Abu Dhabi, UAE – A team of researchers from the University of New York Abu Dhabi and the University of Denver in the United States have succeeded in developing small molecules that could help slow the progression of serious brain diseases. Like Parkinson’s disease and even stopping it completely, which heralds the possibility of developing treatments that go beyond symptom management.
In the new study, published in the international journal Science Translational Medicine, Majzoub’s laboratory at New York University Abu Dhabi and Kumar’s laboratory at the University of Denver developed a special type of small molecules designed to prevent this harmful accumulation. The molecule, known as SK-129, works by preventing the protein from clumping and spreading in the brain.
The development was in cooperation with international partners.
The team tested the effect of SK-129 molecules on a wide range of disease samples. Including human cells, patient-derived tissues, and living organisms. In all cases, researchers observed a decrease in the harmful effects associated with the disease.
The researchers also noted the ability of SK-129 molecules to cross the blood-brain barrier. It is a protective layer that often prevents drugs from reaching the brain. In experiments on mice, the treatment significantly reduced the progression of disease-related damage to the brain.
Mazen Majzoub, associate professor of biology at New York University Abu Dhabi and lead co-author of the study, stressed the importance of this step in developing treatments that target the root cause of these diseases. Instead of just treating the symptoms, we seek to slow or stop the disease itself.
