[Personal View] Uncovering the genetic basis of Parkinson’s disease globally: from discoveries to the clinic

Knowledge on the genetic basis of Parkinson’s disease has grown tremendously since the discovery of the first monogenic form, caused by a mutation in α-synuclein, and with the subsequent identification of multiple other causative genes and associated loci. Genetic studies provide insights into the phenotypic heterogeneity and global distribution of Parkinson’s disease. By shedding light… Continue reading [Personal View] Uncovering the genetic basis of Parkinson’s disease globally: from discoveries to the clinic

[In Context] Head impacts in elite professional football: a growing concern

Football is the most popular team sport worldwide and active participation can improve cardiovascular and respiratory function, and locomotor skills. Nevertheless, there is concern about the risk of developing a neurodegenerative disease several decades after playing professional football. Epidemiological studies and case series have reported a high incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, Parkinson’s… Continue reading [In Context] Head impacts in elite professional football: a growing concern

[Personal View] CNS disease associated with enhanced type I interferon signalling

The ability to mount an interferon-mediated innate immune response is essential in protection against neurotropic viruses, but antiviral type I interferons also have neurotoxic potential. The production of type I interferons can be triggered by self-derived nucleic acids, and the brain can be susceptible to inappropriate upregulation of type I interferon signalling. Homoeostatic dysregulation of… Continue reading [Personal View] CNS disease associated with enhanced type I interferon signalling

Autophagy, aging, and age-related neurodegeneration

This review discusses the links between the autophagy pathway, aging, and age-associated neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, motor neuron, and Huntington’s diseases. The authors highlight the functions of autophagy in neurons and glia and how aging and neurodegenerative diseases affect autophagy.

Tiny magnetic discs offer remote brain stimulation without transgenes

Novel magnetic nanodiscs could provide a much less invasive way of stimulating parts of the brain, paving the way for stimulation therapies without implants or genetic modification, MIT researchers report. The scientists envision that the tiny discs, which are about 250 nanometers across (about 1/500 the width of a human hair), would be injected directly… Continue reading Tiny magnetic discs offer remote brain stimulation without transgenes