Stem cell therapies and Parkinson’s – Michael J Fox Foundation webinar

Resources & Tools

Author: Joe McAweaneyPublished: 15 August 2019

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Tune in to the latest webinar in The Michael J Fox Foundation’s Third Thursdays series for an expert discussion on stem cell therapies and its potential treatments for Parkinson’s

The next episode of The Michael J Fox Foundation’s Third Thursdays webinar series will focus on stem cell therapies for Parkinson’s.

In the free hour-long webinar, a panel of Parkinson’s experts will discuss the status of stem cell therapies – and how they could be used to treat Parkinson’s. Panellists will also answer a range of questions on Parkinson’s from listeners.

There has been significant research into Parkinson’s and stem cells therapies, with studies suggesting that genetically edited cells may be able to counter the effects of the condition.

Last year, scientists from Kyoto University, Japan, carried out a world first trial – transplanting reprogrammed stem cells into people with Parkinson’s.

And in January, a team from the University of Edinburgh, UK, created Parkinson’s resistant stem cells. As part of the study, published in the ‘European Journal of Neuroscience’, the team used gene editing techniques to remove the alpha-synuclein protein from stem cells – preventing them from developing the condition.

To listen to this webinar, listeners must register here up to 15 minutes before it’s start time at 12:00 EST. If you cannot make the live broadcast, you can visit the archive to listen to a recording.

Cramping more than your style

Last Month

Next Month

Go Back

Share this story

Comments

Global update

Parkinson’s poetry competition sparks emotional response

Thank you for your submissions!

Every step counts: New York Unity Walk raises more than $1m for Parkinson’s

Twenty-third edition of world’s largest Unity Walk attracts 10,000

Walk with Copenhagen

Join the Danish Parkinson Association for their annual event

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.

Stem cell therapies and Parkinson’s – Michael J Fox Foundation webinar

Resources & Tools

Author: Joe McAweaneyPublished: 15 August 2019

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Global update

Parkinson’s poetry competition sparks emotional response

Global update

Every step counts: New York Unity Walk raises more than $1m for Parkinson’s

Europe

Walk with Copenhagen

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

Stem cell therapies and Parkinson’s – Michael J Fox Foundation webinar

Resources & Tools

Author: Joe McAweaneyPublished: 15 August 2019

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Global update

Parkinson’s poetry competition sparks emotional response

Global update

Every step counts: New York Unity Walk raises more than $1m for Parkinson’s

Europe

Walk with Copenhagen

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