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A new study could lead to a better understanding of how Parkinson's patients can improve their chances of survival.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, USA, looked how clumps of aggregated proteins inside cells, known as Lewy bodies, can appear in the brains of patients with neurodegenerative diseases.
It was discovered that MEF2D, a genetic survival circuit, can be sensitive to alpha-synuclein – a major component in Lewy bodies – which could help scientists understand how Parkinson's sufferers become susceptible to brain cell death.
Dr Zixu Mao, associate professor of pharmacology at the university and one of the experts behind the study, said: "We've identified what could be an important pathway for controlling cell loss and survival in Parkinson's disease."
The report is due to be published in the January 2nd issue of medical publication Science and could lead to further research into how drugs can regulate MEF2D to allow brain cells to survive longer in those with Parkinson's disease.
MEF2D is a human gene that is also known as MADS box transcription enhancer factor 2, polypeptide D or myocyte enhancer factor 2D.
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