A study published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications this evening provides new and convincing evidence regarding the effects of a key protein called alpha-synuclein on neurons in the brain. Dr. Juliana Fusco, a research fellow at St. John's College, University of Cambridge, and the main author of the study, stated: "This study could uncover more information about this debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that can leave people unable to walk and talk in later stages of life.
If we want to treat Parkinson's disease, we first need to understand the function of the alpha-synuclein protein, which is present in the brains of everyone. This study is a vital step toward achieving that goal." It is worth noting that Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to the weakening or death of neurons in the brain, which includes a variety of symptoms such as tremors in the limbs, problems with walking and balance, slowness, and severe stiffness in the arms and legs. Parkinson's develops when the cells in the brain stop working properly or when they cannot produce enough dopamine, a chemical that controls body movement by acting as a messenger between cells. Additionally, this disease primarily affects individuals over 60 years old and worsens over several years after diagnosis, although early-onset Parkinson's can also affect younger individuals. In fact, more than 10 million people worldwide suffer from Parkinson's disease, including actor Michael J. Fox, who was diagnosed at age 29, and singer Neil Diamond, comedian Billy Connolly, and musician Ozzy Osbourne. Parkinson's disease can also affect women, but generally, men are more susceptible to it. Notably, the exact cause of Parkinson's remains unknown, but researchers believe it may be due to a combination of age, genetic factors, and environmental conditions that lead to the death of dopamine-producing neurons, affecting the body's ability to move.
During the new study, researchers examined health conditions to help identify the malfunction occurring in the cells of individuals with Parkinson's disease, where all body cells have a plasma membrane that protects the cells, typically transporting nutrients in and removing toxins. Dr. Fusco explained: "One of the most significant questions in Parkinson's disease studies revolves around the function of the alpha-synuclein protein, which in pathological conditions forms aggregates that affect the motor and cognitive abilities of the affected individual. Usually, we identify a protein based on inferred functions, and then we explore what goes wrong when disease occurs. In the case of alpha-synuclein, for instance, the protein has been identified as being linked to the disease pathologically, but we did not know its effects on neurons. Therefore, our study suggests that alpha-synuclein attaches to the inner face of the plasma membrane of neurons like glue; this is new and critically important information."
It should be noted that researchers used structural models during the study to replicate the mechanisms and shapes of brain cell membranes. Professor Alfonso De Simone from Imperial College London and one of the study's authors stated: "When this protein functions normally, it plays an important role in the mechanisms through which neurons communicate signals in the brain. However, it also has a dark side; when it malfunctions, it begins to stick and form aggregates that eventually spread throughout the brain and kill healthy brain cells. Our study showed that this protein adheres to the internal structure of the plasma membrane of brain cells."
It is important to note that there are several treatments and medications available for Parkinson's disease patients, which is not considered a fatal illness, but there is currently nothing available to reverse the effects of the disease. Lifestyle changes, such as getting more rest and exercising, can help alleviate disease symptoms.
