Winter 2025
By Hannah White Hannah
Photography by Sam Ogden
From a remarkable act of generosity, the Tyler Family has donated $3 million to establish the Tyler Family Fund for Parkinson’s Research, supporting the groundbreaking work of Bruce Spiegelman, PhD, the Stanley J. Korsmeyer, MD, Professor of Cell Biology and Medicine at Harvard Medical School. This gift is a testament to their commitment to advancing research that could change the lives of millions affected by Parkinson’s Disease (PD), a condition that has personally impacted their family.
Spiegelman, a renowned leader in cancer biology and metabolism, has dedicated his career to exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying various diseases. His research, while primarily focused on cancer, often yields insights into other human diseases, including PD. Spiegelman’s innovative approach to understanding the molecular benefits of exercise has led to significant discoveries, particularly the identification of irisin, a protein with very significant therapeutic potential.
“Exercise and other forms of physical activity have been shown to markedly lower the incidence of PD and slow its progression,” Spiegelman explained. “Our goal is not to replace exercise but to use it as a platform for discovering new molecules that can be used as therapeutics for PD.”
Spiegelman’s lab was the first in the world to identify irisin, a protein linked to exercise, in 2012. Since then, they have demonstrated its striking effects in cellular and animal models of Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease. In PD, the accumulation of toxic proteins like α-synuclein in neurons leads to motor symptoms. Irisin has shown promise in blocking this accumulation and preserving motor function in animal models.
“We are optimistic about the impact this research could have on stopping and perhaps reversing disease symptoms.”
Bruce Spiegelman, PhD
The Tyler Family Fund will enable Dr. Spiegelman’s team to accelerate their research, focusing on engineering irisin for therapeutic use. “This funding is absolutely crucial,” Spiegelman said. “It allows us to advance the study of irisin toward clinical trials, potentially offering a breakthrough treatment for PD. We are optimistic about the impact this research could have on stopping and perhaps even reversing disease symptoms.”
The Tyler Family’s gift offers new hope for those affected by PD. By supporting Spiegelman’s pioneering work, they are investing in a future where the disease and perhaps other neurological disorders can be effectively managed, and potentially even reversed. Their generosity underscores the importance of funding exploratory research that holds the promise of transformative breakthroughs.