The scientific community is buzzing with the recent breakthrough by researchers from the Indian School of Mines Dhanbad in association with CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (Kolkata). They have developed a revolutionary Z-scan method to track both the origin and development of Parkinson’s disease in human beings.
A Closer Look at Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease poses as a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder that inflicts great harm on the central nervous system. It is primarily responsible for damaging the nerve cells in the brain which subsequently leads to a drop in dopamine levels. Dopamine, being a crucial chemical, facilitates behavioural signals from the brain to the body.
Parkinson’s Disease manifests in various “motor” symptoms that relate directly to the movement of muscles. These include rigidity, delayed movement, poor balance, and tremors. While certain medications can help control the symptoms, they do not offer a cure for the disease. The most susceptible age bracket for this disease ranges from 6 to 60 years. Globally, the disease has affected approximately 10 million people.
The Role of Alpha-synuclein in Parkinson’s Disease
The key player in the development of Parkinson’s Disease is the accumulation of a protein called Alpha-synuclein (ASyn). Protein aggregation is a biological process where destabilized proteins clump together leading to numerous diseases.
Alpha-synuclein is mainly found in the human brain, with smaller amounts present in the heart, muscle, and other tissues. This protein is predominantly found at neuronal tips within structures known as presynaptic terminals. These terminal points release neurotransmitters that are critical for regular brain function as they carry signals between neurons.
The Game-Changing Z-scan Method
The newly discovered Z-scan method is anticipated to aid in monitoring both initial and advanced stages of ASyn aggregation and neuronal cell death. Prior to this, studies conducted worldwide lacked concrete evidence linking ASyn aggregations to the eventual death of neuronal cells seen in Parkinson’s disease.
About CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology
The Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB) was established in 1935 as India’s premier non-official centre for biomedical research. In 1956, it was incorporated into the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Based in Kolkata, West Bengal, CSIR-IICB is engaged in research on diseases of national significance, biological issues of global interest, and contributes substantially to life science research.
The institution carries out extensive research in diverse fields including chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, neurobiology, and immunology. These research activities foster productive interdisciplinary interaction and contribute to our understanding of diseases and potential treatments.