RNA Structures: A New Target for Parkinson's Disease Intervention

Researchers at Kumamoto University have discovered that RNA structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s) promote the aggregation of α-synuclein, a protein linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's. Elevated calcium levels trigger these G4s, which act as scaffolds for harmful protein clumping. Administering 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) to model mice prevented aggregation and reduced motor symptoms, suggesting G4-targeted therapies could offer early intervention for neurodegenerative diseases. This breakthrough may also apply to other conditions involving protein aggregation, such as Alzheimer's.