The scientific objectives of the GBPDC include:
- Identify key pathophysiological disruptions of the GBA at different stages of PD.
- Advance mechanistic understanding of how GBA/GMBA dysfunction contributes to PD severity and progression.
- Rigorously phenotype GI symptoms and dysfunction in people with PD.
- Develop biomarkers of GBA/GMBA dysregulation to facilitate early (and prodromal) diagnosis—before irreversible neurodegeneration have occurred.
The GBPDC is guided by the NIDDK, which is involved in each step of the work and is represented on each committee and subcommittee. The committees and subcommittees guide the work of the GBPDC, and experts from the NIDDK, CDMC and each GNRC are included on each committee. The committees and subcommittees are described below, and each also has a web page for more information and links for committee members.
List of Committees
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee is the main oversight body for the GBPDC that ensures effective management of the Consortium so that all scientific objectives are met.
Steering Committee
The Steering Committee is the main governing body of the GBPDC and is responsible for meeting the scientific objective of leveraging the potential role of the gastrointestinal tract in the pathogenesis and progress of Parkinson’s Disease to improve patient diagnosis, care and outcomes. The Steering Committee includes the NIDDK Project Scientist, as well as the principal investigators of the CDMC and GNRCs.
Research Design and Protocol Subcommittee
The Research Design and Protocol Committee oversees the creation of the consortium master protocol, establishes policy and procedures, drafts operations manuals, and manages enrollment.
Biorepository Operations and Dissemination Subcommittee
The Biorepository Operations and Dissemination Subcommittee manages and oversees the consortium biorepository policies and procedures, makes recommendations for protocol development, ensures that protocol-specific laboratory manuals comply with overall policies and procedures, reviews biorepository tracking reports and sample sharing policies, recommending mediation plans if necessary.
Data Management and Dissemination Subcommittee
The Data Management and Dissemination Subcommittee oversees the consortium's common data model and master protocol eCRF, and reviews the addition of elements for independent or collaborative studies.
Publications Subcommittee
The Publications Subcommittee oversees the acceptance, review, prioritization, and tracking of proposals for GBPDC
publications and presentations.