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The mechanism of Parkinson's disease development has been revealed
Scientists from Kumamoto University have uncovered the mechanism underlying the formation of harmful protein aggregates that lead to the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease. The study was published in the journal Cell.
The researchers found that an RNA structure known as a G-quadruplex (G4) plays a key role in activating the aggregation of the protein α-synuclein, which is associated with neurodegeneration. These four-stranded structures form in response to cellular stress and act as a kind of “scaffold” on which α-synuclein is transformed into a pathological form in which it can aggregate.
The researchers conducted animal models and experiments using 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) to block G4 formation. When the compound was administered to mice with Parkinson's-like symptoms, the effect was seen at the cellular level.
The researchers found that stress associated with elevated calcium levels in cells promotes the formation of G4 structures that attract α-synuclein and cause aggregation. This pathological state of α-synuclein further damages neurons, leading to the progression of motor symptoms and deterioration of brain cells.
The use of 5-ALA has shown that this compound effectively prevents the aggregation of α-synuclein and even inhibits the development of motor symptoms in experimental animals. This effect opens up the possibility of developing drugs aimed at the early prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. With further research, this treatment can be extended to other diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, which will significantly increase its relevance for medicine.