"Rare Genetic Variant Linked to Lower Parkinson's Risk Sparks Therapeutic Hope"

Researchers at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology have identified a rare genetic mutation in a mitochondrial microprotein called SHLP2 that significantly reduces the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Found primarily in Europeans, this mutation is associated with a twofold decrease in disease risk and offers a new target for potential treatments. The study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, shows that the variant increases the stability and expression of SHLP2, enhancing its protective effects against mitochondrial dysfunction, a key factor in Parkinson's disease. This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding and treating age-related diseases.