Advanced Research Solutions for Parkinson’s Disease and Neurobiology > Document

Advanced Research Solutions for Parkinson’s Disease and Neurobiology

Protein Misfolding and Parkin Pathway

The Life Science business of Merck (operating as Millipore Sigma in the U.S. and Canada) provides comprehensive antibody and assay solutions for Parkinson’s disease (PD) research. PD is characterized by progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the presence of Lewy bodies primarily composed ofα‑synuclein (α‑Syn) aggregates.

 ○ α‑Synuclein (α‑Syn): A presynaptic protein that normally regulates vesicle fusion and dopamine release. Point mutations in the SNCA gene can induce self‑aggregation, promoting oxidative stress and neuronal death.

 ○ Parkin (E3 ubiquitin‑protein ligase): Regulates mitochondrial quality control by mediating ubiquitination of damaged mitochondrial proteins in cooperation with PINK1 (PTEN‑induced kinase 1). Defective Parkin translocation or gene mutation (PRKN) impairs mitophagy and accelerates neuronal degeneration.

 ○ DJ‑1 (PARK7), LRRK2 (Leucine‑rich repeat kinase 2), ATP13A2 (PARK9): Involved in redox regulation, mitochondrial dynamics, and lysosomal homeostasis; frequently mutated in familial PD.

Merck’s ZooMAb™ recombinant antibody platform provides enhanced specificity, reproducibility, and stability compared to conventional monoclonal antibodies. These validated antibodies support applications such asIHC, ICC, IF, ELISA, and Western blotting for biomarkers includingα‑Syn, Parkin, PINK1, and LRRK2.

Complementary to antibody detection, Merck’s Duolink® proximity ligation assay (PLA)enables visualization of protein–protein interactions like PINK1‑Parkin coupling orα‑Syn aggregation in single cells, providing mechanistic insights into PD pathogenesis.

Ultra‑Sensitive Biomarker Detection Platforms

Merck’s Single Molecule Counting (SMC™) immunoassay technology and MILLIPLEX® multiplex bead–based panels deliver the precision necessary for quantifying low‑abundant biomarkers in plasma, serum, and cerebro spinal fluid (CSF).

 ○ Key PD‑Related Analytes: UCHL1 (Ubiquitin C‑terminal Hydrolase L1), GFAP (Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein), Phospho‑Tau (T181), and Phospho‑α‑Synuclein (S129).

 ○ Quantitative Performance: LLOQ (Limit of Quantitation):α‑Syn S129 = 0.26 pg/mL, Tau T181 = 0.94 pg/mL, GFAP = 0.12 pg/mL, UCHL1 = 5.21 pg/mL.

 ○ Verified matrices: Plasma, Serum, CSF.

 ○ Precision: Intra‑/inter‑assay CV < 15%, Spike recovery≈90–110%.

SMCxPRO® platform applies digital molecular counting to extend detection sensitivity to single‑molecule levels. This allows researchers to evaluate neuro degenerative biomarkers in blood rather than only in CSF, supporting minimally invasive longitudinal PD studies.

These assays support early biomarker discovery and validation for disease progression tracking and potential therapeutic response monitoring.

Millicell® ERS 3.0 for Barrier Function and TEER Measurement

The Millicell® ERS 3.0 digital voltohmmeter represents Merck’s latest innovation for Trans epithelial Electrical Resistance (TEER)measurement in cell culture models. It integrates ergonomic design and digital precision for reproducible barrier integrity assessment.

Key Features

 ○ Self‑standing in‑well electrode for stable readings.

 ○ Real‑time resistance and voltage logging displayed on a user‑friendly touchscreen.

 ○ Cloud‑based data management via Wi‑Fi, USB, or Ethernet connection.

 ○ Broad plate compatibility (6‑, 12‑, 24‑, and 96‑well formats).

 ○ Optional battery pack and temperature monitoring sensor.

Connected through Millicell Cloud®, results can be analyzed and archived remotely, enabling experiment standardization and collaboration across laboratories. The ERS 3.0 integrates seamlessly with the Millicell DCI Digital Cell Imagerand Scepter 3.0 Automated Cell Counter, building a complete ecosystem for monitoring cell confluency, barrier formation, and monolayer integrity from seeding to endpoint.

Integrated Research Workflow

Empowering Neuroscience Discovery​ 

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From molecular to cellular scale, Merck’s integrated solutions—from advanced antibody technologies and ultra‑sensitive immunoassays to cloud‑enabled analytical hardware—empower researchers to explore disease mechanisms, identify biomarker signatures, and accelerate breakthroughs in neurodegenerative disease research.