Mandi: In a significant breakthrough, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, in collaboration with international partners, have made critical strides in understanding Parkinson's disease.
Led by Dr. Dube Dheeraj Prakashchand, Assistant Professor at the School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, IIT Mandi, the team, alongside Ms. Padmini Rangamani, PhD, and Dr. Subhojit Roy, MD, PhD from the University of California, San Diego, USA, shed light on the role of a crucial protein, Alpha-synuclein, in the progression of the disease.
Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder, has been a growing concern globally, with experts predicting a substantial increase in cases in India over the coming decades.
To address this challenge, researchers from IIT Mandi, along with experts from various universities and medical institutions globally, conducted a comprehensive study focused on understanding the nature of Alpha-synuclein, a protein abundantly found in the brain.
The research revealed that phosphorylation, a protein modification observed in Parkinson's patients, also plays a vital role in regular brain function. This groundbreaking insight challenges previous assumptions and opens new avenues for both understanding and treating Parkinson's disease.
By preventing the phosphorylation of Alpha-synuclein, the researchers discovered a potential strategy to halt the progression of the disease.
Dr. Dube Dheeraj Prakashchand emphasized the significance of the study, stating, "This important study changes how we think about a protein change linked to Parkinson's disease.
It shows that this change, called phosphorylation at a certain site on the α-synuclein protein, is not just a disease marker but also crucial for normal brain work."
The research, published in the Open Access Journal, Neuron, employed a multidisciplinary approach, including biochemical assays, protein analysis, gene studies on mouse models, and advanced computer modeling. These techniques provided valuable insights into the structural changes caused by phosphorylation, paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions.
The findings of this research have three practical implications.
Firstly, they suggest the design of drugs or gene therapies to maintain correct levels of phosphorylation in specific brain areas.
Secondly, molecules can be developed to modulate protein-protein interactions involving phosphorylated Alpha-synuclein, offering new avenues for treatment.
Lastly, this understanding can improve disease models for studying Parkinson's and evaluating the efficacy of existing medications.
This groundbreaking research marks a significant milestone in Parkinson's disease research and underscores the critical role of collaborative efforts in addressing complex neurological disorders.
