Will you take action on alpha-synuclein?
Professor Maria Grazia Spillantini is investigating the role of alpha-synuclein in Parkinson’s.
When Parkinson's develops, a protein called alpha-synuclein forms toxic sticky clumps in the brain known as Lewy Bodies. These sticky clumps spread through the brain, affecting dopamine-producing brain cells. This brings on the motor symptoms of Parkinson's.
In 2018, Professor Spillantini investigated a new compound, called anle138b, to see if it could prevent the death of brain cells in mouse models of the condition. She successfully found that anle138b could achieve this by breaking down Lewy Bodies.
Thanks to the support of our generous donors, this drug is now in clinical trials. If all goes well, Professor Spillantini and her team can see if the drug can break down these toxic clumps in people with Parkinson’s.
There is growing evidence that sticky clumps of alpha-synuclein form in the guts of people with Parkinson’s and then travel to the brain. Professor Spillantini and her team are now looking to understand more about this process.
If we can understand this better, we may be able to develop treatments that stop these clumps forming before symptoms develop.