From the Gut to Brain: Implications of Parkinson’s Disease Pathology on Behavioral Outcomes in a Mouse Model

Authors

• Allie Higgins, Boise State UniversityFollow
• Cora Knueven, Boise State UniversityFollow
• Trevor Walker, Boise State UniversityFollow
• Ty Naymik, Boise State UniversityFollow
• Sydney Boutros, Boise State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-24-2026

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Sydney Boutros

Abstract

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is characterized by an accumulation of phosphorylated alpha-synuclein protein into toxic clumps called Lewy bodies. These Lewy bodies are often found in the nervous system of the gut long before they are seen in the brain. Previous experiments in mouse models have found direct evidence that PD pathology may start in the gut and travel to the brain through the Vagus nerve. However, this has not been replicated consistently in other labs. We are attempting to replicate this experiment to increase confidence in this hypothesis that PD starts in the gut. We injected alpha-synuclein pre-formed fibrils (PFFs) into the intestinal wall of male wildtype mice. PFFs are reliably used to initiate PD-like pathology in animal models when injected into the brain. Following surgery, we tested the mice to assess motor and cognitive abilities at 3-, 7-, and 12-months post injection. We hypothesized that PFF injections would lead to progressive impairments in motor and cognitive performance. Here, we are presenting the results of these behavioral tests. Replication of other labs’ results will increase the field’s confidence in the gut-PD hypothesis and directly address the ongoing replication crisis in research .

Recommended Citation

Higgins, Allie; Knueven, Cora; Walker, Trevor; Naymik, Ty; and Boutros, Sydney, "From the Gut to Brain: Implications of Parkinson’s Disease Pathology on Behavioral Outcomes in a Mouse Model" (2026). 2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase. 85.
https://scholarworks.boisestate.edu/under_showcase_2026/85