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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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3 Sep 2024
