Key points from article :
A study led by Dr. Claudio Soto at UTHealth Houston has uncovered a new method for early detection of Parkinson's disease. The research focuses on the misfolding of alpha-synuclein (aSyn) proteins, which accumulate in the nervous system and damage healthy brain cells, affecting motor functions. This misfolding process is a hallmark of Parkinson’s, and identifying it early could lead to better diagnostics and treatment options.
Dr. Soto, a professor at McGovern Medical School, developed Protein Misfolding Cyclic Amplification (PMCA) technology, also known as seed amplification assay (SAA), to detect these proteins. His team tested 1,123 participants across 33 global facilities. The study included individuals with Parkinson’s, healthy participants, and those with early-stage or genetic links to the disease. Funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation, this was the largest study of its kind, using the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) samples.
The PMCA test detected Parkinson's in 87% of early-stage cases and accurately excluded 96% of participants who did not have the disease. It also identified 86% of pre-symptomatic cases, offering hope for early detection before symptoms appear. Interestingly, 30% of participants with the LRRK2 gene mutation, which mimics Parkinson's, did not show misfolded aSyn, suggesting they may have a different condition.
Currently, the detection of misfolded aSyn requires an invasive spinal tap. However, researchers are working on less painful methods, such as blood tests, skin biopsies, or nasal swabs. The results, published in Lancet Neurology, mark a significant advancement in Parkinson's diagnostics and open the door for improved treatment and early intervention, potentially slowing the disease's progression.
