Scientists have discovered how the most common genetic mutations in familial Parkinsons disease damage brain cells. The discovery could also open up treatment possibilities for both familial Parkinsons and the more common form of Parkinsons that is not inherited, said researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University. Parkinsons disease is a gradually progressing disorder of the nervous system that causes stiffness or slowing of movement. The most common mutations responsible for the familial form of Parkinsons disease affect a gene called leucine-rich repeat kinase-2 (LRRK2). The mutations cause the LRRK2 gene to code for abnormal versions of the LRRK2 protein. But it hasnt been clear how LRRK2 mutations lead to the defining microscopic sign of Parkinsons: the formation of abnormal protein aggregates inside dopamine-producing nerve cells of the brain. Our study found that abnormal forms of LRRK2 protein disrupt an important garbage-disposal process in cells that normally digests and recycles unwanted proteins including one called alpha-synuclein the main component of those protein aggregates that gunk up nerve cells in Parkinsons patients, said study leader Ana Maria Cuervo, MD, Ph.D., professor of developmental and molecular biology, of anatomy and structural biology, and of medicine and the Robert and … Continue reading →

PARIS: A flawed gene implicated in Parkinson's disease lets proteins build up dangerously in key brain cells, according to a study on Sunday that throws open new paths for tackling the tragic disorder. Parkinson's patients suffer from progressive stiffness, slowing of movement and problems in coordination resulting from the loss of nerve cells that make a muscle-controlling chemical, dopamine. A hallmark of the disease is the presence of so-called Lewy bodies, an accumulation of toxic proteins in these vital cells. But how the proteins - the byproducts of normal cellular processes - are allowed to pile up within the cell, eventually killing it, has remained unclear. Researchers at the Einstein College of Medicine in New York took a close look at a gene that controls a dogsbody molecule called leucine-rich repeat kinase-2, or LRRK2. A flawed version of the LRRK2 gene has already been fingered, along with other genetic culprits, as being among the inherited causes of Parkinson's. Delving into this association, the team discovered that a faulty LRRK2 gene turns out an abnormal protein that blocks the task of clearing out the junked-up cell. "Our study found that abnormal forms of LRRK2 protein disrupt an important garbage-disposal process in … Continue reading →

NEW YORK, March 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue: Parkinson`s Disease: World Drug Market 2013-2023 http://www.reportlinker.com/p0663861/Parkinson`s-Disease-World-Drug-Market-2013-2023.html#utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=Drug_and_Medication Report Details Your guide to sales outlooks and R&D for treating Parkinson's Our new study investigates developments, also letting you assess projected sales data at overall world market, submarket and national level. There you investigate the most promising areas in that industry and market segment for neurodegenerative disorders. Forecasts and other analyses to help you stay ahead in knowledge In our report you find revenue forecasting to 2023, growth rates and market shares. Also, you see qualitative analysis (SWOT), business news, outlooks and developmental trends (R&D). You receive 63 tables, 38 charts and four research interviews. You can stay ahead in knowledge for treating that motor system disorder and benefit your research and analyses. Our work lets you discover industry dynamics and growth potentials. Make sure you know the latest trends, innovations and opportunities. The following sections show what you find in our study. More here: Parkinson's Disease: World Drug Market 2013-2023 … Continue reading →

A flawed gene implicated in Parkinson's disease lets proteins build up dangerously in key brain cells, according to a study on Sunday that throws open new paths for tackling the tragic disorder. Parkinson's patients suffer from progressive stiffness, slowing of movement and problems in coordination resulting from the loss of nerve cells that make a muscle-controlling chemical, dopamine. A hallmark of the disease is the presence of so-called Lewy bodies, an accumulation of toxic proteins in these vital cells. But how the proteins -- the byproducts of normal cellular processes -- are allowed to pile up within the cell, eventually killing it, has remained unclear. Researchers at the Einstein College of Medicine in New York took a close look at a gene that controls a dogsbody molecule called leucine-rich repeat kinase-2, or LRRK2. A flawed version of the LRRK2 gene has already been fingered, along with other genetic culprits, as being among the inherited causes of Parkinson's. Delving into this association, the team discovered that a faulty LRRK2 gene turns out an abnormal protein that blocks the task of clearing out the junked-up cell. "Our study found that abnormal forms of LRRK2 protein disrupt an important garbage-disposal process in cells … Continue reading →