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Key Parkinson's Protein Structure And Malfunction Revealed For First Time


Published on 2025-03-14 15:22:47 - ScienceAlert
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  • Researchers have unveiled the first real look at a mitochondrial protein strongly linked to Parkinson's disease, revealing key details in how its malfunction might play a critical role in the disease's progress.

The article from MSN discusses a groundbreaking study published in *Nature* where researchers have, for the first time, revealed the detailed structure of the protein alpha-synuclein, which is central to Parkinson's disease. This protein forms clumps known as Lewy bodies in the brains of Parkinson's patients, contributing to the disease's progression. Using cryo-electron microscopy, scientists from the University of Cambridge and other institutions visualized how alpha-synuclein assembles into amyloid filaments. This structural insight not only explains how the protein malfunctions but also opens up new avenues for developing targeted therapies. The study highlights the potential for designing drugs that can prevent or reverse the aggregation of alpha-synuclein, offering hope for more effective treatments for Parkinson's disease.

Read the Full ScienceAlert Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/science/biology/key-parkinson-s-protein-structure-and-malfunction-revealed-for-first-time/ar-AA1AWzOU ]