Repurposed cancer drug shows promise for Parkinson’s

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Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 5 December 2018

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Researchers at the Oxford Parkinson’s Disease Centre, UK, have repurposed an experimental cancer drug – called tasquinimod – as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s.

The study – funded by Parkinson’s UK and published in science journal ‘Cell Stem Cell’ – has been tested on a total of 10 patients so far.

As part of the research, the study grew brain cells from donated skin cell samples of people living with a rare genetic form of Parkinson’s – this process was then repeated on people with a common non-genetic form of the condition. Researchers found that tasquinimod can block HDAC4, a protein that causes Parkinson’s genes to become inactive.

Professor Richard Wade-Martins, co-lead author of the study, said: “We think that switching off these genes in brain cells may play a vital role in the cell damage and death that occurs in Parkinson’s.”

To read more on this topic click here.

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

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Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), US, will investigate genes that could protect cells in the brain against Parkinson’s disease. An award from US non-profit G Harold and Leila Y Mathers Foundation will allow scientists to use a mouse model screening technique to find out more about the condition. Individually deleting each of the 22,000 genes present in mice neurons will help identify which genes are linked to neuron survival – and offer insights that could lead to new treatments for the condition. Dr Myriam Heiman, an Associate Professor at MIT, said: “There is currently no molecular explanation for the brain cell loss seen in Parkinson’s disease or a cure for this devastating disease. I’m extremely grateful for this generous support and recognition of our work from the Mathers Foundation, and hope that our study will elucidate new therapeutic targets for the treatment and even prevention of Parkinson’s…

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Repurposed cancer drug shows promise for Parkinson’s

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Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 5 December 2018

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A series of 12 videos to offer practical Parkinson’s advice

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Young-onset Parkinson’s disease: the challenges and treatment options

Antioxidants could reduce risk of Parkinson’s disease by 32%, study finds

Weight, sleep and depression linked to risk of cognitive problems in Parkinson’s

Gene screening technique could offer insights on Parkinson’s disease

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Repurposed cancer drug shows promise for Parkinson’s

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 5 December 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

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Europe

Walk with Copenhagen

Resources & Tools

A series of 12 videos to offer practical Parkinson’s advice

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Antioxidants could reduce risk of Parkinson’s disease by 32%, study finds

Weight, sleep and depression linked to risk of cognitive problems in Parkinson’s

Gene screening technique could offer insights on Parkinson’s disease

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