New molecule could reverse neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 11 October 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Researchers at a university in Spain have discovered a new molecule which they claim can block and reverse neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s.

The molecule – named SynuClean-D – is able to reduce alpha-synuclein aggregations which cause degeneration.

The study – published in science journal ‘PNAS’ – explains how researchers at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain, tested over 14,000 molecules before discovering SynuClean-D.

They then tested the molecule on a Caenorhabditis worm – one of the most commonly used animals when researching neurodegenerative diseases – finding that it boosted its mobility and protected it from neural degeneration.

Salvador Ventura, the study coordinator, said: “Everything seems to indicate that the molecule we identified, the SynuClean-D, may provide therapeutic applications for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s in the future.”

To read more on this topic click here.

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

Last Month

Next Month

Go Back

Share this story

Comments

Perspectives

“There is hope for turning this condition around”

Sheila Roy charts the 'life-changing' effects of new gene therapy

National Parkinson Foundation and Parkinson’s Disease Foundation complete merger

New organisation hopes to “champion a better future”

Singapore runs for Parkinson’s

Parkinson Society Singapore fun run to raise awareness and funds

Sir Billy Connolly: Parkinson’s disease is “like a strange animal”

Scottish comedian, actor and musician Sir Billy Connolly has recently discussed his experience of Parkinson’s disease while promoting his new autobiography, ‘Windswept & Interesting’. In an appearance on UK talk show, ‘The Graham Norton Show’, the comedian explained that he had lost the ability to write. He said: “It breaks my heart as I used to love writing letters to people.” Speaking to UK newspaper The Guardian, Connolly added that he thinks the condition is “like a strange animal. One that sits beside you and says, ‘How will you get on without this?’ – before it takes away something else.” Despite these adjustments, Connolly told Norton he has “good days and bad days” with the condition. “It’s creeping up on me and it never lets go,” he said. “I walk like a drunk man and have to have help. So, life is different, but it is good.” Lead image credit:…

New insights on immune cell process and Parkinson’s disease

Insoluble clumps of the protein alpha-synuclein, which can cause damage to brain cells, have been previously linked to Parkinson’s. Now, scientists in Germany, France and the US have uncovered new details on how brain cells respond to these clusters. The researchers discovered that the brain’s immune cells may be able to join together to break down the protein clumps. According to a press release, this was previously unknown. They also found that these neighbouring cells share mitochondria – structures that generate energy for chemical reactions – to help one another. In certain mutations associated with Parkinson’s, this process may be impaired. The researchers hope this insight could inform the development of new therapies. “We have opened the door to a field that will certainly engage researchers for many years to come,” said Professor Dr Michael Heneka, director of the Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Geriatric Psychiatry at the University Hospital…

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.

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
Email
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

New molecule could reverse neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 11 October 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Perspectives

“There is hope for turning this condition around”

Global update

National Parkinson Foundation and Parkinson’s Disease Foundation complete merger

Health & Fitness

Singapore runs for Parkinson’s

Sir Billy Connolly: Parkinson’s disease is “like a strange animal”

New insights on immune cell process and Parkinson’s disease

Could analysing skin oil help diagnose Parkinson’s disease?

{title}

Subscribe

New molecule could reverse neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 11 October 2018

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Perspectives

“There is hope for turning this condition around”

Global update

National Parkinson Foundation and Parkinson’s Disease Foundation complete merger

Health & Fitness

Singapore runs for Parkinson’s

Sir Billy Connolly: Parkinson’s disease is “like a strange animal”

New insights on immune cell process and Parkinson’s disease

Could analysing skin oil help diagnose Parkinson’s disease?

{title}

Subscribe

Sign in