A team of researchers has uncovered a groundbreaking mechanism in the formation of harmful protein aggregates that lead to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's Disease.
A team of researchers has uncovered a groundbreaking mechanism in the formation of harmful protein aggregates that lead to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's Disease. The team, led by Professor Norifumi Shioda and Associate Professor Yasushi Yabuki, identified for the first time that unique RNA structures called G-quadruplexes play a central role in promoting the aggregation of alpha-synuclein, a protein associated with neurodegeneration.
In a healthy state, α-synuclein typically regulates neuronal function. However, in neurodegenerative diseases, it aggregates together, leading to cell damage and motor symptoms. The researchers identified that G4s, four-stranded RNA structures that form in response to cellular stress, function as a"scaffold" that facilitates α-synuclein aggregation.
This breakthrough could significantly advance treatments aimed at neurodegenerative diseases by focusing on G4 regulation. Since G4s are also implicated in other diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease, this discovery may broaden the impact of such treatments beyond Parkinson's Disease. These findings were published in the journalon October 18, 2024, shedding new light on preemptive strategies to combat neurodegeneration and improve quality of life for aging populations.
Chronic Illness Healthy Aging Diseases And Conditions Parkinson's Alzheimer's Huntington's Disease Disorders And Syndromes
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