How a Protein That Disrupts Cell Integrity May Shed Light on Parkinson’s Disease Progression

Parkinson’s disease involves toxic clumps of the protein alpha-synuclein in the brain. A recent study from Aarhus University in Denmark reveals another way this protein may harm brain cells.

Researchers focused on smaller structures known as alpha-synuclein oligomers. These oligomers can create tiny pores in cell membranes. This damage allows important molecules to leak in and out, potentially causing chemical imbalances crucial to the disease’s progression.

Dr. Mette Galsgaard Malle, a biophysicist on the team, describes their findings as a slow-motion movie of molecular processes. They identified a three-step sequence in which the oligomers attach to membranes, partially insert themselves, and then form dynamic pores that continuously open and close.

The study used simulated cell membranes to observe how these pores affect cell integrity. Surprisingly, the oligomers preferred curved membranes, like those in mitochondria—the cell’s energy producers. This preference might shed light on how mitochondria function and offer clues on countering Parkinson’s.

While this study uses lab models, it enhances our understanding of how Parkinson’s could inflict damage on nerve cells. Indeed, molecular biologist Bo Volf Brøchner points out that the dynamic nature of these pores may explain why cells do not collapse immediately. They open and close, giving the cell’s pumps a chance to stabilize conditions temporarily.

Parkinson’s is a multifaceted disease, with various risk factors involved, such as genetics, diet, and medical history. The harmful protein buildup studied here could both contribute to and result from the disease.

This research not only deepens our understanding but also suggests strategies for slowing or preventing the disease. The researchers are exploring nanobodies that could identify oligomers once they form, although they haven’t yet developed a way to stop pore formation.

The findings underscore the importance of investigating more complex biological systems in future studies. As Dr. Malle suggests, the next step is to see how these dynamics play out in living brain cells.

For further reading, you can access the study in ACS Nano here. As we learn more about Parkinson’s, these insights could eventually lead to breakthrough treatments.

Source link

MSFT Content