Nrf2 AT THE CROSSROADS OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE AND AGING: MECHANISTIC INSIGHTS AND TRANSLATIONAL PERSPECTIVES
Parkinson’s disease, a condition that affects movement, becomes more common as people get older. Scientists are looking into why this happens and how to protect brain cells from damage. One key player in our cells’ natural defense system is a protein called NRF2. Think of NRF2 as a conductor for an orchestra of protective genes. When active, it tells these genes to produce molecules that fight off harmful substances, reduce inflammation, and keep our cell’s powerhouses, the mitochondria, working well.
Research shows that as we age, the activity of NRF2 tends to decline, making our cells more vulnerable to damage. This decline is particularly relevant in Parkinson’s disease, where the NRF2 pathway is often not working as it should. Studies have found changes in NRF2 components in the brains of people with Parkinson’s, and even variations in the gene that makes NRF2 can influence who gets the disease and how it progresses. Environmental factors, like exposure to certain chemicals, can also interfere with NRF2’s protective actions.
The good news is that boosting NRF2 activity has shown promise in laboratory and animal studies. Activating NRF2 can help protect the brain’s dopamine-producing cells, which are specifically lost in Parkinson’s, and potentially slow down the disease. While there are challenges in developing medicines that effectively target NRF2 and reach the brain, understanding this pathway offers exciting new avenues for developing treatments that could not only alleviate symptoms but also modify the course of Parkinson’s disease and promote healthier brain aging.
Source: link to paper