A recent study from the University of Copenhagen has brought new understanding to Parkinson’s disease, which is the second most common brain disorder in elderly people worldwide.
Led by Professor Shohreh Issazadeh-Navikas, the research team discovered how damage in tiny parts of brain cells called mitochondria might be linked to the disease. The study was published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry.
Parkinson’s disease affects between seven and ten million people around the world. It is mostly known for causing movement problems, but it can also lead to dementia as it gets worse. Even though it is a common disease, scientists still do not fully understand why it happens. This new study gives a clearer picture of what might be going wrong inside the brain.
Inside our cells, there are tiny structures called mitochondria. These are like batteries that provide energy for cells to do their jobs. Just like any machine, mitochondria can get damaged over time. Normally, cells have a way of cleaning up and recycling these damaged parts to keep everything working smoothly.
This cleanup process is a bit like how we eat food, use the energy, and then get rid of the waste. However, the researchers found that this cleanup process does not work properly in people with Parkinson’s disease.
The problem is caused by a blockage in a special signaling pathway that is responsible for managing the mitochondria. When this pathway is blocked, the damaged mitochondria start to pile up inside the brain cells. This is bad news for the cells because when too many damaged mitochondria build up, the cells cannot produce enough energy.
Over time, the lack of energy makes the brain cells weak, and they begin to die. This cell death is what causes the movement problems and cognitive decline seen in Parkinson’s patients.
The researchers also discovered that this blockage is connected to problems with certain immune system genes. These genes are not just for fighting infections; they also help brain cells manage their energy.
Interestingly, the same pathways are involved in recognizing viruses and bacteria, which is important for protecting us from infections like COVID-19. In fact, a mutation in one of these genes has even been linked to more severe cases of COVID-19.
To understand this better, the researchers studied brain cells from people who had Parkinson’s disease. They looked closely at the genes in these cells and compared them to brain cells from healthy people. What they found was surprising.
In the cells from Parkinson’s patients, a protein called PIAS2 was much more active. This protein seems to be involved in the problem with the mitochondria. It was found in much higher amounts in people with Parkinson’s, even those with a family history of the disease.
This finding is important because it shows that PIAS2 might play a big role in how Parkinson’s disease develops and gets worse. By understanding how this protein and the blocked pathway contribute to brain cell damage, scientists now have a new target for developing treatments.
If they can find a way to unblock this pathway or stop the damage caused by PIAS2, it could help slow down or even stop the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
The research team is hopeful that their discovery will lead to new studies and, eventually, new treatments for Parkinson’s. Understanding what goes wrong inside brain cells is a big step toward finding a solution. As scientists continue to learn more, there may be real hope for people living with Parkinson’s and for preventing its effects on memory and movement.
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.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
