RAJKOT, DEC 30: A Protein responsible for Parkinson's disease has been recently discovered by the Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB), Calcutta, informed Dr Mohan Kumar, deputy director of IICB here in a seminar on Parkinson's diseases conducted at Bio-Science department of Saurashtra University.The decrease in protein level present in brain causes Parkinson's disease. Besides protein, the IICB has also found the substance which can increase the protein level, Dr Mohan added.
Dr Mohan, who has completed his advance studies from Saurashtra University was very proud to announce this discovery made by his Indian team.
``This protein can be used as a diagnostic tool and target mode on the basis of which drugs for the Parkinson's diseases can be developed,'' said Dr Mohan.Parkinson's diseases, which afflicts individuals at an old age of 50 years, is caused when neurons in the body start to decay. People affected by Parkinson's diseases cannot walk or hold things firmly and may have an accompanying problem in swallowing with the patient's face becoming distorted too. Findings at the IICB claim that a decrease in the level of this particular protein causes the neuron deaths, the main cause for Parkinson affliction.
In the interest of the country, and the protection of rights, the IICB has yet not disclosed the name of the protein and the substitute which boost the protein levels. Dr Mohan said,`` Presently we will only say that this protein is present in the brain and it weights around 240 kiloDalton and is found in a region of the brain where the domain molecules (molecules found in neurotransmitter which controls the behaviour and activities of the body) containing neurons are found.''
Dr Mohan also said that with the help of test called Cybrids the protein levels in the brain can be determined. The Cybrids test conducted at early age of 20-25 year can also determine the level of protein at the age of 50 year and in turn will be helpful in preventing the Parkinson's disease in old age.
Copyright © 2000 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
