Genetic Breakthrough Could Produce Drugs To Slow Down Parkinson’s Disease

Scientists have developed a new way of measuring the genetic mutations that cause Parkinson’s disease, which could lead to new medication to slow the conditions’s progression.

Previously, doctors had been able to treat the symptoms of the condition, such as the tremors, but not stop or slow its advance.

The progressive neurological condition currently affects around 127,000 Britons - one in 500 - and involves parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years.

The three main symptoms are involuntary shaking of particular parts of the body, slow movement and stiff and inflexible muscles. Currently, there is no cure.

Scientists have developed a new method of measuring the activity of disease-causing mutations in the LRRK2 gene, a major cause of inherited Parkinson’s disease, claims a news study.

This should allow doctors to diagnose the disease early and develop treatments to slow the condition.

“It’s important to better understand how disruption in LRRK2 biology causes Parkinson’s disease and whether a drug that targeted the LRRK2 enzyme would offer therapeutic benefit,” said Professor Dario Alessi from the University of Dundee.

"An important question is whether a LRRK2 therapy might have potential to slow progression of the condition, which no other current therapy is able to do,”

While more research is needed, the breakthrough could help with future drug developments for patients with this form of Parkinson’s.

The study was carried out by a team of researchers from the University of Dundee, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, GSK and the University of Hong Kong and was published in the Biochemical Journal.

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