Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have uncovered a breakthrough in understanding Parkinson’s disease (PD), a condition affecting 7 to 10 million people worldwide. Parkinson’s is primarily known as a movement disorder that worsens with age, but the exact causes have remained unclear—until now.
The research has identified a critical issue within brain cells that contributes to the development of Parkinson’s. Normally, cells generate energy using mitochondria, which act as the cell’s powerhouses.
When mitochondria become damaged, the cell has systems to clean up and remove them, ensuring everything functions smoothly. However, in Parkinson’s, this cleanup process is blocked, leading to a dangerous buildup of damaged mitochondria.
Imagine a kitchen where the trash can’t be emptied. Over time, the waste piles up, making it impossible to work properly. Similarly, when damaged mitochondria accumulate in brain cells, energy production slows down, causing the neurons to weaken and die.
This loss of neurons not only triggers the movement issues associated with Parkinson’s but can also lead to dementia in advanced stages of the disease.
The study revealed that this blockage stems from problems in immune-related genes. These genes, which usually help fight viruses, also play a critical role in regulating the energy systems of brain cells.
Interestingly, this immune pathway is also connected to the body’s response to viruses like COVID-19. In fact, mutations in a related gene can lead to more severe outcomes from COVID-19, highlighting a link between immune function and brain health.
To understand this process better, the researchers analyzed neurons from the brains of Parkinson’s patients. They compared gene activity in these neurons to those in healthy individuals of the same age.
One striking difference was the high levels of a protein called PIAS2 in the neurons of people with Parkinson’s. This protein appears to play a role in the accumulation of toxic materials in the cell, worsening the condition.
The buildup of damaged mitochondria also leads to the production of other harmful proteins, creating a toxic environment in the brain. This discovery suggests that targeting the pathway involving PIAS2 and the mitochondrial cleanup process could be a promising new way to treat Parkinson’s.
By restoring this pathway, it might be possible to prevent the progression of the disease and even reduce the risk of dementia in affected patients.
Led by Professor Shohreh Issazadeh-Navikas, this study sheds light on the intricate connections between aging, immune function, and brain health. The findings, published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, pave the way for new treatments that could address the root causes of Parkinson’s rather than just managing its symptoms.
Further research is needed to develop therapies that can counteract this pathway blockage and improve mitochondrial function. If successful, these treatments could significantly change the lives of millions living with Parkinson’s, offering hope for better management of the disease and its complications.
If you care about Parkinson’s disease, please read studies that Vitamin B may slow down cognitive decline, and Mediterranean diet could help lower risk of Parkinson’s.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that blueberry supplements may prevent cognitive decline, and results showing Plant-based diets could protect cognitive health from air pollution.
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