Breakthrough discovery could lead to Parkinson’s treatment

Scientists have uncovered the structure of the PINK1 protein, a key player in Parkinson’s disease, potentially paving the way for new drug treatments.

Researchers at Australia’s Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have, for the first time, visualized how PINK1 binds to damaged mitochondria, stopping them from functioning properly.

This breakthrough, published in Science, provides crucial insights into how a mutation in PINK1 leads to the death of brain cells, a hallmark of Parkinson’s.

By understanding how PINK1 is activated, scientists hope to develop drugs that could slow or stop the progression of the disease. Experts, including UK neurologists, believe this discovery could revolutionize Parkinson’s treatment.

With 153,000 people affected in the UK and no current cure, this research offers hope for future therapies targeting PINK1. Scientists say the findings could also aid drug discovery for other neurodegenerative diseases.