A new technique for isolating brain cells linked to Parkinson’s

News

Author: Johanna Stiefler JohnsonPublished: 10 December 2020

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, US, have developed a new technique for isolating brain cells associated with symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. This technique has led to discoveries about how diseased neurons in lab mice sense and use oxygen.

According to PhD student Alyssa Lawler, who helped develop the new technique, separating these cells has proved an efficient way of better understanding them.

Using the new isolating technique nicknamed cSNAIL, researchers focused on parvalbumin-expressing (PV+) neurons, whose relevance in Parkinson’s disease had been shown in previous research.

cSNAIL uses a virus, which causes a protein to activate a fluorescent tag when it enters PV+ cells. Antibodies can then be used to recognise the tag and isolate the cells.

“Oxygen-sensing pathways have been implicated in other, earlier aspects of Parkinson’s disease,” reported Lawler, “but not previously in PV+ cells. We’re learning how to talk to cells, to speak their language.”

The study is part of a larger effort to build machine learning models to help scientists interpret the condition’s mechanisms.

Find out more about the new technique for isolating brain cells.

To read more about Parkinson’s research, please visit the EPDA website.

Loneliness may increase severity of Parkinson’s disease symptoms

Last Month

Next Month

Go Back

Share this story

Comments

Advances

Hitting the sweet spot: how the new directional DBS system improves symptom control in Parkinson’s disease

New tech can find the brain’s ‘sweet spot’ for improved effectiveness

Leading MEP declares Parkinson’s “a European priority issue”

Campaigners advocate for better EU policy towards Parkinson’s

STAGES: “an honest and human portrayal of Parkinson’s”

We hear what the cast and crew learnt about the condition

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.

A new technique for isolating brain cells linked to Parkinson’s

News

Author: Johanna Stiefler JohnsonPublished: 10 December 2020

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

sponsored article

Advances

Hitting the sweet spot: how the new directional DBS system improves symptom control in Parkinson’s disease

Europe

Leading MEP declares Parkinson’s “a European priority issue”

Europe

STAGES: “an honest and human portrayal of 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

A new technique for isolating brain cells linked to Parkinson’s

News

Author: Johanna Stiefler JohnsonPublished: 10 December 2020

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

sponsored article

Advances

Hitting the sweet spot: how the new directional DBS system improves symptom control in Parkinson’s disease

Europe

Leading MEP declares Parkinson’s “a European priority issue”

Europe

STAGES: “an honest and human portrayal of 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