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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Could analysing skin oil help diagnose Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease patients tend to have high levels of oil, known as sebum, on their skin’s surface. Now, a study has suggested that analysing this substance may help when diagnosing the condition. The study revealed that sebum contains significant amounts of genetic material, specifically the molecule ribonucleic acid (RNA). Analysis of RNA contained in sebum – that is, skin surface lipids RNA, or SSL-RNA – could offer insights into a person’s health. Researchers in Japan examined SSL-RNA in men and women with and without Parkinson’s. The results suggested that the SSL-RNA profiles of those with Parkinson’s had “different characteristics” than those without. The researchers then tested whether examining these profiles with machine learning could reveal those who had Parkinson’s – and who didn’t. The team’s algorithm indicated a “relatively robust discriminatory ability,” supporting the further use of SSL-RNA as part of a future “non-invasive” method for diagnosis.

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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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Billy Connolly “excited” by challenge of performing with Parkinson’s

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Brian Lowe: “Always look on the bright side of life”

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“Many people believed my Parkinson’s symptoms were the result of bad spirits”

New insights on immune cell process and Parkinson’s disease

Could analysing skin oil help diagnose Parkinson’s disease?

‘Sonic hedgehog’ protein could impact Parkinson’s disease dyskinesia

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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:

Last Month

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Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Perspectives

Billy Connolly “excited” by challenge of performing with Parkinson’s

Interviews

Brian Lowe: “Always look on the bright side of life”

In my country

“Many people believed my Parkinson’s symptoms were the result of bad spirits”

New insights on immune cell process and Parkinson’s disease

Could analysing skin oil help diagnose Parkinson’s disease?

‘Sonic hedgehog’ protein could impact Parkinson’s disease dyskinesia

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