Protein responsible for Parkinson's is visualized for the first time

 

Australian researchers visualize for the first time the Pink1 protein, essential to understanding Parkinson's and developing new therapies.

Named “Pink1”, the structure was discovered more than 20 years ago by experts in the field, but its characteristics were almost completely unknown.

A group of researchers from an Australian institute have observed for the first time the exact structure and mechanism of action of the protein responsible for Parkinson's.

Named “Pink1”, the structure was discovered more than 20 years ago by experts in the field, but its characteristics were almost completely unknown.

The discovery, which was published in the journal Science , paves the way for the development of new drugs and therapies for a disease that currently has no cure.

According to experts, the protein plays an important role within cells, as it connects with mitochondria and signals to damaged ones that they should be removed.

In a patient with Parkinson's, however, Pink1 undergoes a mutation that prevents it from functioning properly. The consequence of this is that damaged mitochondria accumulate, stop producing energy and release toxic substances that kill the cell.

Neurons, which require a lot of energy, are particularly sensitive to this type of damage, and one of the hallmarks of Parkinson's is the death of brain cells.Neurons, which require a lot of energy, are particularly sensitive to this type of damage, and one of the hallmarks of Parkinson's is the death of brain cells.

After many years of study, researchers led by David Komander succeeded in obtaining the appearance and structure of Pink1 and understanding how it binds to mitochondria.

– This is a huge deal for Parkinson’s research. It’s amazing to finally see Pink1 and understand how it binds to mitochondria. Its structure reveals many ways in which the protein can be modified and this could change the lives of people affected by the disease – said Komander.

Italians find element responsible for dementia in Parkinson's

A group of Italian researchers have found the key element that regulates the development of dementia-like symptoms in Parkinson's disease.

According to experts, the culprit is a protein called alpha-synuclein, which causes cognitive decline to advance if it accumulates in specific areas of the brain.

The discovery made by scientists from different institutes and universities in Italy, published in the journal Nature Parkinson's Disease (NPJ), is considered an important step towards understanding the mechanisms of dementia in patients.

Experts say it is normal for alpha-synuclein to be present in the brain, but the protein can lead to neuron death when it accumulates in large amounts.

– Research has shown that when alpha-synuclein aggregates in the hippocampus, it causes memory defects that remain stable and do not worsen. On the other hand, when the protein assembles in the midbrain, it leads to symptoms similar to human dementia – explained Elvira de Leonibus, coordinator of the study.