New research sheds light on protein mutation in Parkinson’s disease

Researchers in China have investigated a mutant form of alpha-synuclein – a protein involved in early onset and severe familial Parkinson’s disease – and shed light on the underlying mechanisms of the condition.

As part of the study, the researchers assessed how the E46K mutant protein affected motor function in mice, compared to healthy alpha-synuclein. The results showed that E46K promoted more toxic clumps that can lead to the neurodegeneration associated with Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, the researchers wrote, the findings suggest that E46K “can pass on its structure and pathology [disease-causing features] to the [healthy version], which is not applicable reversely”.

However, the team added that further studies are needed to “comprehensively understand” these mutations, the potential interaction between mutant and healthy forms of alpha-synuclein – and its role in the progression of Parkinson’s.

Read more:

Is sleepwalking linked to risk of Parkinson’s disease in men?

Stay tuned for series two of Parkinson’s Life podcast