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Exciting new research from the University of Sydney suggests a potential breakthrough in the fight against Parkinson’s disease. Scientists have identified a malfunctioning protein, SOD1, as a key player in the disease’s progression and have successfully reversed Parkinson’s-like symptoms in mice by targeting this protein.
Parkinson’s disease, affecting over 150,000 Australians, is a debilitating neurological condition. For over a decade, Professor Kay Double and her team at the Brain and Mind Centre have been investigating the underlying biological mechanisms to develop effective treatments.
Their earlier research in 2017 pinpointed an abnormal form of the SOD1 protein in the brains of Parkinson’s patients. Normally, SOD1 protects brain cells, but in Parkinson’s sufferers, it becomes faulty, clumps together, and damages those cells.
The latest study, published in Acta Neuropathologica Communications, demonstrated that targeting this faulty SOD1 protein with a specific treatment significantly improved motor function in mice exhibiting Parkinson’s-like symptoms.
“We saw a dramatic improvement in their motor skills,” Professor Double stated, “which is a really promising sign it could be effective in treating people who have Parkinson disease too. We were astonished by the success of the intervention.”
How the Study Worked
Researchers divided mice with Parkinson’s-like symptoms into two groups. One group received a special copper supplement for three months, while the other received a placebo.
The placebo group experienced a decline in motor skills. In contrast, the mice treated with the copper supplement showed no development of movement problems.
“The results were beyond our expectations,” Professor Double explained, “and suggest this treatment approach could slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease in humans.”
Understanding Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease results from the death of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. This leads to symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, slow movement, and balance issues. Currently, there is no cure, and treatments offer limited relief.
Professor Double emphasizes the complexity of Parkinson’s: “Faulty forms of the SOD1 protein are likely one of many factors contributing to its development and progression.” She draws a parallel to HIV, suggesting that a multi-faceted approach with combined interventions may be necessary for significant improvement.
What’s Next?
The research team is now focused on identifying the optimal approach for targeting the faulty SOD1 protein in human clinical trials. This could pave the way for a novel therapy to slow down the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
Source: University of Sydney