Parkinon’s breaktrhough at Dundalk IT
A potential breakthrough in the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease was unveiled by a team of researchers at DKIT this week.
The ground breaking international research may have identified a way to reduce the distressing tremors associated with Parkinson’s Disease.
Around 12,000 people in Ireland have Parkinson’s, which is progressive and currently has no cure.
The pioneering work could help develop innovative new treatments for the disease which effects 6 million people globally.
New insights into the role of the novel accessory protein, LINGO1 typically found in the brains of people with neurodegenerative disorders associated with tremors could support the quest for better treatments for patients.
The tremors can be debilitating and leave people needing round the clock care.
The new research looked at the role of the protein LINGO1 and its regulatory effects.
LINGO1 is found in the brains of people with Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative disorders with symptoms including tremors.
Professor Mark Hollywood who lead the research by the Smooth Muscle Research Centre (SMRC) at DkIT said, ‘ these findings will have a significant impact on the understanding of the causes of tremor in Movement Disorders such as Parkinson’s.’
‘ They suggest a new target for the development of innovative therapeutics and strategies that could dramatically improve the lives of people living with these debilitating disorders in the future.’
The EU-INTERREG VA-funded study which included collaboration with University of Edinburgh, Queen’s University of Belfast and Reno School of Medicine (USA) was published this week in the leading scientific journal, ‘Proceedings of the National Academy of Science of the United States of America (PNAS)’.
Dr. Hollywood said: ‘ The research could impact on the understanding of a number of other disorders of the nervous system.’
Prof Mike Shipston, Dean of Biomedical Sciences and Professor of Physiology at University of Edinburgh, also collaborated in the study.
He said, ‘ by bringing together an international team with complementary skills, this multi-disciplinary study promises to reveal how therapeutic targeting of LINGO1 and BK channels in the future may help reduce the motor disorders associated with major disorders of the human brain.”
Dr Tim McCormac, Head of Research & Graduate Studies at DkIT said DkIT was proud to be part of ‘ this ground-breaking discovery. DkIT’s lead role in the project is a testament to the outstanding research capability of the Institute, both in blue skies and translational research. This work further underlines the strategic importance of SMRC and the Health research agenda at DkIT.’
The study forms part of the cross-border research project BREATH (Borders and Regions Airways Training Hub) which is funded by the EU’s INTERREG VA Programme, managed by the Special EU programmes body (SEUPB) and DkIT Research Office.
Commenting on the study Gina McIntyre, CEO of the Special EU Programmes Body, which manages the INTERREG VA Programme, said: ‘ This is a truly inspirational discovery and I am delighted that the study is complete and has now been published.’