14 DAY TRIAL // For many years, experts have tried to find the cause of Parkinson's disease, but more in-depth studies have revealed that there is no single trigger for the condition. Rather, it is influenced by a complex interplay of genes and genetic mutations that each plays a part in underlying this form of dementia.
One of the most interesting discoveries made lately is that some of the mutations involved in this neurodegenerative condition may be caused by biological stress. This finding against highlights the tremendous role that lifestyle choices play in developing diseases in general.
According to a new paper detailing the study – which appears in the latest issue of the American Journal of Human Genetics – it would appear that the genetic interplay at work in Parkinson's patients is significantly more complex than originally thought.
Interestingly, it would appear that similar mechanisms are what underly other neurodegenerative conditions as well. Certain mutated genes go a long way towards triggering the death of brain cells, which is one of the staples of neurological disorders.
The most recent culprit found to be involved in this interplay is the gene EIF4G1, which researchers say controls a very special protein. The molecule is responsible for ensuring that various cell types cope with whatever stressful experiences and behavior they meet.
Low levels of this particular protein lead to low protection levels against stress, which in turn causes cells to age and die prematurely. In the grand scheme of things, these events harm the brain's ability conduct higher cognitive processes.
In the specific case of Parkinson's disease, this affects the central nervous system beyond anything else, causing the unstoppable, uncontrollable tremors that characterize the condition. Clinic neuroscientists at the Mayo University, led by study coauthor Owen Ross, PhD, conducted the new investigation.
According to the team, the data that were derived from the new study will be put to good use in creating a new series of drugs that will help stop, or at least significantly slow down, the rate at which Parkinson's develops in the elderly.
The protein EIF4G1 will constitute the primary target for these treatments. When activated, it helps stimulate the production of yet another series of proteins, molecules that help cells cope with stress even better than EIF4G1 can, PsychCentral reports.
Analysts say that finding a cure for Parkinson's is very close. This is already the third gene that experts at the Mayo Clinic found, and numerous similar efforts are being conducted around the world.