Great collaboration with Jingxin Wang, Mingyao Ying, @TedDawson_Lab, @LianaRosenthal & our amazing teams. Kudos to first author Ning Wang!

#Parkinsons #LBD #RNAtherapeutics #neuroscience @HopkinsMedicine

New @bioRxiv: We built PMO-based RNA-degrading chimeras (RDCs) to degrade SNCA mRNA & lower α-synuclein.

This approach prevents prion-like seeding & protects neurons in cellular & *in vivo* models.

A promising new therapy for #synucleinopathies.
doi.org/10.1101/2025...

This was a massive team effort! Huge thanks to all authors, collaborators, institutions, and funders.

Read the full paper here:
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...

Why this matters: We've identified a key environmental trigger for LBD pathogenesis.

This specific, pollution-induced α-synuclein strain is a novel target for developing future treatments and prevention strategies.

#publichealth #environment

Confirmed in mouse models: the 'PM-PFF' strain caused cognitive deficits.

Critically, mice genetically lacking the α-synuclein protein were protected from PM₂.₅-induced brain damage and cognitive decline, proving the protein's central role.

The mechanism? PM₂.₅ exposure creates a unique, highly toxic α-synuclein strain we named 'PM-PFF'.

This new strain is more aggressive and neurotoxic, closely mimicking the pathogenic protein aggregates found in human LBD brains.

#research #neurology

Our new study in @sciencemagazine.bsky.social finds a direct link: air pollution (PM₂.₅) and Lewy body dementia (LBD).

Analyzing data from 56M+ people, we show chronic PM₂.₅ exposure significantly increases LBD risk.

#neuroscience #dementia #LBD

Join the Mao Lab @ Johns Hopkins to study Parkinson’s & Alzheimer.
Work with a PI w/ 100+ publications (incl. recent Science)
Strong career mentorship
Collaborative environment
Apply: xmao4@jhmi.edu
#Postdoc #Neuroscience #AcademicJobs #JohnsHopkins #Neurodegeneration #Research

5/5 Our work uncovers a potent RNS-driven pathway, offers a mechanistic link for neurotoxicity associated with environmental copper pollution, and provides a critical design principle for neuroprotective nanozymes. Check out our preprint on bioRxiv! www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...

4/5 The efficacy of the Ir nanozyme isn't limited to one scenario. We showed it works across three diverse and clinically relevant models: a brain-first model, a body-first (gut-to-brain) model, and a complex AD/PD co-pathology model. #DrugDiscovery

3/5 This new mechanistic insight allowed us to validate a powerful therapeutic strategy. A copper-free, broad-spectrum RONS-scavenging iridium (Ir) nanozyme demonstrated substantial therapeutic efficacy, rescuing pathology and restoring function. #Nanomedicine #Parkinsons

2/5 The paradox is resolved: Our copper-doped nanozyme (Ir₃Cu), while scavenging ROS, uniquely amplifies reactive nitrogen species (RNS). This revealed the potent, independent pathogenic potential of RNS in driving α-synuclein propagation, a finding confirmed by pharmacology & transcriptomics.

1/5 Can an “antioxidant” nanozyme make neurodegeneration worse? 🤯 In our new work, we designed a potent ROS-scavenging nanozyme. It paradoxically exacerbated Parkinson's-like pathology. This surprising result led to a major discovery. #Neuroscience #Nanozyme