The Michael J Fox Foundation awards $107,000 grant to new Parkinson’s study

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Author: Simge DoganPublished: 27 June 2018

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The Michael J Fox Foundation has awarded a grant of US $107,000 to fund research into a newly discovered gene linked to Parkinson’s.

The study – carried out by researchers from the University of Bordeaux, France and Purdue University, US – will investigate whether gene NFE2L1 can reduce nerve cell death in those living with the condition.

Jean-Christophe Rochet, professor of medicinal chemistry and molecular pharmacology at Purdue University, said: “We recently found that a minor allele [part of a gene] of NFE2L1 can lower Parkinson’s risk.

“These observations imply that neuron death in Parkinson’s disease may result in part from a loss of the neuroprotective action of NFE2L1.”

For further information on the latest Parkinson’s studies click here

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Parkinson’s could be present from birth, study finds

Parkinson’s may be present from birth in younger people with the condition, new research has found. The study – conducted by Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre, US, and published in ‘Nature Medicine’ journal – used induced stem cells from people with young-onset Parkinson’s, to grow dopamine-producing neurons and observe them for early warning signs of the condition. An abnormal pile-up of protein was found during the neurons’ development, including alpha-synuclein; which occurs in Parkinson’s. The scientists conjecture that Parkinson’s symptoms appear when the pile-up continues over 20 or 30 years. The team also found that the drug PEP005 – currently used against skin precancers – could help treat the condition. Michele Tagliati, vice chair and professor at Cedars-Sinai’s Department of Neurology and the study’s co-author, said: “This exciting new research provides hope that one day we may be able to detect and take early action to prevent this disease in at-risk individuals.”…

Testing saliva can help diagnose Parkinson’s, study finds

A saliva test carried out by doctors may be able to both diagnose Parkinson’s and detect the severity of the condition, according to a recent study published in medical journal ‘Neurological Sciences’. Several indicators of the development of Parkinson’s, including problems in the production of energy, can be easily detected in saliva. As part of the study, carried out by a team from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India, saliva samples were collected from 76 patients living with Parkinson’s, and 37 participants with good general health. They found that the saliva of those with Parkinson’s reflected evidence of alteration in neurotransmitters – chemical messengers that allow nerve cells to communicate. The researchers said the test “may highlight the characteristic changes in metabolite levels during the onset of Parkinson’s”.

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The Michael J Fox Foundation awards $107,000 grant to new Parkinson’s study

News

Author: Simge DoganPublished: 27 June 2018

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Are pesticides the cause of Parkinson’s disease? Find out in this free podcast

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6 superfoods to enhance brain function in Parkinson’s

Can awakening dormant neurons reverse Parkinson’s motor symptoms?

Parkinson’s could be present from birth, study finds

Testing saliva can help diagnose Parkinson’s, study finds

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The Michael J Fox Foundation awards $107,000 grant to new Parkinson’s study

News

Author: Simge DoganPublished: 27 June 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Are pesticides the cause of Parkinson’s disease? Find out in this free podcast

Advances

Researchers carry out ‘world-first’ stem cell treatment for Parkinson’s disease

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6 superfoods to enhance brain function in Parkinson’s

Can awakening dormant neurons reverse Parkinson’s motor symptoms?

Parkinson’s could be present from birth, study finds

Testing saliva can help diagnose Parkinson’s, study finds

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