Insulin resistance compromises midbrain organoid neuronal activity and metabolic efficiency predisposing to Parkinson’s disease pathology

Growing evidence indicates that type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD) through shared disease mechanisms. Studies show that insulin resistance, which is the driving pathophysiological mechanism of T2D plays a major role in neurodegeneration by impairing neuronal functionality, metabolism and survival. To investigate insulin resistance caused pathological changes in the human midbrain, which could predispose a healthy midbrain to PD development, we exposed iPSC-derived human midbrain organoids from healthy individuals to either high insulin concentration, promoting insulin resistance, or to more physiological insulin concentration restoring insulin signalling function. We combined experimental methods with metabolic modelling to identify the most insulin resistance-dependent pathogenic processes. We demonstrate that insulin resistance compromises organoid metabolic efficiency, leading to increased levels of oxidative stress. Additionally, insulin-resistant midbrain organoids showed decreased neuronal activity and reduced amount of dopaminergic neurons, highlighting insulin resistance as a significant target in PD prevention.