University of Exeter Medical School

Dr. Edoardo Rosario de Natale

Dr. Edoardo Rosario de Natale

Senior Clinical Research Fellow

 e.de-natale@exeter.ac.uk

 RILD Building 

 

University of Exeter Medical School, RILD Building, RD&E Hospital Wonford, Barrack Road, Exeter, EX2 5DW, UK

Overview

Dr. De Natale is lead of the clinical applications at the Mireille Gillings Neuroimaging Centre, and Senior Clinical Research Fellow at the Neurodegeneration Imaging Group at University of Exeter. He graduated in Medicine and specialized in Neurology at the University of Sassari, Italy, where he also obtained a PhD in Neurophysiology, and obtained a MSc in Clinical Neurology at University College London. He joined the Neurodegeneration Imaging Group in 2017 first at King’s College London, then at University of Exeter.

His research interests focus on the identification of early signatures of disease in neurodegeneration, with the use of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) combined with other clinical, neurophysiological, or fluid biomarkers. 

Qualifications

  • Senior Clinical Research Fellow - Neurodegeneration Imaging Group (NIG)
  • Lead, Clinical Applications - Mireille Gillings Neuroimaging Centre (MGNC)

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Research

Research interests

Dr De Natale’s main research interest is the identification and characterization of molecular biomarkers of early disease activity across neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, and others. To do so, the group has designed and performs clinical research studies on patients affected by these conditions at the early stages, or on carriers of genetic mutations leading to familial forms of these diseases, which can be followed- up over time.

The group uses neuroimaging and molecular imaging such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as sensitive tools to study structural, microstructural, and functional alterations of brain regions, networks, and single molecular pathways. This would in early recognition of biological underpinning of disease and in the study of novel, potential targets for new compounds for future disease-modifying clinical trials.

Research projects

With the NIG:

  • Molecular and functional imaging of Parkinson’s pathology in SNCA, Parkin and PINK1 mutation carriers
  • Longitudinal Investigation of Imidazoline-2 Binding Site as a Novel Marker of Disease Progression in Parkinson’s Disease: An [11C]BU99008 PET Study
  • Evaluation of Serotonergic Neurotransmission in Premotor and Motor Parkinson’s disease
  • Study on the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms in aquaporin-4 (AQP4) gene on the clinical phenotype in patients with idiopathic and familial Parkinson’s Disease
  • Investigation of histopathology in the glymphatic pathway in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
  • Molecular Imaging of Neurodegenerative Disease – Mitochondria, Associated Proteins & Synapses – Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
  • Synaptic biomarker and cognitive performance study in subjects with pre-manifest and early manifest Huntington’s disease
  • Molecular Imaging of Synaptic Loss in Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)
  • Molecular imaging of LPS-induced microglial activation in Parkinson’s disease (PD): a TSPO PET-MR imaging study

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Publications

Journal articles

Astara K, Pournara C, de Natale ER, Wilson H, Vavougios GD, Lappas AS, Politis M, Christodoulou NG (2023). A novel conceptual framework for the functionality of the glymphatic system. J Neurophysiol, 129(5), 1228-1236. Abstract.  Author URL.
de Natale ER, Wilson H, Politis M (2022). Predictors of RBD progression and conversion to synucleinopathies. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep, 22(2), 93-104. Abstract.  Author URL.
Wilson H, de Natale ER, Politis M (2022). Recent Advances in Neuroimaging Techniques to Assist Clinical Trials on Cell-Based Therapies in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Stem Cells, 40(8), 724-735. Abstract.  Author URL.
Verghese JP, Terry A, de Natale ER, Politis M (2022). Research Evidence of the Role of the Glymphatic System and its Potential Pharmacological Modulation in Neurodegenerative Diseases. J Clin Med, 11(23). Abstract.  Author URL.
Chandra A, Farrell C, Wilson H, Dervenoulas G, De Natale ER, Politis M (2021). Aquaporin-4 polymorphisms predict amyloid burden and clinical outcome in the Alzheimer's disease spectrum. Neurobiology of Aging, 97, 1-9.
Wilson H, Pagano G, de Natale ER, Mansur A, Caminiti SP, Polychronis S, Middleton LT, Price G, Schmidt KF, Gunn RN, et al (2020). Mitochondrial Complex 1, Sigma 1, and Synaptic Vesicle 2A in Early Drug-Naive Parkinson's Disease. Mov Disord, 35(8), 1416-1427. Abstract.  Author URL.
Puligheddu M, Figorilli M, Serra A, Laccu I, Congiu P, Tamburrino L, De Natale ER, Ginatempo F, Deriu F, Loi G, et al (2019). REM Sleep without atonia correlates with abnormal vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials in isolated REM sleep behavior disorder. Sleep, 42(9). Abstract.
De Natale ER, Ginatempo F, Mercante B, Manca A, Magnano I, Ortu E, Pilurzi G, Melis F, Rothwell JC, Deriu F, et al (2019). Vestibulo masseteric reflex and acoustic masseteric Reflex. Normative data and effects of age and gender. Clinical Neurophysiology, 130(9), 1511-1519. Abstract.
De Natale ER, Ginatempo F, Laccu I, Figorilli M, Manca A, Mercante B, Puligheddu M, Deriu F (2018). Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials are abnormal in idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder. Frontiers in Neurology, 9(OCT). Abstract.
Cabboi MP, De Natale ER, Devigili G, Lettieri C, Pilurzi G, Eleopra R, Deriu F (2017). 74. Brainstem excitability in Hemifacial Spasm and Post-Facial Palsy Synkinesias and effects of botulinum toxin. Clinical Neurophysiology, 128(12).
De Natale ER, Paulus KS, Aiello E, Sanna B, Manca A, Sotgiu G, Leali PT, Deriu F (2017). Dance therapy improves motor and cognitive functions in patients with Parkinson's disease. NeuroRehabilitation, 40(1), 141-144. Abstract.
Manca A, Cabboi MP, Dragone D, Ginatempo F, Ortu E, De Natale ER, Mercante B, Mureddu G, Bua G, Deriu F, et al (2017). Resistance Training for Muscle Weakness in Multiple Sclerosis: Direct Versus Contralateral Approach in Individuals with Ankle Dorsiflexors' Disparity in Strength. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 98(7), 1348-1356.e1. Abstract.
Manca A, Cabboi MP, Ortu E, Ginatempo F, Dragone D, Zarbo IR, de Natale ER, Mureddu G, Bua G, Deriu F, et al (2016). Effect of contralateral strength training on muscle weakness in people with multiple sclerosis: Proof-of-concept case series. Physical Therapy, 96(6), 828-838. Abstract.
de Natale ER, Ginatempo F, Pilurzi G, Ortu E, Mercante B, Manca A, Magnano I, Tolu E, Rothwell JC, Deriu F, et al (2016). ID 267 – Vestibulo-masseteric reflex and acoustic-masseteric reflex: Normative values. Clinical Neurophysiology, 127(3).
Manca A, Ginatempo F, Cabboi MP, Mercante B, Ortu E, Dragone D, De Natale ER, Dvir Z, Rothwell JC, Deriu F, et al (2016). No evidence of neural adaptations following chronic unilateral isometric training of the intrinsic muscles of the hand: a randomized controlled study. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 116(10), 1993-2005. Abstract.
de Natale ER, Ginatempo F, Manca A, Paulus KS, Agnetti V, Tolu E, Deriu F (2016). Paired neurophysiological and clinical approach to brainstem assessment in Parkinson’s Disease. Clinical Neurophysiology, 127(3).
Deriu F, de Natale ER, Magnano I, Ginatempo F (2016). VEMPs in central neurological disorders. Clinical Neurophysiology, 127(4), 2020-2021.
Manca A, Pisanu F, Ortu E, De Natale ER, Ginatempo F, Dragone D, Tolu E, Deriu F (2015). A comprehensive assessment of the cross-training effect in ankle dorsiflexors of healthy subjects: a randomized controlled study. Gait and Posture, 42(1), 1-6. Abstract.
de Natale ER, Ginatempo F, Paulus KS, Pes GM, Manca A, Tolu E, Agnetti V, Deriu F (2015). Abnormalities of vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease are associated with clinical evidence of brainstem involvement. Neurological Sciences, 36(6), 995-1001. Abstract.
Manca A, Pisanu F, Ortu E, De Natale E, Ginatempo F, Dragone D, Leali PT, Deriu F (2015). Isokinetic cross-training effect in foot drop following common peroneal nerve injury. Isokinetics and Exercise Science, 23(1), 17-20. Abstract.
de Natale ER, Ginatempo F, Paulus KS, Manca A, Mercante B, Pes GM, Agnetti V, Tolu E, Deriu F (2015). Paired neurophysiological and clinical study of the brainstem at different stages of Parkinson's Disease. Clinical Neurophysiology, 126(10), 1871-1878. Abstract.
Manca A, Ortu E, Ginatempo F, De Natale ER, Pisanu F, Deriu F (2014). P243: Rehabilitation of drop-foot with maximal isokinetic cross-training: a case report. Clinical Neurophysiology, 125
Manca A, Limonta E, Pilurzi G, Ginatempo F, De Natale ER, Mercante B, Tolu E, Deriu F (2014). Ultrasound and Laser as Stand-Alone Therapies for Myofascial Trigger Points: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Physiotherapy Research International, 19(3), 166-175. Abstract.
Paulus KS, Meloni M, Carpentras G, Sassu C, De Natale E, Deriu F, Galistu P, Agnetti V (2012). 4 Parkinson’s disease and conversion disorder: Case report and literature review. Basal Ganglia, 2(4).

Chapters

de Natale ER, Wilson H, Politis M (2023). Chapter 1 Parkinson's disease and related disorders the pursuit for reliable readouts and the role of neuroimaging. In  (Ed) Neuroimaging in Parkinson�s Disease and Related Disorders, Elsevier, 3-19.
Tondo G, Comi C, Naldi A, de Natale ER, Politis M (2023). Chapter 12 Neuroimaging in multiple system atrophy. In  (Ed) Neuroimaging in Parkinson�s Disease and Related Disorders, Elsevier, 311-354.
de Natale ER, Wilson H, Politis M, Niccolini F (2023). Chapter 13 Neuroimaging in progressive supranuclear palsy. In  (Ed) Neuroimaging in Parkinson�s Disease and Related Disorders, Elsevier, 355-397.
Wilson H, de Natale ER, Politis M, Niccolini F (2023). Chapter 14 Neuroimaging in corticobasal syndrome. In  (Ed) Neuroimaging in Parkinson�s Disease and Related Disorders, Elsevier, 399-417.
de Natale ER, Wilson H, Niccolini F, Politis M (2023). Chapter 15 Molecular imaging in Huntington's disease. In  (Ed) Neuroimaging in Parkinson�s Disease and Related Disorders, Elsevier, 421-448.
Belogianni C, Wilson H, de Natale ER, Politis M (2023). Chapter 16 Magnetic resonance imaging in Huntington's disease. In  (Ed) Neuroimaging in Parkinson�s Disease and Related Disorders, Elsevier, 449-489.
Terry A, de Natale ER, Politis M (2023). Chapter 17 Neuroimaging in essential tremor. In  (Ed) Neuroimaging in Parkinson�s Disease and Related Disorders, Elsevier, 491-518.
de Natale ER, Wilson H, Udeh-Momoh C, Ford JK, Politis M, Middleton LT (2023). Chapter 18 How molecular imaging studies can disentangle disease mechanisms in age-related neurodegenerative disorders. In  (Ed) Aging, Elsevier, 455-492.
de Natale ER, Wilson H, Politis M (2023). Chapter 18 Neuroimaging of restless legs syndrome. In  (Ed) Neuroimaging in Parkinson�s Disease and Related Disorders, Elsevier, 519-540.
Wilson H, de Natale ER, Politis M (2023). Chapter 2 Advances in magnetic resonance imaging. In  (Ed) Neuroimaging in Parkinson�s Disease and Related Disorders, Elsevier, 21-52.
de Natale ER, Wilson H, Politis M (2023). Chapter 4 Dopaminergic molecular imaging in familial and idiopathic Parkinson's disease. In  (Ed) Neuroimaging in Parkinson�s Disease and Related Disorders, Elsevier, 69-104.
Verghese JP, de Natale ER, Politis M (2023). Chapter 7 Structural MRI in familial and idiopathic PD. In  (Ed) Neuroimaging in Parkinson�s Disease and Related Disorders, Elsevier, 151-199.
Verghese JP, de Natale ER, Politis M (2023). Chapter 8 Functional MRI in familial and idiopathic PD. In  (Ed) Neuroimaging in Parkinson�s Disease and Related Disorders, Elsevier, 201-250.
de Natale ER, Verghese JP, Wilson H, Politis M (2023). Chapter 9 Molecular imaging in prodromal Parkinson’s disease. In  (Ed) Neuroimaging in Parkinson�s Disease and Related Disorders, Elsevier, 251-272.
De Natale ER, Wilson H, Politis M (2022). Imaging Biomarkers in Huntington’s Disease. In  (Ed) Neuromethods, 457-505. Abstract.
De Natale ER, Wilson H, Politis M (2021). Imaging BiomarkersBiomarkers in Huntington’s DiseaseHuntington’s disease (HD). In  (Ed) Neurodegenerative Diseases Biomarkers, Springer Nature, 457-505.
Wilson H, de Natale ER, Politis M (2021). Nucleus basalis of Meynert degeneration predicts cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease. In  (Ed) Handbook of Clinical Neurology, 189-205. Abstract.
de Natale ER, Wilson H, Politis M (2021). Serotonergic imaging in Parkinson's disease. In  (Ed) Progress in Brain Research, 303-338. Abstract.
de Natale ER, Wilson H, Pagano G, Politis M (2018). Imaging Transplantation in Movement Disorders. In  (Ed) IMAGING IN MOVEMENT DISORDERS: IMAGING APPLICATIONS IN NON-PARKINSONIAN AND OTHER MOVEMENT DISORDERS, 213-263.  Author URL.
de Natale ER, Niccolini F, Wilson H, Politis M (2018). Molecular Imaging of the Dopaminergic System in Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease. In  (Ed) IMAGING IN MOVEMENT DISORDERS: IMAGING METHODOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE, 131-172.  Author URL.

Conferences

de Natale E, Wilson H, Politis M (2020). Structural and microstructural pathology in early de novo Parkinson's disease patients with depression: an MRI study.  Author URL.
Puligheddu M, Figorilli M, Serra A, Laccu I, Congiu P, Tamburrino L, de Natale ER, Ginatempo F, Deriu F, Loi G, et al (2019). ABNORMAL VESTIBULAR EVOKED MYOGENIC POTENTIALS ARE CORRELATED WITH REM SLEEP WITHOUT ATONIA IN PATIENTS WITH ISOLATED REM SLEEP BEHAVIOR DISORDER.  Author URL.
Puligheddu M, Figorilli M, Laccu I, Congiu P, Gioi G, Tamburrino L, de Natale ER, Ginatempo F, Deriu F, Fantini ML, et al (2017). SEVERITY OF REM SLEEP MUSCLE ATONIA LOSS IN IDIOPATHIC REM SLEEP BEHAVIOUR DISORDER CORRELATES WITH THE DEGREE OF ABNORMALITIES IN THE VESTIBULAR EVOKED MYOGENIC POTENTIALS.  Author URL.

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External Engagement and Impact

Invited lectures

  • Invited lecture on "Neuroscience of the Motor system” San Raffaele Vita-Salute University, Milan, 13 April 2022

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