Gene
That Lowers Cell Stress Could Protect Against Parkinson's
Disease, UK
The
discovery of a relationship between two cell enzymes and
their role in keeping the cell's energy generating machinery
working smoothly could provide a new target for development
of therapies for Parkinson's disease (PD).
Research
led by Dr L.Miguel Martins of the MRC Toxicology Unit
at the University of Leicester and Dr Julian Downward
of the Cancer Research UK London Research Institute has
shown that the products of two genes called HtrA2 and
PINK1 co-operate in preventing breakdown of cell function
that could otherwise lead to Parkinson's symptoms. The
research is published online in Nature Cell Biology. Dr
Martins explained:
''It
is already known that mutations in genes linked to the
mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, can make a person
susceptible to PD. What was not clear, until recently,
was the contribution made by the HtrA2 enzyme in keeping
the mitochondria running smoothly.'' The team has discovered
that HtrA2 interacts with a second enzyme called PINK1
in times of cell stress to prevent the mitochondria from
breaking down. And that this preservation of the mitochondria's
function has a protective effect by interrupting a pathway
that might otherwise lead the cell to stop working which
in turn generates wider symptoms like those of PD.
''We
already knew that defects in HtrA2 and PINK1 are linked
to Parkinson's disease symptoms because mutations in these
two genes are found in Parkinson's disease patients. The
aim of our research was to determine if these two genes
cooperate '' Dr Martins added. The research suggests that
if a person has an abnormal copy of the PINK1 gene, this
contributes to development of Parkinson's disease by affecting
the HtrA2 protein. Dr Martins concluded:
''By
protecting the mitochondria, PINK1 and HtrA helps to limit
environmental stress within the cell and maintain healthy
function. Without these, the cell can't function properly.
This could explain cases of PD that seem to arise sporadically.
Overall, the description of the HtrA2 pathway in response
to cell stress will lead to improved understanding of
the development of Parkinson's disease and in the long-term
hopefully to new therapeutic targets.'' Original research
paper: The mitochondrial protease HtrA2 is regulated by
Parkinson's disease associated kinase PINK1 published
online in Nature Cell Biology.
Source:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/84725.php
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