/14629550-2920-480c-84e2-eea44588fd5a/Isacson_Hallett_figure1.jpg In the News - 2023 Parkinson’s Highlight - CDMRP. Mechanisms of Specific Lipid-Induced Degeneration Causing Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/72cc230a-0aa7-4df3-8beb-e81bde0849c6/375_250-gettyimages_1392267102_iv_therapy.jpg In the News - Steppingstones: Four Milestones On The Path To Neurological Cell Therapy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/d13ae159-f1ad-4883-9c5d-6316e42c72ca/Screen+Shot+2022-06-24+at+6.34.09+PM.png In the News - An update of our work for Parkinson's disease alongside our colleagues at Mass General Brigham. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/1604671476919-M6AN7OILWFMESVDSMX4R/logo-sitc-boston.png In the News - Further coverage of our findings that neurons and glia have trouble with their lipid content in Parkinson’s disease. Here’s the direct link to the open-access paper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/1602864001552-99UT1L09ZTNFCX0X1ZH8/Microglial+Bodipy+CBE.png In the News - Lipids redistribute between neurons and glia in Parkinson’s disease. Here’s the press release for our recent PNAS paper. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/1597964687353-B52DGNMDLCK6MAEWPVWD/Scientific+Sense.png In the News - New Scientific Sense podcast featuring Ole Isacson, discussing novel findings related to neurodegenerative disease. Listen on Spotify. https://podcast.scientificsense.net/820. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/1594235071798-S0WW6H5XC203XYCV73FK/CREATE-Bio-3-News-500x334.jpg In the News Drs. Schumacher, Isacson, Hallet, and Osborn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/1594235423149-0R0C01ZOSG8CB3N2B32G/169129_web.jpg In the News https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/1594235846195-IH4IN0PI4XMEJ740XTP3/d41586-018-05176-z_15774052.jpg In the News https://www.neuroregeneration.org/history daily 0.75 2024-08-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/b0a87069-4ab1-4b74-90d0-3514169d725f/HMS_Logo_Final+RGB.png https://www.neuroregeneration.org/webinar-series daily 0.75 2023-10-10 https://www.neuroregeneration.org/new-page daily 0.75 2020-12-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/1607631972113-AN2KZGEPBERRII757E4E/Untitled.jpg Patented innovations - Antisense compounds targeting Leucine-Rich repeat kinase 2(LRRK2) for the treatment of Parkinsons disease. US10787669B2. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/1607630094377-1K915UEZLNJKKR71LMR2/nihms226014f3.jpg Patented innovations - Dopaminergic neurons differentiated from pluripotent stem cells and uses thereof. US9968637B2. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/1607630269619-4FSRK3UQQQQYGJPUOTWJ/zpq0350774740002.jpg Patented innovations - Methods for promoting neurite outgrowth and survival of dopaminergic neurons. AU2006311828B2. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/1607630517932-5C89KXL84MLY7ZFH4SKF/1-s2.0-S1044743104001228-gr1ek.jpg Patented innovations - Dopaminergic neurons differentiated from embryonic cells for treating neurodegenerative diseases. US8153422B2. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/1607630645442-W1EX4N6J4WPXCDKOH9DB/1-s2.0-S0969996115300504-gr1.jpg Patented innovations - Glucocerebrosidase gene therapy for Parkinson's disease. US20180147300A1. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/1607630776959-4KL3RLUUVWQQX3GZB6CI/fx1.jpg Patented innovations - Antisense compounds targeting leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. US9840710B2. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/1607630859637-B2IE90Y6JPYZ6JFGAQ38/zns0310736140002.jpg Patented innovations - G-substrate for the treatment and prevention of Parkinson's disease. US8545834B2. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/1607631000209-S82Q31DBAY1XHAQGGR9C/awq142f1.jpg Patented innovations - Methods for the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson's disease. W2011090947A2. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/1607631098574-NBT7ZA120BBSLK32B12T/zpq9990907160003.jpg Patented innovations - RAB3B for treatment and prevention of Parkinson's disease. US8586558B2. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0319a7b484e47001f846ed/1607631696707-JV2VOCOB3T2J8MCYH3DA/NGF+graft.jpg Patented innovations - Method of gene delivery to post-mitotic cells. WO1993003743A1.