Researchers identify protein linked to Parkinson's disease progression

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have identified a protein called TMEM16F that may contribute to the spread of Parkinson's disease in the brain. A mutation in this protein increases the release of a harmful form of α-synuclein, which forms toxic aggregates known as Lewy bodies. In experiments, mice lacking the TMEM16F gene showed less spread of Parkinson's pathology compared to normal mice. This suggests that targeting TMEM16F could lead to new treatments for the disease, which affects nearly 10 million people globally. The study also found that a specific TMEM16F mutation is more common among Ashkenazi Jews, potentially linking genetic factors to Parkinson's risk. Researchers plan to further investigate the role of TMEM16F in the disease's progression and treatment options.