Scientists from the Krembil Brain Institute and the University of Toronto have made an exciting discovery that might lead to new ways to treat Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that affects millions of people around the world. It causes problems with movement, such as shaking, stiffness, and trouble walking. This happens because brain cells die off when a harmful protein called alpha-synuclein builds up.
In a new study, the researchers tried to understand how this harmful protein collects in the brain, and more importantly, how to stop it. Their work was published in the journal Nature Communications.
The scientists focused on how alpha-synuclein (also called a-syn) interacts with another protein system in the body called ESCRT-III. This system normally helps clean out damaged proteins from cells. One of the proteins in this system is called CHMP2B.
They found that when alpha-synuclein sticks to CHMP2B, it blocks the body’s ability to remove it. This means the bad protein stays in the brain and keeps building up, which leads to brain cell damage and the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
To stop this from happening, the researchers made a new molecule called a peptide. Peptides are tiny pieces of proteins. The special peptide they made stops alpha-synuclein from sticking to CHMP2B. This helps the brain clear away the harmful protein like it’s supposed to.
They tested this peptide in lab experiments using cells and animals. It worked well—it helped remove the harmful protein and protected brain cells from dying. This gives hope that the peptide could be used as a new treatment for Parkinson’s and other brain diseases, like dementia with Lewy bodies, where the same protein builds up.
Dr. Suneil Kalia, one of the lead scientists, said that once they figured out how alpha-synuclein was escaping the body’s cleanup system, they were able to show that their peptide could stop it. This means the bad protein no longer collects in the brain.
But while this is an important step, the research is still in early stages. It will take a lot more testing before this peptide can be made into a medicine that people can use. The scientists need to make sure it is safe and works well in humans.
Still, this discovery is exciting because it targets a new part of how the disease works. Most current treatments only help with symptoms. This new idea could help stop the disease from getting worse.
The team also said that working together across different fields of science helped them make this progress. They hope that by sharing knowledge, they can find treatments faster.
Even though there is no guaranteed way to prevent Parkinson’s disease, some healthy habits may help lower the risk. These include regular exercise, eating fruits and vegetables, getting good sleep, avoiding harmful chemicals, protecting your head, and staying mentally active.
If you are worried about Parkinson’s or want to know more about brain health, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor.
This study, led by Satra Nim and colleagues, is a hopeful step toward finding better treatments for Parkinson’s disease.
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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