Enzyme 'plays part in neurodegenerative diseases'
Thursday 10th March 2011
An enzyme could play a part in certain neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, researchers have found, which could open up new avenues for treatment.
Scientists at the Karolinska Institutet found that microglial cells, which are the primary immune cells in the nerve system, play a key part in these conditions.
Overactivation of the microglial cells was shown to cause the brain inflammation seen in these neurodegenerative conditions.
Associate Professor Bertrand Joseph, who led the study, explained: "The caspases are a group of enzymes known for causing cell death.
"That they also serve as signal molecules that govern that activity of other cells was an unexpected discovery that gives them an entirely new physiological role."
Meanwhile, research published online in the Journal of Biological Chemistry has found that the drug phenylbutyrate effectively turns on a gene which is able to protect dopamine neurons in those with Parkinson's disease.
Researchers say this implies that one day people may be able to take a pill which will halt the progression of Parkinson's disease.
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