One step closer to a cure

Researchers from Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea believe they are closer to finding a cure for Parkinson’s through their research into protein DJ-1.

The research, which will be published in US journal ‘Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences’, has found evidence to suggest the protein impairs nerve cells within the body which relate to the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease.

Although the protein had previously been linked to the development of Parkinson’s, its exact role remained unknown.

Professor Sung Hyun Kim, who led the study, said: “We will research the relationship between synapse function and the expressive actions of animals with Parkinson’s, and establish the related network. If the study goes well, we will be able to infer the cause of Parkinson’s.”