Gene screening technique could offer insights on Parkinson’s disease

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Author: Saskia MairPublished: 7 January 2021

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Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), US, will investigate genes that could protect cells in the brain against Parkinson’s disease.

An award from US non-profit G Harold and Leila Y Mathers Foundation will allow scientists to use a mouse model screening technique to find out more about the condition. Individually deleting each of the 22,000 genes present in mice neurons will help identify which genes are linked to neuron survival – and offer insights that could lead to new treatments for the condition.

Dr Myriam Heiman, an Associate Professor at MIT, said: “There is currently no molecular explanation for the brain cell loss seen in Parkinson’s disease or a cure for this devastating disease. I’m extremely grateful for this generous support and recognition of our work from the Mathers Foundation, and hope that our study will elucidate new therapeutic targets for the treatment and even prevention of Parkinson’s disease.”

For more information on the latest Parkinson’s disease research, please visit the EPDA website.

Find out more about the mouse model screening technique and Parkinson’s disease.

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Gene screening technique could offer insights on Parkinson’s disease

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), US, will investigate genes that could protect cells in the brain against Parkinson’s disease. An award from US non-profit G Harold and Leila Y Mathers Foundation will allow scientists to use a mouse model screening technique to find out more about the condition. Individually deleting each of the 22,000 genes present in mice neurons will help identify which genes are linked to neuron survival – and offer insights that could lead to new treatments for the condition. Dr Myriam Heiman, an Associate Professor at MIT, said: “There is currently no molecular explanation for the brain cell loss seen in Parkinson’s disease or a cure for this devastating disease. I’m extremely grateful for this generous support and recognition of our work from the Mathers Foundation, and hope that our study will elucidate new therapeutic targets for the treatment and even prevention of Parkinson’s…

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Gene screening technique could offer insights on Parkinson’s disease

News

Author: Saskia MairPublished: 7 January 2021

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

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Advances

83-year-old invents Parkinson’s ‘retainer’ to deliver oral levodopa via the mouth

Special reports

“Brain Surgery Live is a modern medical miracle the public deserved to see”

Europe

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Antioxidants could reduce risk of Parkinson’s disease by 32%, study finds

Weight, sleep and depression linked to risk of cognitive problems in Parkinson’s