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16
Feb 2021
Scientists make ‘vital step’ towards finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease
Research undertaken by scientists at Cambridge University, has broken new ground in understanding the role of a key protein, which is present in the brain and plays several important roles that allow nerve cells to communicate effectively with each other.
The protein, alpha-synuclein, causes the disease when it behaves abnormally and forms clumps called Lewy bodies inside neurons, which cause them to work less effectively and eventually die.
Until now, it has not been known how it functions normally, which has inhibited treatment.
Dr Giuliana Fusco, lead author of the study and Research Fellow at St John’s College at the University of Cambridge, said “This study could unlock more information about this debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that can leave people unable to walk and talk.
“If we want to cure Parkinson’s, first we need to understand the function of alpha-synuclein. This research is a vital step towards that goal.
The degenerative disease, which is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, has a variety of symptoms, including gait and balance problems, hand tremors, and extreme stiffness in the arms and legs. Although there are treatments available to patients to help to manage the disease, nothing is currently available to reverse its effects.
Professor Michele Vendruscolo of the University of Cambridge, said “In order to intervene and correct the protein’s behaviour, we first need to know what it does normally, so that when we correct its behaviour, we don’t interfere with its normal behaviour.
“Of course, there are going to be many other steps of this type that are needed to eventually find a cure, but this is a significant step forward in establishing the normal function of this protein.”
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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
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