The potential beneficial mutation against Parkinson’s disease is a small mitochondrial protein that could play a key role in the development of future treatments.
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(ON VIDEO) Parkinson’s disease Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, behind…
A recently discovered mutation in mitochondrial DNA may protect the body against Parkinson’s disease, according to a new study from the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology at the University of California (USC). Dysfunctions in the mitochondrial recycling process are considered one of the reasons why the disease can take hold in the brain. New research suggests that people with the mitochondrial mutation have half as much Parkinson’s disease as those without it. Analysis of medical records of 16,167 Americans published in Molecular Psychiatry.
The possible role of a small mitochondrial protein
In the study, the researchers demonstrated that this natural mutation led to a change in the amino acid sequence and structure of SHLP2, a small protein in the mitochondria. According to their findings, the SHLP2 variant makes the microprotein more stable and protects against mitochondrial dysfunction. The microprotein could thus play a role in the immune system’s fight against Parkinson’s disease.
It is still unclear whether variation in SHLP2 is solely responsible for lowering the risk of Parkinson’s disease, but researchers are confident that it could pave the way for new treatments. “ This study allows us to better understand the causes of Parkinson’s disease and develop new therapies for this devastating disease », Reports gerontologist Pinchas Cohen in a press release from USC University.
