AUTHOR=Grasselli Sara , Andolfi Andrea , Di Lisa Donatella , Pastorino Laura 

TITLE=In vitro electrophysiological characterization of Parkinson’s disease: challenges, advances, and future directions

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Neuroscience

VOLUME=Volume 19 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2025.1584555

DOI=10.3389/fnins.2025.1584555

ISSN=1662-453X

ABSTRACT=Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the accumulation of α-synuclein aggregates. While significant progress has been made in understanding the genetic and biological aspects of Parkinson’s disease, its complex pathophysiology remains poorly understood, and current therapeutic approaches are largely symptomatic. Advanced in vitro models have emerged as essential tools for studying Parkinson’s disease related mechanisms and developing new therapeutic strategies. However, the electrophysiological characterization of neurons in these models remains underexplored. This review highlights the importance of employing electrophysiological techniques, such as patch-clamp recordings and microelectrode arrays, in providing critical insights into neuronal dysfunction, synaptic impairments, and network disruptions in Parkinson’s disease. The aim is to summarize the key discoveries in the electrophysiological characterization of the pathology and the related progress made in recent years, underlying the main challenges, including the lack of standardized protocols, and the heterogeneity of cellular sources and culture systems. Addressing these limitations is crucial for improving reproducibility and facilitating cross-study comparisons, allowing for a deeper understanding of Parkinson’s disease pathophysiology. By refining and standardizing electrophysiological approaches, these efforts will enhance our understanding of Parkinson’s disease’s underlying mechanisms, ultimately accelerating the discovery of robust biomarkers and the development of more effective therapeutic strategies.