Doctors achieve big breakthrough in the treatment of Parkinson's

Better understanding of the enzyme PINK1 could revolutionize Parkinson's therapy

Medical professionals have now made a major breakthrough in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The experts have identified the structure of a key enzyme that can protect the brain from Parkinson's disease. By better understanding this key enzyme, it will hopefully be possible in the future to develop effective medicines for Parkinson's.

Scientists at the University of Dundee have now succeeded in identifying the structure of the key enzyme PINK1. This enzyme seems to be able to protect the brain from Parkinson's. The researchers published the results of their study in the journal "eLIFE".

Physicians have identified the structure of the enzyme PINK1. A better understanding of this enzyme could lead to effective protection against Parkinson's disease in the future. (Image: rob3000 / fotolia.com)

Research could contribute to the development of new medicines

After a decade of research, scientists have now come to understand the structure and operation of PINK1. This gives the experts the opportunity to study how PINK1 can play a protective role in Parkinson's disease, Dr. the author Miratul Muqit. The new knowledge could be used in the future for the development of new medicines.

Mutations in the PINK1 gene were found in patients with Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's is a so-called progressive degenerative disease of the brain, which is still incurable today. It has been known for some time that mutations in the PINK1 gene have been identified in patients with early forms of Parkinson's disease. There is therefore a great interest in using PINK1 as an approach to Parkinson's therapy. However, the lack of knowledge about the structure of the enzyme has been a problem so far, explains Professor van Aalten. The new research has now provided the framework for future studies in which new molecules for the activation of PINK1 can be identified.

PINK1 mutations lead to degeneration of cells

PINK1 encodes a special class of enzymes, commonly known as kinase, say the medical profession. This class of enzymes plays a vital role in protecting brain cells from stress. However, in patients with PINK1 mutations, this protective effect is lost. This results in a degeneration of the cells that are required for motion control and the typical Parkinson symptoms are the result.

PINK1 detects damage to mitochondria and then initiates protective measures

Earlier research had already shown that the main role of the PINK1 enzyme is to detect damage to the energy centers of specific cells (mitochondria). Then, a protective effect can be initiated, which especially includes two key proteins (ubiquitin and Parkin). This is how the occurring damage should be reduced. However, it was unknown how exactly this process works. PINK1 has unique controls that could not be found in other enzymes of this class, the experts report. These controls explain how ubiquitin and Parkin can provide protection against Parkinson's disease.

The current study provides detailed insights into how mutations in hundreds of Parkinson's patients worldwide disrupt the function of the enzyme, said Professor van Aalten in a press release from the University of Dundee.

Collaboration in research leads to amazing results

The current study is a good example of collaborative research. Only through the cooperation of several experts with different expertise could the understanding of PINK1 be improved. Now, there are many new interesting questions about the enzyme PINK1 to answer, which must be examined in future studies in more detail, the scientists explain. Her research focuses on identifying the fundamental aspects of the causes of Parkinson's. So we hope in the future to develop new approaches to the treatment of the disease, adds the author. Muqit added.

Basic research is very important to better understand various diseases

The PINK1 protein is the focus of research worldwide. Therefore, the latest findings from the University of Dundee are a groundbreaking step for science. The structure of PINK1 contains many clues as to what exactly happens in Parkinson's disease. Determining the basic structure of this protein has been critical to understanding its cellular function and paving the way for the development of Parkinson's drugs. Corresponding basic research is very important for the understanding and treatment of many diseases, whereby such breakthroughs can only be achieved by cooperation of different experts. (As)