New funding for research into the genetic causes of Parkinson's
11 May 2009
The Parkinson's Disease Society (PDS) has announced funding of
nearly £270,000 to Dr Gyorgy Szabadkai at University College London
(UCL) for research into gene DJ-1, which is linked to Parkinson's
disease.
Parkinson's occurs when dopamine cells in the brain die or are
damaged, making it increasingly difficult to relay movement
messages from the brain to the body.
DJ-1 is one of several genes known to be linked to Parkinson's
disease. Research has already shown that DJ-1, when working
properly, has a protective role and can prevent dopamine cells from
dying.
If the DJ-1 gene is faulty and isn't working properly, it can
lead to the onset of Parkinson's disease, through a process called
oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a biochemical process
that leads to toxic chemicals building up inside nerve cells. These
toxins damage cells - making them sick and eventually die.
Dr Szabadkai's team will investigate how the DJ-1 gene interacts
with oxidative stress in different parts of dopamine cells.
Dr Szabaskai comments:
"Our research will help us understand better what causes the
nerve cells to die, and may help us to screen for effective new
Parkinson's drugs."
Dr Kieran Breen, Director of Research and Development at the
Parkinson's Disease Society, adds:
"We are delighted to fund innovative genetic based research
projects like this.
"DJ-1 is the third gene that has been linked to Parkinson's
disease. If we can find drugs that increase activity of this gene,
we may be able to stop the progression of Parkinson's at an early
stage."
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