By University of Copenhagen – The Professors of Health and Medical Sciences
November 6, 2023
A current research study has actually revealed that mitochondrial DNA damage plays an important function in the development of Parkinsons illness, causing widespread mental retardation and the possibility of early medical diagnosis through blood tests. This discovery opens brand-new avenues for treatment and the capacity for blood-based biomarkers, with more research study focused on therapeutic methods to combat mitochondrial dysfunctions.
A major discovery sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of Parkinsons illness, unlocking for novel therapeutic approaches down the line.
Until just recently, our understanding of Parkinsons disease has been rather minimal, manifesting in the restricted treatment options and management methods for this devastating condition.
Our understanding has actually mainly focused on the hereditary aspects related to familial cases, with the causative elements in the bulk of clients staying elusive.
Nevertheless, in a new study, scientists from the University of Copenhagen have unveiled new insights into the workings of the brain in Parkinsons clients. Leading the groundbreaking discovery is Professor Shohreh Issazadeh-Navikas.
” For the very first time, we can show that mitochondria, the vital energy producers within brain cells, especially neurons, undergo damage, resulting in interruptions in mitochondrial DNA. This spreads the illness and initiates like a wildfire through the brain,” says Shohreh Issazadeh-Navikas and adds:
” Our findings establish that the spread of the broken hereditary product, the mitochondrial DNA, triggers the symptoms reminiscent of Parkinsons illness and its development to dementia.”
Parkinsons disease is a persistent condition that affects the main worried system, leading to signs such as difficulty strolling, tremors, cognitive obstacles, and, ultimately, dementia.
The illness afflicts over 10 million individuals worldwide. While there is presently no cure, certain medical treatments can offer remedy for its symptoms.
Small fragments of mitochondrial DNA spreads out the illness
By analyzing both human and mouse brains, researchers found that the damage to mitochondria in brain cells spreads and happens when these cells have flaws in anti-viral action genes. They sought to comprehend why this damage occurred and how it contributed to the illness.
Their search caused an amazing discovery.
” Small pieces of– really DNA– from the mitochondria are launched into the cell. When these fragments of broken DNA are misplaced, they become harmful to the cell, prompting nerve cells to expel this hazardous mitochondrial DNA,” Shohreh Issazadeh-Navikas discusses.
” Given the interconnected nature of brain cells, these hazardous DNA fragments spread out to surrounding and distant cells, similar to an unrestrained forest fire sparked by a casual bonfire” she adds.
The dream is a blood sample.
Shohreh Issazadeh-Navikas imagines that this study marks the preliminary stride towards a much better understanding of the disease, and the advancement of future treatments, diagnostics, and measurement of treatment efficacy for Parkinsons illness.
She also revealed hope that “discovering the harmed mitochondrial DNA might act as an early biomarker for disease advancement”.
Biomarkers are objective signs of particular medical conditions observed in patients. While some biomarkers prevail, such as blood pressure, body temperature and body mass index, others provide insights into specific diseases, like gene anomalies in cancer or level of blood glucose for diabetes. Determining a biomarker for Parkinsons disease holds substantial guarantee for improving future treatments..
” It could be possible that the damage of the mitochondrial DNA in the brain cells leaks from the brain into the blood. That would make it possible to take a small sample of a clients blood as a method of detecting early on or to establish the beneficial response to future treatments.”.
Teacher Issazadeh-Navikas also pictures the possibility of detection of damaged mitochondrial DNA in the bloodstream, making it feasible to diagnose the disease or gauge treatment reactions through a simple blood test.
The scientists next venture includes examining how mitochondrial DNA damage can function as predictive markers for various illness stages and development. “Furthermore, we are devoted to exploring potential restorative techniques focused on restoring regular mitochondrial function to correct the mitochondrial dysfunctions implicated in the disease.”.
Referral: “Mitochondrial DNA damage triggers spread of Parkinsons disease-like pathology” by Emilie Tresse, Joana Marturia-Navarro, Wei Qi Guinevere Sew, Marina Cisquella-Serra, Elham Jaberi, Lluis Riera-Ponsati, Natasha Fauerby, Erling Hu, Oliver Kretz, Susana Aznar and Shohreh Issazadeh-Navikas, 2 October 2023, Molecular Psychiatry.DOI: 10.1038/ s41380-023-02251-4.