- Researchers have found that a novel drug molecule may fight the development of early-onset Parkinson’s disease in younger people.
- The new compound, BIO-2007817, is from the family of tetrahydropyrazolo-pyrazine (THPP) compounds.
- It offered promising results in activating parkin, a key protein in the brain responsible for tagging damaged proteins in mitochondria.
- Experts say the molecule’s ability to assist patients with early-onset Parkinson’s is promising, but more research is needed to establish a larger clinical application.
Researchers at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, have found that a novel drug molecule may have the ability to fight the development of early-onset Parkinson’s disease in younger people, according to a new study published in
The new compound is in the family of tetrahydropyrazolo-pyrazine (THPP) compounds developed by Biogen. The most successful such compound, referred to as BIO-2007817, can offer promising results activating parkin, a key protein in the brain responsible for tagging damaged proteins in mitochondria.
Mutations in parkin, often caused by genetic variation, can, in turn, result in damaged mitochondria, leading eventually to Parkinson’s disease. Parkin malfunction can also be caused by oxidative stress, environmental factors, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Sreeganga Chandra, PhD, an associate professor of neurology and neuroscience at Yale School of Medicine, who was not involved in the study, told Medical News Today that these mutations in parkin can also be passed down to family members.
“Most Parkin mutations are inherited — so both parents are carriers. The mutations are due to DNA damage/improper repair etc. The Parkin mutations are recessive or loss-of-function. Parkin mutations impact a process called mitophagy which is the removal of damaged mitochondria. The issue is that damaged mitochondria ‘adulterate’ healthy mitochondria through fusion as well as cause oxidative…
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