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

News

Author: Roisin McCormackPublished: 14 November 2019

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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

To read more on this topic click here.

Researchers awarded £250,000 by UK Medical Research Council

Last Month

Next Month

Go Back

Share this story

Comments

Global update

Climbing Machu Picchu to conquer Parkinson’s

Trekkers with Parkinson’s raise $120,000 for stem cell study

Have you stopped receiving our weekly e-newsletter?

Due to new laws, you must sign up for our e-newsletter to keep receiving it

Giant leap for research as NASA launches Parkinson’s protein into space

LRRK2 protein studied in space could unlock Parkinson’s research

Scotland sees soaring Parkinson’s rate

The number of drugs being prescribed for people living with Parkinson’s in Scotland, UK, has increased by more than a quarter. National Health Service (NHS) figures, published by the Scottish Conservative party, show that the number of items being dispensed for the condition have leapt by 28% – from 260,355 in 2010 to 333,167 in 2019. The sharp rise is thought to be a consequence of Scotland’s ageing population and has prompted calls from bodies, including Parkinson’s UK, for government action to ensure the NHS can cope with the increasing number of Parkinson’s cases. Annie Macleod, director of Parkinson’s UK Scotland, said: “Over the next decade we expect to see numbers increase by a fifth.” She added that reasons for such a spike could include “growing numbers of people living with more complex Parkinson’s, or changes to the ways that specialists are managing Parkinson’s”.

Over a quarter of people living with Parkinson’s were initially misdiagnosed, study finds

More than a quarter of people living with Parkinson’s were initially misdiagnosed, according to new research from charity Parkinson’s UK. As part of the study, 2,000 people with Parkinson’s were asked a series of questions about their diagnosis. According to results, 26% of the participants were originally told they did not have Parkinson’s – with almost half of them being treated for a different condition. The poll also found that women were more likely to be misdiagnosed than men. Katie Goates, professional engagement manager at Parkinson’s UK, said: “One of the biggest challenges for Parkinson’s research is that there is no definitive test for Parkinson’s, and as a result we’ve heard of people being misdiagnosed with anything from a frozen shoulder or anxiety to a stroke. “Our survey has shown that because of this people are being left in limbo and seeing their health deteriorate, which is unacceptable.”

Queen Elizabeth II honours UK university for Parkinson’s research

A neuroscience research centre at the University of Sheffield, UK, has been recognised by Queen Elizabeth II for improving the lives of patients living with neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson’s. The Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, which is based at the university, uses emerging developments in neuroscience to create innovative new approaches to treating brain conditions. The prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize was awarded at St James’s Palace, London. The institute was commended for its development of Parkinson’s drug discovery programmes. The honour is awarded to UK universities who exhibit groundbreaking and innovative approaches to research – with beneficial results at local, national and global levels. Professor Koen Lamberts, president and vice-chancellor for the University of Sheffield, said: “As well as making life-changing discoveries today, The Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience is nurturing the next generation of talented neuroscience students, whose research will lead to pioneering treatments for those living with neurological…

All fields required

First name*
Last name*
Email address*
Enter Email Confirm Email
Country of residence*
About me*
- I have Parkinson's disease
- I am a partner / carer / family / friend of someone who has Parkinson's
- I am a healthcare professional with an interest in Parkinson's
- I work for a Parkinson's disease organisation
- Other
CAPTCHA
*
- By proceeding you agree to our
Comments
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

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

News

Author: Roisin McCormackPublished: 14 November 2019

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Global update

Climbing Machu Picchu to conquer Parkinson’s

Europe

Have you stopped receiving our weekly e-newsletter?

Advances

Giant leap for research as NASA launches Parkinson’s protein into space

Scotland sees soaring Parkinson’s rate

Over a quarter of people living with Parkinson’s were initially misdiagnosed, study finds

Queen Elizabeth II honours UK university for Parkinson’s research

{title}

Subscribe

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

News

Author: Roisin McCormackPublished: 14 November 2019

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Global update

Climbing Machu Picchu to conquer Parkinson’s

Europe

Have you stopped receiving our weekly e-newsletter?

Advances

Giant leap for research as NASA launches Parkinson’s protein into space

Scotland sees soaring Parkinson’s rate

Over a quarter of people living with Parkinson’s were initially misdiagnosed, study finds

Queen Elizabeth II honours UK university for Parkinson’s research

{title}

Subscribe

Sign in