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Drp1

This image is a depiction of the general mitochondrion structure.

Featured Genetics Open Neuroscience Articles

·November 5, 2014·4 min read

Blocking Mitochondrial Fission Shows Potential as an Effective Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease

Inhibition of the Drp1 mitochondrial fission protein shows potential as a treatment for Parkinson's disease.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·July 15, 2019·5 min read

Differences in MS patients’ cerebrospinal fluid may be key to drugs that halt progression

Ceramide exposure impairs the ability for neurons to make energy by directly damaging mitochondria. Additionally, ceramides force neurons to rapidly uptake glucose in order to provide cellular energy.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·November 10, 2021·4 min read

New Insights on ALS May Point To a Potentially Promising Treatment Strategy

Post-mortem studies of brain tissue from ALS patients reveal an abnormal form of tau is present in novel brain areas, and the tau interacts with DRP1. The tau appears to cause the brain cell's mitochondria to fragment and increase oxidative stress. Reducing tau reversed the effect, decreasing oxidative stress and mitochondrial fragmentation.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·September 7, 2017·5 min read

Researchers Slow Aging and Extend Lifespan of Fruit Flies

Researchers have developed a method of removing damaged mitochondria in fruit flies, causing the insects to become more active and increasing typical lifespan. UCLA researchers report the method could eventually be used to benefit humans and delay the onset of age-related diseases.