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The clustering of a protein called alpha synuclein is one of the cardinal features of the brain of a person with Parkinson’s disease. Recently published research has demonstrated that tiny antibodies (called nanobodies) derived from llamas (yes, llamas) are very effective at reducing this clustering of alpha synuclein in cell culture models of Parkinson’s disease. In today’s post, we will discuss the science, review the research and consider what it could all mean for Parkinson’s disease. |
Llama. Source: Imagesanimals
Ok, I confess: This post has been partly written purely because I really like llamas. And I’m not ashamed to admit it either.
I mean, look at them! They are fantastic:
Source: Vogue
Very cute. But what does this have to do with Parkinson’s disease?
Indeed. Let’s get down to business.
This post has also been written because llamas have a very interesting biological characteristic that is now being exploited in many areas of medical research, including for Parkinson’s disease.
The Science of Parkinson's 