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That’s pretty awesome, the Parkin protein is basically ordering a hit on the old mitochondria

Discovering a viable treatment for Parkinson’s Disease would inevitably lead to further research and development in this area. It would also create possible treatments for other diseases of the mitochondria, resulting in the potential cure of all neuropathies suffered by people. As technology and research advance, science gets closer to the discoveries of certain treatments, allowing hope through research to surface.

Since these concepts are based on recent research, not all the kinks have been worked out, as expected. There are certain possibilities that interfering with the mitochondria could result in adverse conditions that have obviously not yet been studied. However, that is the entire purpose of carrying out research and studies – to provide additional information and even answers to questions.

I think it is interesting that lysosomes are so important to cell life (and cell death) as shown in this article and the previous. It is ironic that these vital organelles are dismissed as “trashmen of the cells.” I think their importance should be emphasized more and studied further.

It seems like all organelles play a role in determining whether a cell lives or dies. If any one part malfunctions, there is likely to be a chain reaction leading to cell death. This is because cells are extremely efficient bodies; every part of the cell is necessary. Every organelle is there for a reason.

Hmm, what if scientists find a protein for targeting new mitochondria and tagging them to make lysosomes attack those… good thing there are alot of scientists that are GOOD and not EVIL. All this research can also lead to something horrible one day. (Not to sound pessimistic) but there’s always a “what if”… Alot of movies in society talking about mass extinctions and stuff because of science and how immoral people can be with technology… I am Legend… Resident Evil…. etc.

So after thinking about the possibilities of how mankind can benefit from these things… theres always an opposite side

Any treatment for any illness or disease will have its additional “adverse” effects- just as any medication has certain side-effects. It all depends on delivery and chemicals. Of course this is only the beginning of a new discovery. As with anything, it will take many more trials to work out all the side-effects.

Perhaps this is the next cure to Parkinson’s; Parkin may be the cure-all that gets rid of these disease, and our children will say in the future “What’s Parkinson’s?” if we so ever mention it.
But, I don’t think so. I think Parkinson’s is alittle too complicated; when my grandpa got it, more then his ability to fluidly move went. For one, his ability to move completly went, eventually, and two, he hallucinated. He thought my 60 year old grandma was cheating on him. His mind was out of whack- Parkinson’s probably won’t be a disease in which there will bejust one cure-all answer.

In response to Gabe’s comment about scientists eventually using their findings for evil, not good, is a very real possibility. However, this finding in particular seems like only positive things would come from it (a cure for Parkinson’s and other related diseases). Also, there is a chain reaction, starting with the Parkin protien which highlights the significance of every part of a cell, even the lysosomes.

Although Parkin does aid in the survival of neuron cells, this protein sounds like another treatment that only delays the inevitable. This protein may reduce the death rate of the neurons but it is not getting rid of their destrucion, it only delays it. This sounds like a treatment similar to kemo; ceratinly it is a treatment but it is not a cure.

Although it sounds like a long shot in becoming a cure to Parkinson’s it is certainly a step in the right direction. But I am not clear on whether this could have a major impact on other diseases because this article states that only the neurons of the substantia nigra are being treated and unless other diseases stem from this area of the human body then it will have no application to them.

Although this discovery is certainly a step in the right direction in treating Parkinson’s, I am not convinced it would have applications to other diseases. According to the article, only neurons in the substantia negra are affected by the killing of mitochondria through the Parkin protein and unless diseases stem from this area of the human body then this treatment would not apply to them.

This discovery could possibly lead to treatments for other diseases of the mitochondria and may prove to be useful, but in another sense this could be extremely harmful. I think that the destruction of mitochondria should only be decided by the cell itself and should not be left to human hands. There could be other things that the mitochondria is working to complete and that would definitely interfere with the cell’s process. This discovery, while it is very significant, may lead to unexpected effects that could eventually do more harm than the treatment would do.

I think it is interesting to see that a stimulus, such as an aging mitochondria, can trigger the lysosomes in a way that can destroy the one specific part of the cell. This shows how related the cells are like a framework and can rely on each other to keep the body in line.

I imagine a cell to be like a mini-machine. If one part malfunctions, the entire thing shuts down. So, of course, if mitochondria don’t do their job, the cell won’t be able to function properly, which would result in its death. It also works the other way around; if mitochondria do their job properly (assuming all the other organelles are doing the same), then the cell is healthy and will live.

So basically the protein Parkin would keep each brain cell young, or at least keep its parts young. Tagging it so that the lysosomes could digest it would be like cleaning house for the cell. It would make sure that everything is doing its job to the best of its ability. Very cool. We can keep our brain cells longer!

Obviously any new discovery concerning cells would most likely have its adverse effects. Interfering with mitochondria, even old ones, could potentially lead to disaster. But I would think that further study and experimentation would, of course, be needed. It would remove any kinks that could be waiting in the shadows.

So the parkins proteins are helping reduce the death of neurons, then it would seem like a simple cure to Parkinsons. However i agree Kelly, that the disease affects people on many levels and cannot simply bu cured by slowing neuron death rate.

melyssa brought up an interesting point on how the parkins proteins could set an example of how to cure other diseases. Maybe a type of parkin protein could be modified for each specific neuron disorder and reduce the effects of these diseases.

I never realized that specific organelles played such a large role in diseases. I think it would be beneficial for scientists research the treatment of other diseases of the mitochondria. I think it’s possible that by interfering with the mitochondria other problems could arise possibly with surrounding organelles.

Wow! That is amazing, that the mitochondria is what the primary contributor to Parkinson’s is, and that by destroying mitochondrias that are beginning to cause this disorder, could completely eliminate the disease all together.

Mitochondria plays a more important role in our health and well being than I realized. Scientists should conduct more studies to understand how mitochondria functions and how it communicates with cells so the cells to know when to die.

I agree that this discovery could possibly lead to treatment for Parkinson ‘s disease. However, until more researches are carried out, I am not sure if this discovery would lead to cure for other mitochondria diseases.

It is amazing how such a small part of a cell can be causing such a destructive disease. If Parkinsons Disease and other diseases related to the malfunction of mitochondria can be cured through the use of this protein than maybe many other diseases can be cured through similar means. Since many diseases are a result of mutations in the DNA then maybe these mutations can be replaced before children are even born so that they do no have them or they can be temporarly cured through the addition of the proteins that the mutation is keeping from being produced.

I agree with the comment that by slowing the neuron death rate is not the only piece to the puzzle in curing the disease. But it’s a good start and with more research and experimentation, this discovery will become more credible.

I didn’t realize that one part of a cell could have such a major impact. With this discovery the disease could be eliminated or slowed but I think there might be another part too dealing with nerves or genetic make up, but possibly that is because of the cells, thats why I’m not the scientists. I think that this research is important and these new discoveries will end up saving lives.

In theory this discovery could lead to treatments for other diseases of the mitochondria after more research and possibly help people with other neuropath-way problems. But it also has the potential to be detrimental to the other systems through the adverse effects that have not yet been studied.

This new discovery could lead to a novel treatment of the disease, but one might wonder why this hasn’t been tried before. Another question a scientist might add is does this protein exist in the natural vicinity of the infected environment. If it doesn’t how detrimental are the side effects. Does this link really prove hope for curing Parkinson’s?

Another question that has not been answered concerning the Parkin’s Protein is what are the other side effects concerning the other organelles of the cells such as the lysosomes or the delicate balance that any cell has composed.

The only problem now that remains with this treatment is tagging neurons in the middle of someone’s brain. Since we cannot inject someone’s brain with these markers with needles, we could inject the Parkin into the brain’s blood supply, but that would risk tagging every cell in the human body, then the only alternative would be to put the markers in microbubbles and inject them into the person’s blood streams and use ultra sound to pop these bubbles once they are in the substantia nigra, but it’s a narrow chance that the Parkin will even make it to the substantia nigra…

This is truly a novel path to “prevent” Parkinsons’s not to “cure” the disease. Research from private and public hospitals/institutions should shift in this direction of supporting and championing new ideas in such a very old, old disease.

This all sounds great in theory. I would like to see lots of trials done before anything is made avaliable, but this sounds like a great solution to a seemingly uncurable disease.

This all sounds great in theory. I would like to see lots of trials done before anything is made avaliable, but this sounds like a great solution to a seemingly uncurable disease.

I find it extremely ironic that killing the part of the cell that breaks down sugar for cell energy could help the cell survive. As long as it doesn’t kill all the mitochondria… how exactly does it distinguish between the good and bad mitochondria?

Hopefully there wont be any serious side effects. Of course if they don’t get it just right it could destroy all the mitochondria in a cell… which woudn’t be very good.

I’m just curious as to why Jiaxi is saying prevent instead of cure. The article specifically says the discovery could lead to a treatment for Parkinson’s. Doesn’t that mean that people diagnosed with the disease could be treated. In the long run it could prevent Parkinson’s, but for now it seems like curing the disease is possible

This sounds like a step in the right direction. If this only helps those with Parkinson’s Disease then it is still affecting so many lives. And maybe, it wouldn’t cure it completely, but it could make a significant improvement in their lives. My neighbor had Parkinson’s Disease, and before she moved into a nursing home she was eager to try anything that might have a positive effect on curing her of this disease. I know that she would have greatly appreciated this discovery and I can imagine anyone who is having a disease limit their ability to do everyday activities would have the same reaction.

Of course any revelation of significance has the possibility of producing a favorable outcome, which in this cause would be an effective treatment of a neuropathic disease, but at the same time without proper study and research can have adverse effects. If Parkin, the protein used to tag old mitochondria for digestion, becomes introduced and is not modified to only attack unwanted and unecessary cells it can attach to all needed mitochondria in the cells over a vast part of the body. Thus leading to the inability of the production of ATP and the cell will perish. In essence all that is needed to conclude on the idea that Parkin may be able to be modified to help fight Parkinson’s Disease and other diseases of the sort is further study.

I also agree that scientists should conduct more research on mitochondria-related diseases. Because the process of creating ATP is such an important function in our body, we need to more thoroughly understand what we are dealing with. An increase in knowledge about these relationships could lead to understanding more diseases and eventually leading to more cures and treatments.

I think it is somewhat deceiving for this treatment to be called a cure, even though it might slow the effects of the disease, but can it reverse the damage that was already done? If dopamine levels are already somewhat depleted wouldn’t there need to be some replacement of those measurements that were lost, kind of like bipolar disorder in the way of abnormal levels of dopamine. The ability to function without the right count is extremely questionable.

The slowed production of dopamine causes Parkinson’s disease. This is fascinating because just by reducing dopamine and not even completely removing it can have severe repercussions on the person. It is also significant to note that dopamine production extensively damaged by external toxins such as carbon monoxide. It is alarming that by simply breathing this can give one a disease later on in life.

Parkin makes the life of the lysosome easier and human’s life longer because it provides a bull’s-eye on the aging mitochondria, so Lysosomes know exactly which ones to attack and destroy. However, it is improbable that this protein can completely do away with the old mitochondria.

Even the title says that this is prevention not necessarily a cure. But it still doesn’t mask the fact that it is a huge step in finding an actual cure for Parkinson’s. I agree with Alicia that to be considered a cure, the treatment should take into consideration the people who have already lost some of their dopamine neurotransmitters and even find a way to reverse the damage. But it is still exciting to know that this research might just create the domino effect that is needed to find a novel cure for Parkinson’s.

Anything is better than nothing for many of the patients with Parkinson’s and their families. This research gives hope to many who suffer from this disease. But we would have to do a lot more research on the exact risks and benefits of Parkin before we start treating patients with this protein. We would be risking the patient’s life by not knowing the precise implications of administering this protein.

It’s interesting to learn that lysosomes play such an important role in reducing PD and also certain types of cancer. But still the question remains how lysosmes can distinguish between malignant and benign cells. Although in PD. the parkin protein has tagged the mitochondria that needs to be destroys, so it seems the lysosomes aren’t just killing off every cell.

It’s great that they have made such a great leap in finding a possible cure for PD. More tests and extensive research should obviously be done before it can be classified as a sure cure. Continuing to study this theory will eventually lead to a cure i believe. Also, since mitochondria is the main objective being tested here, it is possible that studying this field further prove to treatments for other mitochondria diseases.

I believe that it is quite possible that this discovery will eventually lead to a successful treatment for diseases such as Parkinson’s, Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrom in addition to Alzheimer’s and even paralysed patients. Of course when messing with the mitochondria’s natural functions, it is important to expect potentially dangerous repercussions.

Firstly, I think its amazing that such a small part of the cell could have such a large effect on the organism. However, I don’t think that interfering with the mitochondria should be only way to cure neurodegenerative diseases. Instead we should focus on the reasons why mitochondrial dysfunction takes place…
…environmental exposures such as pesticides are a major factor. Although limiting environmental exposures won’t cure neurodegenerative diseases, it could lower the number of cases and that’s always a positive.

Science is about the unknown, so interfering with biological nature could definitely have its adverse effects. However, anything that could possibly contribute to the relief of those suffering should be pursued. Further trials and studies of the protein Parkin and of the significance of a worn-out mitochondria must be carried out to ensure that this possible treatment won’t produce a worst outcome, contributing to the suffering rather than the relief.

I believe that all organelles play a vital role in our system however extensive research into our mitochondria could leads scientists into new realizations about the human body. Also could this research lean toward a cure for Parkinson’s disease?

It seems reasonable that if a cell can’t make energy, then it will soon die. Mitochrondria are essential as they provide the energy for necessary cell life functions, such as active transport, the removal of wastes, and even cell division. Mitochondria are one of the most important structures in a cell, and just like you and I need energy, so do cells need energy.

Isn’t this what science is all about? Trial and error, trying to come up with a solution. As Thomas Edison once said, “I didn’t fail, I just found 10,000 ways that didn’t work.” He eventually patented thousands of products we use everyday in our lives because he never gave up. As long as we continue to search for possible cures, we’re bound to come up on something in the future. I’m not saying it will be in 10 years, or even 100 years! But as long as we keep trying, our children and their children will continue our studies today, and, who knows, there may be one day that all human kind will be immune to every disease! The first step, though, is to try. The second step is to not give up. The third step will eventually come along, but we must be patient for it.

This is an interesting study, if it could work that could mean that several different alignments might be possibly cured by killing certain cells. Maybe an infection could be killed in its infancy if caught early enough, maybe even serious ones could be cured with a high risk to the patient. It all boils down to the benefits of killing the cell, vs the risk of killing it.

Is there a way to detect Parkinson’s before it has already done harm on a person’s body? If not then yeah, this can’t really be considered a cure but a method to prevent further damage to the brain. If they can improve it to where they can inject the protein to detect those aging mitochondria at an early ag…… wait…… i dont think mitochondria would be old at an early age ..

I’m not sure if they can come up with a cure with this process.

its kind of weird how if we compare the human body to a machine, then the dopamine effects appear to act like oil for a machine. a well oiled machine runs well but when in short supply what normally should happen is that the oil slows down the movement and eventually stops the shifting gears, yet the human body does not follow suit. what should happen is that the muscles should not tremor but freeze and eventually atrophy, by resisting the will to be subdued by a lack of fluid within the muscles, the human body shows its superiority to cope with such an illogical situation.

Everyday new experiments and discoveries are being made. This discovery seems as if it can help slow down the rate of Parkinsons but I don’t think it can cure this complex disease. The brain is a complex organ with Parkinsons infects. Many different things can go wrong with the brain and I don’t think that causing certain neurons to die will cure Parkinsons. It is going to take more research to cure this disease.

This new discovery has shown that the old mitochondria in neuron cells can be destroyed aiding in the survival of the cells. This finding should be tested on other diseases as well. I don’t think it will have the same effects because the diseases affect different organs. Interfering with the mirochondria could have fatal affects because without ATP production, the cell cannot function properly. This discovery needs to be proved more thouroughly before it can be call a cure for Parkinsons.

The tactics utilized here mirror the procedure presented previously in the cancer case, where enzymes were used to kill cells in high PED. The risks still stand from using this procedure, how do cells identify aging mitochondria to stable mitochondria in differing persons? For not all people have the same quality cells; take people with sickle cell anemia. although there is a deformity in the red blood cells, it its impossible to erase these defected cells by chemical means because the red blood cells and the sickle cell ones are of the same make up. In the same way, one chemical cannot be made to cure all Parkinson cases, the best way would be to get custom make the drug for each patient. However, we live in an economic bound world and if a cure, no matter how effective, can not be mass produced or cost effective then it will be cast aside.

Not only could this discovery lead to a possible treatment for diseases of the mitochondria, but also to diseases involving other organelles of a cell as they all seem to be related. The lysosomes that are responsible for digesting and engulfing the ancient mitochondria originate from the golgi apparatus, which is responsible for modifying the products that come from the endoplasmic reticulum through the transport vesicles, which, the rough ER at least, has attached ribosomes, which use amino acids to produce proteins for use by the cell. This discovery is highly significant as it contributes to the medical society, offering possible world-changing breakthroughs.

In my opinion i believe that if the treatment for Parkinson’s disease helps cure the problems stated above that the possibility of of other symptoms might arise. However that is probably why in the scientific world it’s always trial and error.

It would make sense that this could lead to treatments for other diseases of the mitochondria, however, there is definitely still not enough research done. As many other people have already said, the side effects could be harmful. More research would have to be done to make sure that this would be more benefitial than harmful.

Right on! this research could never hurt. It is the further application of incomplete research that gets us into trouble. Mitochondria seems to be the one connection to all cells, because of its vast importance and therefore the organelle could be the key to a lot of major disorders and diseases. This research on Parkinsons is making me shake with excitement. The pun was definitely intended.

I think it’s fascinating how the human body has so many built in processes to make sure things that go wrong are comepnsated for, or fixed. If a cell cannot complete its job, the body kills it so it doesn’t bring down the rest of the cells. Also, the idea that using this bodily process to decvelop a cure for a very detrimental disease is intriguing, and I would enjoy seeing more research done on the subject.

This all sounds very promising in discovering a potential treatment for Parkinson’s but they shouldn’t stop here. I think they need to find out what causes the mitochondria dysfunction in the first place if they really want to find a cure. Also, does every PD cell have the gene necessary for producing Parkin? Because that’s not very smart on Parkinson’s part. I mean what kind of disease does that? I’m going have a gene that produces a protein that will slow me down.

this is very interesting; i wonder how scientists found/developed a protein that would “tag” old mitochondria. it’s BRILLIANT!

Although a cure for Parkinson’s would be nothing short of a miracle, we must be careful when tampering with such essential elements of the human cell. Thorough research should be conducted so that we can be sure that this does not do more harm than good.

this, obviously, requires further research in the field, but is one step closer into finding a cure for this much hated condition. by studying the effects of removing the old mitochondria, we will find if it is really effective in removing the symptoms of parkinson’s disease. thus, acquiring enough data to find if this method will be sufficient in curing parkinson’s