In this keynote from The Parkinson’s Conference 2025, Associate Professor Richard Gorton from the University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research delivers a deep dive into cutting-edge Parkinson’s research — from the gut microbiome to chemical exposures, drug repurposing, and new disease-modifying therapies.
About This Video
Dr Gorton walks the audience through:
- How his lab is developing disease-modifying therapies for Parkinson’s
- The growing evidence linking gut–brain health, inflammation, and PD progression
- Why microbiome changes occur long before motor symptoms
- Emerging research on chemical triggers, including pesticides, solvents, and military exposures
- How gut bacteria may influence dopamine metabolism and dyskinesia
- Promising future approaches — drug repurposing, microbiome-targeted therapies, engineered probiotics, and FMT (faecal microbiome transplant)
- How patients can participate in current microbiome research projects
This talk provides a clear, evidence-based picture of where Parkinson’s research is heading and why the gut microbiome may play a pivotal role in future treatments.
Key Themes & Keywords
Parkinson’s gut microbiome, Parkinson’s research, Dr Richard Gorton, UQCCR, Translational Research Institute, Parkinson’s and chemicals, pesticides Parkinson’s risk, TMAO Parkinson’s, neuroinflammation, Parkinson’s progression, microbiome therapy, Parkinson’s drug development, gut-brain axis, Parkinson’s biomarkers, disease-modifying treatments, Michael J. Fox Foundation, Shake It Up Australia.
Who This Video Is For
- People living with Parkinson’s
- Carers and families
- Researchers, clinicians, and allied health professionals
- Neurologists and movement disorder specialists
- Students and professionals interested in gut microbiome science
- Parkinson’s community groups, advocates, and educators
