Simposio Federal SAN 2026
Emerging Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies in Parkinson’s Disease
The Comisión de Federalización organized this symposium to promote and showcase
neuroscience research from across the country. In this context, we bring together two
researchers who are exploring new approaches to Parkinson's disease, emphasizing
the importance of basic science in driving translational research and advancing the
development of novel therapies.
From Neurodegeneration to Regeneration: The Promise of Stem Cell-Derived
Exosomes
Dra.Claudia Banchio
Instituto de Biología Molecular Rosario (IBR-CONICET)- Universidad Nacional de
Rosario
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the
loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Current treatments provide
symptomatic relief but do not prevent neurodegeneration or modify disease
progression. Although dopaminergic neuron transplantation has shown promise as a
regenerative strategy, challenges related to cell survival, integration, safety, and
scalability limit its widespread application. Therefore, there is growing interest in cell-
free approaches that retain the therapeutic benefits of stem cells. In addition, the blood-
brain barrier (BBB) remains a major obstacle for effective drug delivery to the brain.
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as promising therapeutic candidates due to
their ability to mediate intercellular communication and deliver bioactive cargo across
biological barriers. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of neural stem cell-
derived small extracellular vesicles (NSC-EVs) in in vitro and in vivo models of PD.
NSC-EVs isolated from primary murine neural stem cell cultures significantly enhanced
dopaminergic neuron survival, reduced apoptosis, and protected against neurotoxin-
induced damage. Notably, these EVs are naturally enriched in Catalase, a potent
antioxidant enzyme that may contribute to their neuroprotective effects by reducing
oxidative stress. Importantly, NSC-EV administration also promoted neuroprotection in
experimental models of PD. These findings support NSC-EVs as a promising cell-free
therapeutic strategy with neuroprotective and regenerative potential for Parkinson’s
disease.
From Neurodegeneration to Beyond Dopamine: Effects of L-Dopa on Microtubule Dynamics and Synaptic
Stability
Dr. Gaston Bisig
Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba-CONICET
Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto-Facultad de Ciencias Químicas
Universidad Nacional de Córdoba
L-Dopa remains the most effective treatment for alleviating the motor symptoms of
Parkinson’s disease and has been the gold-standard therapy for more than five
decades. Despite its clinical success, relatively little is known about how prolonged
exposure to this therapy may influence neuronal structure and function.
I will present recent findings demonstrating that L-Dopa can directly affect the neuronal
cytoskeleton, leading to alterations in microtubule dynamics and synaptic stability.
Using cultured neurons, we found that L-Dopa promotes the formation of modified
microtubules with altered dynamic behavior, impairing their ability to support the
maintenance of dendritic spines and excitatory synapses. These effects result in
increased synaptic vulnerability and structural remodeling of neuronal connections.
Our results uncover a previously unrecognized interaction between L-Dopa and the
molecular machinery that regulates neuronal plasticity. These findings provide a new
framework for understanding how chronic exposure to this therapy can influence
microtubule function, synaptic architecture, and ultimately neuronal connectivity in
Parkinson’s disease.