Scientists win £90,000 of funding for research into vital gene

Scientists from Dundee University have been awarded more than £90,000 to research the genetics behind Parkinson’s disease.

Over the next three years, the team of scientists will use state-of-the-art technology to study how a gene known as ‘PINK1’ affects brain cells. It’s thought to lead to Parkinson’s when brain cells no longer respond to ‘PINK1’.

Dr Miratul Muqit, the lead researcher on the project, said: “In a cell you will see thousands of pathways, but we want to find the crucial ones. ‘PINK1’ is a gene that causes changes in the cells and we want to know if these changes disturb an essential pathway.”

The funds were awarded by British charity Parkinson’s UK.

Dr Arthur Roach, director of research and development at Parkinson’s UK, said: “Funding projects like this in Dundee is crucial if we are to progress in our research and one day find a cure.”