Christchurch mutation points to potential gene therapy avenue for Parkinson's
A rare genetic mutation may protect against developing Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia, a new study from researchers at Oregon Health & Science University suggests.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University discovered a rare genetic mutation called the Christchurch mutation that may protect against Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia. Published in the journal Cell Reports, the study reveals the potential of gene therapy approaches to prevent cognitive and motor impairments in these conditions.
Previous research found that the Christchurch mutation first discovered in New Zealand seems to prevent symptoms of dementia in people genetically destined to develop Alzheimer's disease. In a rodent model, OHSU researchers found that the mutation prevents the aggregation of Alzheimer's-related tau protein in the brain and also inhibits the accumulation of alpha-synuclein, the protein associated with Parkinson's disease.
This is the first study to suggest a link between the Christchurch mutation and Parkinson's disease. The mutation appears to be even more protective than another version of the APOE gene, APOE-2, which is already being developed for gene therapy to combat Alzheimer's.
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