Author Archives: Margarida Azevedo, MSc

Boise State University researchers developed a novel mouse model to assess dopaminergic (DA) neurogenesis in the substantia nigra of adult animals, and suggest that neuron regrowth is possible in adult mammals. Importantly, these neurons’ growth rate indicates that inflammatory responses may inhibit natural neuronal generation, a process that can eventually lead to Parkinson’s disease.

European Union researchers, as a part of the EU-funded BIOMARKERS FOR PD project, have developed a Parkinson’s Disease (PD) biochemical biomarker assay that could lead to early diagnosis of the disease, the development of effective treatments and the successful assessment of pathogenesis and overall physiology of the disease. Aside from the…

An animal model capable of reproducing the formation of α-synuclein fibrils and, consequently, Lewy bodies — the major pathological hallmark of Parkinson’s disease — has finally been developed. Researchers reporting this achievement, in a study titled “Induction of de novo α-synuclein fibrillization in a novel neuronal model for Parkinson’s disease” and…

University of Cambridge researchers have developed the first biologically realistic model of the brain’s neuronal behavior when complex decisions are being made, and when adapting to mistakes. The mathematical model of neural decision-making activity and behavior could help researchers better understand a range of neuronal conditions, including Parkinson’s disease. The paper, “Goal-Directed…

Researchers have discovered the cellular role and target of the most common genetic cause of Parkinson’s disease: LRRK2 kinase mutations. The study, “Phosphoproteomics reveals that Parkinson’s disease kinase LRRK2 regulates a subset of Rab GTPases,” was published in eLife. Parkinson’s disease is not generally considered a genetic…

Researchers from the Gladstone Institutes published two research papers detailing what appears to be the mechanisms behind imbalances in specific brain regions that cause the movement and walking difficulties experienced by Parkinson’s patients. The papers appeared in the journals Cell and Neuron. Faulty dopamine production is one of the hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and has…

Researchers at the Whitehead Institute have created a promising mouse model to study embryonic development, and one that has the potential to serve as a model for neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s and cancers such as melanoma. The study describes the engineering and development of the mouse-human chimera, or mice…

In a new editorial published in JAMA Neurology, Dr J. Eric Ahlskog argues that ongoing aerobic exercise should be included in the physical and occupational therapy component of Parkinson’s disease (PD) treatment, since substantial evidence has suggested vigorous exercise is of considerable benefit to patients. Dr.

Men who have higher levels of circulating uric acid (urate) may be less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease, possibly due to the protective role of urate in brain cells, researchers reported. The study, “Prospective study of plasma urate and risk of Parkinson disease in men and women,” was published in Neurolog…

A novel determinant for Parkinson’s Disease as been discovered: a previously unknown defect in the function of the Pla2g6 protein leads to calcium homeostasis disruption and neuronal cell death. The research paper, entitled “Impairment of PARK14-dependent Ca2+ signalling is a novel determinant of Parkinson’s disease,” was published in Nature Communications. While…