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Cancer drugs could fight Parkinson's

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine say they have discovered a potentially new biological target in studies with genetically engineered mice related to Aplp1, a cell surface protein that drives the spread of alpha-synuclein, which is responsible for Parkinson's disease. The findings, published May 31 in Nature Communications, show how Aplp1 is linked to Lag3, another cell surface receptor, in a key part of a process that helps transport harmful alpha-synuclein proteins into brain cells. These protein accumulations are hallmarks of Parkinson's disease. The researchers noted that it is particularly noteworthy that Lag3 is already the target of a combination cancer drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that "teaches" the human immune system, using antibodies, what to look for and what to destroy. Original Paper

Retinal thickness predicts Parkinson  progression

A study by the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and Biobizkaia proposes using an available, simple, non-invasive tool to monitor this neurodegeneration Although there are still some aspects pending confirmation for its use in the clinical setting, and its resolution needs to be improved slightly, a study by the UPV/EHU and Biobizkaia has shown that a method routinely used to carry out ophthalmological tests can also be used to monitor the neurodegeneration that occurs in Parkinson’s patients. In the course of the research it was found that the neurodegeneration of the retina probably precedes cognitive impairment. Today, identifying Parkinson’s patients at risk of cognitive impairment poses a major challenge, yet this is necessary when it comes to providing more effective clinical treatments and stepping up clinical trials. In fact, Dr Ane Murueta-Goyena, in collaboration with Biobizkaia’s research staff, wanted… 

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