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# # # # Mitochondria are curious little structures that live symbiotically within cells. They are believed to derive from an ancient bacterial past, and they still retain elements of that forgotten occupation: They have their own DNA. Given that mitochondria are very metabolically active, that mitochondrial DNA can be vulnerable to damage. Recently, researchers have proposed that damage to mitochondrial DNA might be a useful biomarker for Parkinson’s. In today’s post, we will look at what mitochondria do, what damage to their DNA means, and how this could be very useful for our understanding of Parkinson’s. # # # # |
Source: Szegedify
In Chinese culture, 2023 has been in the Year of the Rabbit.
The Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity. As such, 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope.
Here at SoPD HQ, we think 2023 has been the Year of the Biomarker.
Think about it. Over the course of this year, we have covered a couple of new reports proposing the alpha synuclein seeding assay (Click here to read more about this) and DOPA decarboxylase levels in cerebrospinal fluid as potentially useful markers for Parkinson’s (Click here to read more about this).
And recently, researchers have proposed another biomarker which involves an important aspect of Parkinson’s associated biology: Mitochondria.
Remind me: What are mitochondria?
The Science of Parkinson's 