A team of researchers at Kumamoto University has uncovered a groundbreaking mechanism in the formation of harmful protein aggregates that lead to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's Disease.
Kumamoto UniversityNov 1 2024 A team of researchers at Kumamoto University has uncovered a groundbreaking mechanism in the formation of harmful protein aggregates that lead to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's Disease.
In a healthy state, α-synuclein typically regulates neuronal function. However, in neurodegenerative diseases, it aggregates together, leading to cell damage and motor symptoms. The researchers identified that G4s, four-stranded RNA structures that form in response to cellular stress, function as a "scaffold" that facilitates α-synuclein aggregation.
The team went a step further, demonstrating a new approach to prevent this process. They administered 5-aminolevulinic acid , a compound that blocks G4 formation, to model mice exhibiting Parkinson's-like symptoms. Impressively, 5-ALA treatment not only prevented α-synuclein aggregation but also halted the progression of motor symptoms, a promising sign for potential therapies targeting early-stage neurodegeneration.
Related StoriesThis breakthrough could significantly advance treatments aimed at neurodegenerative diseases by focusing on G4 regulation. Since G4s are also implicated in other diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease, this discovery may broaden the impact of such treatments beyond Parkinson's Disease.
Calcium Cell Intracellular Neurodegenerative Diseases Parkinson's Disease Protein Research RNA Stress
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