Scientists accidentally confirmed the genetic key to Parkinson's disease
Scientists accidentally confirmed the genetic key to Parkinson's disease July 30, 2018 Source: Academic Jingwei Recently, a recent study on Parkinson's disease was published in the Science issue of Science Translational Medicine. The study, funded by the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke (NINDS) of the National Institutes of Health, found that we far underestimated the role of a gene in Parkinson's disease... Parkinson's disease is a common neurodegenerative disease affecting approximately 10 million people worldwide. We don't know much about its cause, but the general theory is that it is affected by both genetics and the environment. In 2004, a group of scientists made major breakthroughs in the genetic roots of Parkinson's disease. They found that a mutation in a gene called LRRK2 increases the risk of Parkinson's disease. However, only 3% to 4% of patients with Parkinson's disease carry this mutation, so scientists believe that other mysterious causes have not been revealed for the majority of Parkinson's patients. But this latest study allows us to re-examine past views. In the study, scientists first designed a molecule that binds to the activated LRRK2 protein and emits red fluorescence. They then analyzed in the brains of organ donors looking for areas where activated LRRK2 was present. In patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (below), LRRK2 is activated (Source: Science Translational Medicine) The study found an unexpected result: LRRK2 protein is highly active in dopaminergic neurons in patients with Parkinson's disease. On the contrary, this phenomenon does not exist among healthy people. Interestingly, none of these LRRK2 proteins were mutated. In other words, in the past we were only half-baked about the function of the LRRK2 gene. Although its mutation will increase the risk of Parkinson's disease, it may also be involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, and even does not require LRRK2 protein mutation. So, what is the connection between these LRRK2 proteins and Parkinson's disease? What kind of pathogenesis does it bring? Further research linked it to another key Parkinson's disease protein, alpha-synuclein. In patients with Parkinson's disease, the accumulation of alpha-synuclein leads to the production of a structure called "Louis body", which is one of the hallmarks of Parkinson's disease. In the mouse model, activation of the LRRK2 protein makes it difficult for cells to clear alpha-synuclein, leading to accumulation of the latter. Interestingly, the accumulation of alpha-synuclein was prevented if mice were treated with the LRRK2 inhibitor under development. LRRK2 inhibitors reduce the accumulation of alpha-synuclein (Source: Science Translational Medicine) "This finding is very important for Parkinson's disease. It shows that new Parkinson's disease drugs currently being developed for a small number of patients may benefit all patients with Parkinson's disease," said Dr. Timothy Greenamyre, co-author of the study. "LRRK2 links the genetic factors of Parkinson's disease to environmental factors. We found that external factors such as oxidative stress or toxins activate LRRK2. This may lead to the accumulation of Lewy bodies in the brain." Author Dr. Roberto Di Maio said. After finding the key role of LRRK2, the researchers are looking forward to exploring ways to prevent LRRK2 overactivation. Ultimately, we expect effective treatments for all patients with Parkinson's disease to come out as soon as possible. epidural catheter,Spinal and Epidural Kit,Spinal and Epidural,epidural needle,epidural kit Anesthesia Medical Co., Ltd. , https://www.jssinoanesthesia.com
