A team of researchers have identified a key protein that could lead to new treatments for Parkinson’s disease and other brain conditions.
About Mitochondria
- Mitochondria are membrane-bound organelles in cells that produce most of the energy required for the cell’s biochemical activities.
- They generate energy by combining oxygen with molecules like sugars and fats obtained from food.
- The energy produced by mitochondria is stored in a molecule known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
|
Role of Mitochondria in Neurodegeneration
- Vital Mitochondrial Dynamics: Mitochondrias are dynamic as they constantly shift in size, number and location.
- They travel between many different parts of the cells to meet different demands.
- These mitochondrial dynamics are vital to functioning of mitochondria as well as the health of cells overall.
- Domino Effect of Impaired Mitochondria: Impaired mitochondrial function can trigger a chain reaction of failures in various cellular processes, leading to overall cell malfunction. Collective malfunction can eventually lead to cell death.
- Mitochondrial Integrity in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Disruptions in mitochondrial dynamics, caused by toxic proteins and environmental neurotoxins, are linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, affecting the balance of mitochondrial fusion and division.
- Reduced Cellular Cleaning and Waste Recycling: Impaired mitochondrial function hampers the cell’s ability to clean up and recycle waste, resulting in the accumulation of toxic protein aggregates, a characteristic feature in Parkinson’s disease.
Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes
About Parkinson Disease
- Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects nervous system and movements. The disease is characterised by loss of control on movements and body balance.
- In 1817, a British physician named James Parkinson published about Shaking Palsy, describing for the first time, cases of a neurodegenerative disorder now known as Parkinson’s disease.
- Chronic Condition: The disease has no known cure, with symptoms that gradually intensify and require long-term management.
- Common in Men: Many studies have suggested that men are more likely to be affected by Parkinson’s than women.
Causes
- Degeneration of Dopamine producing Neurons: The disease results from the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, specifically in a region called the substantia nigra.
- Genetic Factors: Gene mutations can increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to toxins such as pesticides and heavy metals, or head injuries, may contribute to the development of the disease.
|
Key Findings of the Research
- Restoring Mitochondrial Function through Dynamics Manipulation: Manipulating mitochondrial dynamics, particularly targeting proteins involved in these processes, can protect against neuronal dysfunction and prevent cell death.
- Understanding the role of Drp1 in Mitochondrial Dynamics: The protein dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), which is involved in mitochondrial division, is crucial for maintaining mitochondrial mobility and quality control. However, excessive Drp1 activity leads to over-division and fragmented, dysfunctional mitochondria.
- Impact of Environmental Toxins and Toxic Proteins: In Parkinson’s disease models, environmental toxins and toxic proteins contribute to mitochondrial fragmentation and dysfunction. This is associated with an accumulation of these toxic proteins and subsequent neuronal cell death.
- Reducing Drp1 Activity to Protect Neurons: Lowering Drp1 activity helps restore normal mitochondrial function, thereby protecting neurons from degenerative processes and allowing them to continue functioning effectively.
- Effects of Manganese on Neuronal Cells: Exposure to manganese primarily disrupts the cell’s waste recycling system rather than directly impairing mitochondria, leading to the accumulation of toxic proteins.
Check Out UPSC NCERT Textbooks From PW Store
September 3, 2024
