A study led by Yoon Ho Sup, a Professor at NTU Singapore, and Kwang-Soo Kim, a professor at Harvard University, has uncovered two compounds with the ability to increase the dopamine levels in the brain and prevent the death of neurons.
According to a recent article in Parkinson’s Today, this would have the effect of slowing Parkinson’s progression.
The two newly identified molecule compounds, PGE1 and PGA1 activate a protein called Nurr1. Mutations in Nurr1 have been associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Finding and Binding to Nurr1
Previous studies of Parkinson’s patients found Nurr1 in minimal amounts in a region of the brain called the midbrain. The midbrain is associated with hearing, vision, motor control, wakefulness, temperature control, and alertness.
The identification of Nurr1 was a signal to the investigators that targeting Nurr1 may have therapeutic benefits for Parkinson’s patients.
Because of Nurr1’s essential and protective properties, the teams searched for molecules that could bind to and activate Nurr1.
This led the teams to identify prostaglandin PGE1 and prostaglandin PGA1. Both substances, similar to hormones, could bind to Nurr1 which is critical in the maintenance and development of dopamine within the brain.
About Prostaglandins
Prostaglandins are one of a number of substances associated with the relaxation and contraction of smooth muscles and blood vessels, as well as regulating inflammation.
Nurr1 becomes activated upon binding with the prostaglandins. This results in a substantial increase in dopamine production, as well as preventing the death of brain cells that produce dopamine.
Early Experiments with Mouse Models
The teams initially demonstrated the neuroprotective benefits by experimenting with cells. Then they progressed to mouse models of Parkinson’s.
The live mice were treated with PGE1 and PGA1 which activated Nurr1, creating an increase in the production of dopamine.
The mice with Parkinson’s disease showed a substantial improvement in motor function acknowledging the potential benefit to Parkinson’s patients.
Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. Admittedly there is a need for additional studies and clinical trials. However, the researchers believe that the initial results of their study justify the creation of a synthetic form of PGE1 and PGA1 to activate Nurr1 and reverse or even halt Parkinson’s disease
