A Parkinson’s-associated variant in the LRRK2 gene affects the gene’s activity in a single group of brain cells: microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain. “Our study demonstrates that cell type should be considered when evaluating the role of noncoding variation in disease pathogenesis [development],” the researchers wrote. The…

Exposure to aluminum increased the activity of several genes related to Parkinson’s disease in zebrafish, a new study shows. While these data do not necessarily demonstrate a link between aluminum exposure and Parkinson’s development, they shed further light on the neurotoxic properties of aluminum, researchers said. The study, “…

Studies on twins and families have suggested that susceptibility to Parkinson’s disease has a substantial genetic component. Now, an analysis of gene activity in different brain tissues has identified gene candidates that may be directly involved in causing the neurodegenerative disorder. The study, “A transcriptome-wide association study…

Brain cells called astrocytes behave differently under stressful conditions in humans as compared with mice, new research suggests. Because mice are a commonly used model for research in Parkinson’s disease, these “species-specific differences” could have important implications for how such research is done, according to a team of…

In Parkinson’s disease, iron accumulates in certain parts of the brain that have characteristic genetic profiles, according to a new study. This finding may help to explain the biological processes that cause Parkinson’s, which could be important for developing treatments. The study, “Regional brain iron…

A new biosensor system may make it easier to monitor stem cells changing into mature cells like neurons, which could allow for a better understanding of diseases like Parkinson’s and support the development of new treatments. The system was described in the paper, “Dual-Enhanced Raman Scattering-Based Characterization of…

Genetic mutations and consequent impaired activity of mitochondria — known as the powerhouses of the cell — may be a first step contributing to the development of Parkinson’s disease later in life, a new study suggests. The study, “Neural Stem Cells…