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Stabilizing the power-generating center of the cell protects against Parkinson's disease in a rat model, according to a new study led by John Sinclair and Roger Barker, of the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom (Journal of Experimental Medicine, online, Dec. 19, 2011).
Mitochondria, the energy production center of cells, are damaged in Parkinson's, leading to the loss of dopaminergic neurons and degeneration of brain function. Taking advantage of the fact that viruses often stabilize mitochondria in order to ensure survival of the cells they infect, researchers injected a viral protein called beta2.7, known to protect mitochondria, into rats with a Parkinson's-like disease.
Rats injected with beta2.7 before or after the formation of Parkinson's-like brain lesions performed better on tests of behavior and motor function. Their brains also contained more dopaminergic neurons.
Further work is needed to determine if the same approach will benefit human patients with Parkinson's.
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