Emanuele Ferrari

TL;DR: Considering the above issues, age‐related accumulation of neuromelanin in dopamine neurons shows an interesting link between aging and neurodegeneration.

TL;DR: Dopamine oxidation to dopamine o‐quinone, aminochrome and 5,6‐indolequinone seems to play an important role in the neurodegenerative processes of Parkinson's disease as aminochrome induces mitochondria dysfunction, formation and stabilization of neurotoxic protofibrils of alpha synuclein, protein degradation dysfunction of both proteasomal and lysosomal systems and oxidative stress.

TL;DR: Recent studies on the molecular aspects of neuromelanin of the human substantia nigra are reviewed, revealing a dual nature, which can be a protective factor, shielding the cells from toxic effects of redox active metals, toxins, and excess of cytosolic catecholamines.

TL;DR: It is shown that DOPAL-induced aS oligomer formation in neurons is associated with damage of synaptic vesicles, and with alterations in the synaptic vESicles pools, inducing neurodegeneration.

TL;DR: To investigate the physical mechanisms associated with the contrast observed in neuromelanin MRI, a new drug is developed that acts as a “spatially aggregating agent” to alter the response of the immune system to the contrast.