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Jul 29, 2019

New Method of Halting α-Synuclein Aggregation

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, life extension, neuroscience

Researchers from the Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders have discovered a new method of using exosomes to deliver aptamers that prevent the accumulation of α-synuclein aggregates, which are the cause of Parkinson’s disease [1].

α-Synuclein Aggregates

Like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease is characterized by protein aggregation caused by a loss of proteostasis, one of the hallmarks of aging. In order for the brain to function properly, non-aggregated α-synuclein proteins are needed in order to facilitate the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, in nerve cell synapses. α-synuclein only becomes a problem when proteostasis fails and the proteins misfold, aggregate, and accumulate.

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