A researcher at the University of Wollongong in Australia has received funding of nearly 400,000 Australian dollars (about $250,000) to investigate the links between environmental toxins, such as pesticides and nanoplastics, and Parkinson’s disease. The funding, from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and the Shake It Up Australia Foundation, was granted to Lezanne Ooi, PhD, for her project "Phenotyping Environmental Exposure to Long-lasting Chemicals, Nanoplastics and Pesticides in iPSC Dopaminergic Neurons and Glia." Ooi’s project will seek to determine how exposure to a range of different environmental toxins — from industry to the household — may influence the onset and development of Parkinson’s.
"There are many culprits that contribute to the development of neurological conditions, and it can be incredibly difficult to isolate any one culprit," Ooi stated in a university news report, illustrating the complex challenges faced in neurological research. Vicki Miller, CEO of the Shake It Up Australia Foundation, mentioned that Ooi’s research "has the potential to provide critical insights into potential preventative measures and treatment options for Parkinson’s disease." Knowing the environmental factors that contribute to the disease will help in developing strategies to mitigate their impact.
Parkinson’s disease is caused by the progressive dysfunction and death of dopaminergic neurons, or nerve cells that produce dopamine, crucial for motor control. More than 200,000 people in Australia live with this debilitating condition, which is known for its numerous symptoms, including tremors and cognitive decline. This study will play a vital role in advancing our understanding of Parkinson’s disease by using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to analyze how various toxins affect brain cells.
As part of their research, Ooi’s team will utilize iPSCs derived from Parkinson’s patients and healthy individuals and expose them to different environmental toxins, such as pesticides and nanoplastics — tiny plastic particles about 100 times smaller than the width of a human hair. The study aims to identify critical changes within neurons affected by these toxins and if those changes are influenced by other types of brain cells.
On the same day, WEHI researchers reported in Science that they have solved a decades-long mystery by determining the structure of human PINK1, a key protein linked to Parkinson’s disease. This discovery is poised to expedite the development of new drugs aimed at slowing or halting the progression of the disease, which has no known cure currently. Professor David Komander, head of WEHI’s Ubiquitin Signalling Division, described their work as a significant milestone. "It is incredible to finally see PINK1 and understand how it binds to mitochondria," he said, signifying the breakthrough's importance for future treatment options.
PINK1 is essential for cell survival as it detects damaged mitochondria and triggers their removal. When mutated, PINK1 fails to perform this function, leading to an accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria, a common occurrence in Parkinson’s patients. Researchers expressed hope that this knowledge could lead to novel therapies targeting PINK1 mutations.
In another noteworthy development, Dr. Serge Przedborski from NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia discussed the advances in biomarker research for early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. During a recent podcast, he highlighted significant findings that could improve not only how Parkinson’s is diagnosed but also the understanding of the disease at the cellular level. According to Przedborski, symptoms arise only after more than half of the dopamine-producing brain cells are lost, making early detection crucial for effective treatment.
Przedborski has been mapping the patterns of neuronal death to identify what causes some neurons to survive while others perish. Identifying these patterns is critical for developing new treatments, as it may help to unveil therapeutic targets for protecting vulnerable neurons in Parkinson’s.
Neurolixis, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Park Ridge, also unveiled promising results from its Phase 2A clinical trial of NLX-112 (befiradol) for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. This therapy targets the serotonin (5-HT) system, differentiating it from traditional dopamine-based therapies. Dr. Adrian Newman-Tancredi, CEO of Neurolixis, characterized the results as a potential "paradigm shift" in Parkinson’s treatment. The trial successfully met safety and tolerability endpoints while significantly reducing levodopa-induced dyskinesia and improving motor function.
All these recent advancements represent a significant leap forward in our understanding and treatment of Parkinson’s disease. As researchers continue to unveil the complex interactions between environmental triggers, genetic variables, and cellular responses, the hope remains that comprehensive knowledge will enable more targeted and effective therapies effectively. Such innovations could mean a brighter future for millions grappling with this challenging neurodegenerative disorder.
