Study Identifies a New Potential Therapeutic Target for Parkinson’s Disease

With these tools scientists can study how we learn, remember, navigate, or any other activity that requires networks of nerves working together. The tools can also help scientists understand what happens when those processes don't work properly, as in Alzheimer's or Parkinson's diseases, or other disorders of the brain. Shutterstock*

A study by Brigham and Women’s Hospital has identified LIPE—a protein involved in regulation of fat—as a therapeutic candidate for Parkinson’s disease (PD), following their previous discovery of Stearoyl-Coenzyme A Desaturase as a therapeutic target.

“Ultimately, we hope this lipid-related target will have promise as a small-molecule therapy for Parkinson’s disease,” said co-author Dr. Saranna Fanning.