Yale Finds Neuron Proteins That Spread Parkinson’s Protein

Yale University researchers have identified two neuron‑surface proteins that appear to facilitate the spread of the toxic protein implicated in Parkinson’s disease. The proteins, which are expressed on the membranes of dopaminergic neurons, were found to interact with alpha‑synuclein aggregates, a hallmark of the neurodegenerative disorder.

In preclinical studies, mice engineered to lack these surface proteins showed a dramatic reduction in the progression of Parkinsonian pathology. The animals exhibited fewer neuronal losses and improved motor performance compared with control groups, suggesting that blocking the proteins interrupts the transmission of alpha‑synuclein between cells.

The findings point to a novel therapeutic target that could be exploited to halt or slow disease progression in humans. Future research will focus on developing molecules that inhibit these proteins and testing their safety and efficacy in clinical trials.