New enzyme discovery could “put the brakes” on Parkinson’s

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Author: Roisin McCormackPublished: 14 November 2019

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Professor Dario Alessi University of Dundee

Researchers at the University of Dundee, UK, have discovered an enzyme that could reverse mutations in a gene commonly associated with the development of Parkinson’s.

The enzyme, called PPM1H, has been found to naturally prevent the biological activity of LRKK2 – it is hoped this discovery could slowdown the progression of the disease.

The researchers are now working with the university’s Drug Discovery Unit to develop compounds that could activate the newly discovered enzyme.

Professor Dario Alessi, one of the lead researchers, said: “Parkinson’s is like a runaway train – at present we have no way of putting the brakes on to slow it down, let alone stop it. This new enzyme we have found acts as the brakes in the pathway that causes Parkinson’s in humans.

“This finding opens the door for a new chemical approach to the search for Parkinson’s treatments.”

Lead image credit: University of Dundee

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Researchers awarded £250,000 by UK Medical Research Council

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New enzyme discovery could “put the brakes” on Parkinson’s

News

Author: Roisin McCormackPublished: 14 November 2019

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

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Perspectives

Dear Parkinson’s, here are my 8 wishes for 2016 (from Twitchy Woman)

Global update

“We can never have enough people helping people with Parkinson’s”

Europe

My PD Journey: landmark Parkinson’s summit highlights urgent need for new composite scale

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham wins World Parkinson Coalition award

Study explores predictors of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease

Could frailty be a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease?

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New enzyme discovery could “put the brakes” on Parkinson’s

News

Author: Roisin McCormackPublished: 14 November 2019

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Perspectives

Dear Parkinson’s, here are my 8 wishes for 2016 (from Twitchy Woman)

Global update

“We can never have enough people helping people with Parkinson’s”

Europe

My PD Journey: landmark Parkinson’s summit highlights urgent need for new composite scale

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham wins World Parkinson Coalition award

Study explores predictors of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease

Could frailty be a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease?

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