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Scientists have known for years that certain proteins were associated with Parkinson’s disease. But in a recent paper published in Science, researchers have had their first good gawk at the protein linked to the development of the condition (PTEN-induced putative kinase 1, or PINK1). They have mapped out the structure of the protein and found out how it interacts with the mitochondria of affected cells. Speaking to the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, the study’s author Professor David Komander said: “Our structure reveals many new ways to change PINK1, essentially switching it on, which will be life-changing for people with Parkinson’s.” What did the scientists find out? The scientists used advanced imaging technology to accurately map out the shape of the protein, which also helped them to understand how PINK1 binds to mitochondria. Usually, PINK1 does a kind of scan and clear job in the body. It moves around looking for damaged mitochondria, and when it finds them, it creates a protein called ubiquitin that signals the body to get rid of them.
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