Neuroscience

By Christina Towers, PhD.

By Christina Towers, PhD.

By Jamshed Arslan Pharm.D.

By Christina Towers, PhD.

By Jamshed Arslan Pharm.D.

Tyrosine hydroxylase is the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis pathway of the catecholamines dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.

PINK1 is a protein serine/threonine kinase (PTK) that protects the organelles from cellular stress and controls selective autophagy to clear damage. Exner, et al. were among the first to report that PINK1 deficiency in humans was linked to autosomal recessive occurrences of Parkinson's disease (PD) and neurogenerative pathology (1).

The product of the Parkinson's disease 7 (Park7/DJ-1) gene belongs to the peptidase C56 family of proteins and appears to have two transcriptional variants. It is a positive regulator of androgen receptor-dependent transcription, and some evidence suggests it may also function as a redox-sensitive chaperone and sensor for oxidative stress. It apparently protects neurons against oxidative stress and cell death. Defects in the Park7 gene result in the autosomal recessive form of early-onset Parkinson’s disease.

Huntington's disease is an inherited progressive neurodegenerative disorder which impairs cognition, causes issues with movement, and has associated behavioral changes and emotional problems. There is currently no cure for Huntington's disease, but research is focused on understanding the function of the Huntington's disease gene. Learn more in our infographic below.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that impacts cognitive function. Research is currently being done to understand different genetic, environmental and biological factors which contribute to the disease to find a cure. Learn more in our infographic about Alzheimer's disease below.

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