16/04/2026
On Monday, April 20, 2026, the panel discussion “Parkinson’s disease: towards an integrated biological characterization”will take place, an academic event aimed at promoting interdisciplinary analysis and discussion of scientific advances in understanding this neurodegenerative disease.
The activity, to be held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., is organized by the Graduate and Postgraduate Directorate of the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the Universidad de Santiago de Chile, with the sponsorship of the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, CEDENNA.
Led by Dr. Pedro Chana, CEDENNA researcher and Usach academic, the meeting will bring together leading national and international specialists to analyze the biological mechanisms underlying Parkinson’s disease, with special emphasis on integrating new scientific evidence that could transform its understanding and clinical approach.
The speakers include Dr. Alberto J. Espay of the University of Cincinnati, who will address the debate between the concepts of proteinopathy and proteinopenia, a key discussion for reinterpreting the role of α-synuclein and Lewy bodies in the pathophysiology of the disease. Dr. Natalia Salvadores of the Universidad Mayor will present the Chilean experience in the use of biomarkers such as RT-QuIC/SAA, while Dr. René Vidal will analyze the role of inflammation as a possible central or modulating mechanism in Parkinson’s.
The program includes lectures, guided discussions and a final integrative session aimed at building a unified view of the disease, addressing fundamental questions such as the existence of biological subtypes, the implications for biomarker development and the challenges for future clinical trials.
This panel discussion represents a valuable opportunity to strengthen scientific dialogue and move towards a more precise and multidimensional understanding of Parkinson’s, contributing to the development of more effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. CEDENNA’s sponsorship reflects its commitment to promoting interdisciplinary research and generating knowledge with an impact on the health and well-being of society.
