Scientist Thinks He Has Found Hope for Parkinson's Cure

Teresa Neumann : Nov 6, 2009
Dan Kuester - Iowa State University

"This discovery is expected to provide new treatment options to stop the progression of the disease or even cure it."

(Ames, Iowa)—Anumantha Kanthasamy and W. Eugene and Linda R. Lloyd, researchers at Iowa State University, have reportedly found an essential key to possibly cure Parkinson's disease.

Kanthasamy discovered that the protein kinase-C (specifically PKCδ) is killing the dopamine-producing cells which Parkinson's sufferers lack and he, and his research staff, discovered a compound that neutralizes the cell-killing kinase-C and allows the dopamine-producing cells to survive and function. (Photo by: Dan Kuester, News Service)

As reported in an Iowa State University publication, Kanthasamy's group is now looking for additional compounds that also can serve to neutralize protein kinase-C. By identifying more compounds that perform the function of neutralizing kinase-C, notes the report, researchers are more likely to locate one that works well and has few side effects.

According to the report, the discovery is expected to provide new treatment options to stop the progression of the disease or even cure it.

Click on the link provided to read more about this research.