Public release date: 26-Sep-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ] Contact: Mary Beth O'Leary moleary@cell.com 617-397-2802 Cell Press Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) taken from a patient hold great therapeutic potential for many diseases. However, studies in rodents have suggested that the body may mount an immune response and destroy cells derived from iPSCs. New research in monkeys refutes these findings, suggesting that in primates like us, such cells will not be rejected by the immune system. In the paper, publishing September 26 in the ISSCR's journal Stem Cell Reports, published by Cell Press, iPSCs from nonhuman primates successfully developed into the neurons depleted by Parkinson's disease while eliciting only a minimal immune response. The cells therefore could hold promise for successful transplantation in humans. iPSCs are cells that have been genetically reprogrammed to an embryonic stem-cell-like state, meaning that they can differentiate into virtually any of the body's different cell types. iPSCs directed to differentiate into specific cell types offer the possibility of a renewable source of replacement cells and tissues to treat ailments, including Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Studies in rodents have suggested that iPSC-derived cells used for transplantation may be rejected … Continue reading →

Sep. 25, 2013 Parkinson disease, a neurodegenerative disorder in which both genetic and environmental factors play important roles, has been associated with epigenetic changes (those molecular modifications that alter the behavior of genes without changing the DNA sequence). Because accurate diagnosis is not easy for this disease, scientists are continuously trying to identify early signs of the disease that enable treatment before major neurological damage occurs. In an article published in the October issue of Epigenetics, those epigenetic changes appear to be great candidates as early stage biomarkers for Parkinson Disease. Researchers from UCSD have now shown that a distinctive pattern of epigenetic modifications (in this case called DNA methylation) is observed in specific genes associated with the disease. Even more interesting, these changes could be easily analyzed in blood samples from patients, which appear to replicate the "epigenetic status" of brain tissue cells, potentially simplifying early diagnosis of the disease. Share this story on Facebook, Twitter, and Google: Other social bookmarking and sharing tools: Story Source: The above story is based on materials provided by Landes Bioscience, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source … Continue reading →

From October 1-4, 2013 MONTREAL, Sept. 25, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - If you're in Montreal at the beginning of October, chances are high that you will run into someone with Parkinson's. From October 1 to 4, Montreal will welcome the Parkinson's community when the city hosts the third World Parkinson Congress (WPC). More than 3,500 participants from over 60 countries are expected to attend this major event at the Palais des congrs, generating more than $6.4 million in economic spinoffs for our city. A great deal of effort has been put into making Montreal "Parkinson's ready" and now Montrealers are encouraged to welcome the delegates. As the only international forum that brings together world renowned neuroscientists, people living with Parkinson's, their caregivers, advocates, medical and healthcare professionals and dedicated researchers, the WPC requires years of preparation and collaboration between local and global organizations. In order to be ready to welcome such an important meeting and its delegates, many of whom live with Parkinson's disease, Tourisme Montral has worked hand in hand with Parkinson Society Qubec, Parkinson Society Canada, the World Parkinson Coalition and many other partners. Because the tourism industry, and front of house staff, is expected to have contact … Continue reading →

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sep 26, 2013) - More than 3,000 people from around the world will gather in Montreal, Canada October 1-4 for the 3rd World Parkinson Congress (WPC), a first for Canada. This forum brings together the global Parkinson's community and leading neuroscientists who will share the latest discoveries, treatments and programs for and with people living with Parkinson's disease. "World Parkinson Congress puts people with Parkinson's at the forefront. Individuals come together to exchange research and ideas with a shared goal to improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson's. Parkinson Society Canada is proud to welcome the global Parkinson's community and to contribute to the conversations," says Joyce Gordon, President and CEO, Parkinson Society Canada. What makes the WPC triennial event unique is people with Parkinson's, care partners, health professionals, policy makers, scientists and organizations like Parkinson Society Canada are all represented in the interactive sessions taking place over four days. Not only will participants learn about a broad range of topics including risk factors, exercise and tips and programs for care partners, but also people with Parkinson's will learn from each other. That's why the new Parkinson Buddies Program, a contemporary pen-pal program which partners … Continue reading →

MONTREAL, Sept. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Nearly 3,500 representatives of the international Parkinson's community will attend the World Parkinson Congress (WPC), taking place at the Palais des Congres in Montreal, from October 1 to 4, 2013. This triennial event brings together world renowned neuroscientists, people living with Parkinson's, caregivers, advocates, and medical and healthcare professionals. The conference is led by the World Parkinson Coalition in collaboration with over 160 partner organizations including Parkinson Society Canada. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130926/NY86929LOGO ) "The World Parkinson Congress acts as a Parkinson's brainstorming session," said Jon Stoessl, MD, Professor and Head of Neurology and Director of the Pacific Parkinson's Research Centre at UBC and co-chair of the WPC Steering Committee. "It offers a unique opportunity for leading Parkinson's researchers to share information and ideas with other scientists, people with Parkinson's and care providers." For four days, experts will discuss a range of cutting-edge subjects, including cell- and gene-based therapy strategies, the latest in brain imaging, the use of optogenetics to study Parkinson's, advances in understanding the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, and the use of dance as a therapy. "There is exciting work going on in Parkinson's research throughout the world," said David Burn, MD, Director of … Continue reading →