Resource | Cells, energy control and Parkinson’s: the role of PINK1 and Parkin
Spring 2018 Conference
Dr Miratul Muqit
My research is directed at defining key pathways in cells that are linked to the development of Parkinson’s and harnessing this knowledge to generate new ideas to prevent and treat the condition. Major advances in genetics have provided clues as to the key molecules that control such pathways however there remain fundamental gaps in our understanding of how these genes function in cells. In my laboratory we have been focused on the PINK1 and Parkin genes that represent the commonest genetic cause of Parkinson’s in patients under the age of 45.
In my presentation I will discuss how the PINK1 and Parkin genes cooperate very closely in cells to protect us against damage to ‘mitochondria’ which are energy-producing centres of our cells. Our work has spanned very basic experiments in cells, but we have recently obtained very strong evidence in humans of the relevance of the PINK1-Parkin pathway to Parkinson’s.
Our work provides a framework for Clinicians to translate our knowledge and test our findings in patients both for the development of better diagnostics and therapies against Parkinson’s.