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Embryology

Everything you need to know about IVF – The New Indian Express

Express News Service

KOCHI: Infertility is a global issue affecting approximately 13 to 14 per cent of the population worldwide resulting in close to one in six couples facing difficulty in conceiving. However, with a better understanding of human reproductive physiology and the availability of modern diagnostic technology, more and more couples are receiving the gift of parenthood.

The birth of Louis Brown, the worlds first IVF baby on July 25, 1978, revolutionised the management of infertility. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), the broad spectrum of medical procedures used to treat infertility includes treatments that address complications of both the egg and sperm.In vitro fertilisation (IVF) or Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is done as firstline of treatment in cases concerning tubal pathology, severe male factor infertility azoospermia, fertility preservation in cancer patients, pre-implantation genetic diagnosis and donor oocyte. IVF is also recommended for patients with ovulatory dysfunction (PCOS) and endometriosis.

Here are some FAQs about fertility treatment

What is the difference between IVF & ICSI?Both are forms of In vitro fertilisation, differing in only the method of fertilisation in the embryology lab. In IVF, the sperms and the egg are allowed to fertilise in a small petri dish and this method is very similar to the natural form of fertilisation. IVF is deployed when sperm parameters are normal. ICSI is mainly for male factor infertility, where each egg is injected with the help of a fine needle with the sperm. ICSI is recommended when the sperm parameters are deranged in count, motility or morphology.What is an IVF cycle?During IVF, mature eggs are collected (retrieved) from ovaries and fertilised with the sperm in a lab. Then, the fertilised egg (embryo) or eggs are transferred to a uterus. One full cycle of IVF takes about three weeks. Sometimes these steps are split into different parts and the process can take longer.

How many IVF cycles are recommended?According to at least one study, women who conceived with IVF treatment went through an average of 2.7 cycles. They found that the odds for successfor women of all agesafter three IVF cycles were between 34 and 42 per cent. Practically speaking, to improve your odds, you should try for at least three IVF cycles.

How painful are IVF injections?First of all, not every woman finds the shots painful, so that is something to keep in mind. For most patients, the injections arent pleasant, but they are quick and any discomfort is over in a few seconds. Most of the medications you will take during IVF are administered this way, usually with an injection pen.How many times can I try IVF?Studies examining the likelihood of pregnancy after multiple IVF attempts show varied results, with some suggesting that three rounds are the optimal maximum, given the emotional and financial strain that IVF can cause. Financial limitations aside, it may be worth continuing beyond three cycles.

Tips to improve IVF success rateMaintain a healthy weight.Eat fertility-enhancing foods which are rich in antioxidants like leafy greens (good source of iron and folate), fruits, nuts and grains.Partner with a good doctor and embryology laboratory.Reduce stress.Improve sleep. Quit smoking and drinking. Consider taking supplements in consultation with your doctor. Ensure you have adequate levels of vitamin D. Focus on persistence and patience. Practice breathing exercises.

Dr Meera B is a consultant at KIMS Centre for Fertility, KIMS Thiruvananthapuram. (The views expressed are her own)

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Everything you need to know about IVF - The New Indian Express

Biochemistry

Seminar on Combining Theory and Experiment to Develop New Chemical Reactions – Seton Hall University News & Events

Professor Osvaldo Gutierrez

The Rose Mercadante Chemistry and Biochemistry Seminar Series is pleased to present a seminar by Professor Osvaldo Gutierrez from the University of Maryland entitled "Combining Theory and Experiment to Develop Selective C-C Bond Formations via Open-Shell Intermediates."

The seminar will be held from 5:45 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday February 25, 2020 in the Helen Lerner Amphitheater, Science and Technology Center, Seton Hall University. Refreshments are available at 5:30 p.m.

Dr. Gutierrez was born in Mexico and raised in Sacramento, California. He attended Sacramento City College and transferred to UCLA in 2006 where he worked as an undergraduate at the laboratories of Prof. Houk. He obtained his B.S./M.S. in 2009 and completed his Ph.D. in 2012 (UC Davis) under the guidance of Prof. Tantillo. From 2012-2016 he worked as a postdoc with Prof. Kozlowski at the University of Pennsylvania where he used computational and experimental tools to study transition metal-catalyzed processes. He is now at the University of Maryland College Park where his research combines computational and experimental approaches to advance our understanding of iron- and photo-catalyzed reaction mechanisms.

Despite advances in high-throughput screening methods leading to a surge in the discovery of catalytic reactions, our knowledge of the molecular-level interactions in the rate- and selectivity-determining steps of catalytic reactions, especially those involving highly unstable and reactive open-shell intermediates, is rudimentary. These knowledge gaps prevent control, suppression or enhancement, of competing reaction channels that can drive development of unprecedented catalytic reactions. In this talk, Gutierrezwill focus on theuse of high-level quantum mechanical calculations, rigorously calibrated against experimental data, to interrogate the mechanisms and to guide the development of new catalysts and reagents for currently sluggish or unselective reactions. In particular, the talkwill focus on theuse of combined experimental and computational tools to understand and develop new (asymmetric) iron-catalyzed radical cascade/cross-coupling reactions.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistryat Seton Hall University offers BS, MS and PhD degrees with specializations in all areas of chemistry. Our unique research environment, including traditional full-time students and part-time students is designed to foster collaborations with industry and colleagues in other disciplines. The Rose Mercadante Seminar Series is named for Rose Mercadante, the departmental secretary for over 40 years, in honor of our alumni, her "boys and girls."

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Seminar on Combining Theory and Experiment to Develop New Chemical Reactions - Seton Hall University News & Events

Biochemistry

In the right (lab) culture, mentorship flourishes and science benefits – Yale News

You might imagine a science lab looking a bit sterile and impersonal little sunlight, masked figures in white coats pouring neon-colored liquid into beakers, all business. You might not expect to hear a science lab referred to as familial, where badminton tournaments, movie nights and barbeques are commonplace.

But Yales Patrick Lusk, associate professor of cell biology, describes his lab as just that kind of place, where fun, mentorship, and hard science are all wrapped into one.

My job as a researcher is to provide my students with resources and tools so that, ultimately, they can make it on their own in the scientific universe, said Lusk, whose academic expertise is the cells nucleus. Im here to provide guidance, not as a boss, but as an advisor pushing my students towards independence.

For Lusk, the student-mentor relationship is an important part of that, and working with the labs eight students is an investment in both scientific progress and in their personal development.

One product of that culture is David Thaller, a doctoral candidate in the lab whose research explores how cells nuclei repair themselves following a rupture within the cell.

Just as the body has specialized organ systems such as the heart, lungs, and digestive tract, each of the millions of cells that make up those organs are also subdivided into specialized components, or organelles, including the nucleus, which protects our genome. When a nucleus ruptures and is not repaired effectively, DNA is damaged and can accumulate harmful mutations that can trigger diseases such as cancer. Thaller has been trying to understand what causes the ruptures and how cells might prevent their own destruction.

Its been going well: In October 2019, Thaller was awarded the Porter Prize for Research Excellence from the American Society for Cell Biology for the work he has done in Lusks lab.

Thaller is thankful for the opportunity to push forward his own experiment designs, to learn new model systems, and to engage with new techniques.

The Lusk Lab has been nothing but a supportive space, he said.

In short, Lusks emphasis on lab culture in the broadest sense has contributed to scientific success for professor and doctoral student alike.

David has been a major driver of the research in my laboratory over the last five years, Lusk said. He has played a singular role in catalyzing new research directions and establishing new techniques in my lab under the auspices of answering fundamental cell biological problems of subcellular compartmentalization.

For Thaller, a 6th-year doctoral student who wants to continue lab research, Lusks family analogy resonates in many dimensions.

Our backgrounds in biochemistry or cell biology make for a unique space to do different kinds of science. Im definitely addicted to research.

David Thaller

The kinds of conversations we have with one another are rigorous but also its just so much fun, Thaller said. Everyone is an expert in a different technique or field. Our backgrounds in biochemistry or cell biology make for a unique space to do a lot of different kinds of science. Im definitely addicted to research.

Outside the lab, members attend lab parties and game nights together.

Thaller credits Lusk with creating an academic space where mentorship and growth are at the forefront. And Lusk is certain that in Thaller hes found a talented and ambitious contributor, both to his lab and to the future of science.

There is no question that Dave is outstanding and one of the top students in his class, Lusk said. He will be a scientific leader in the future.

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In the right (lab) culture, mentorship flourishes and science benefits - Yale News

Biochemistry

Researchers develop diagnostic system that detects up to 40 infectious respiratory pathogens in one test – BioWorld Online

BEIJING Researchers from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have developed a diagnostic system that they claim is the worlds most comprehensive as it can identify 30 to 40 pathogens in one single test within an hour.

The automated multiplex diagnostic system comes with a fully automated machine and a multiplex full-screening panel for point-of-care genetic testing (POCT) of respiratory infectious diseases, including COVID-19, which has infected nearly 60,000 people and killed more than 1,300 as of Feb 13, 2020.

The dozens of pathogens that can be identified also include seasonal influenza viruses, such as influenza A subtypes H1, H2 and H3, avian influenza viruses H5, H7 and H9, human respiratory syncytial virus, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. The university has tested the system on all major pathogens that cause infectious respiratory diseases.

PolyUs researchers used polymerase chain reaction technology as part of the diagnostic system, which enables the device to be fully automated from sample nucleic acid extraction and amplification to signal detection and analysis to achieve point-of-care capability. The system does not require manual interaction across the testing process.

The university said microfluidic and biochemical technologies have been adopted to achieve ultra-sensitive detection and simultaneous differentiation of various pathogens with extremely high specificity.

The proprietary technology combines multiple innovations in biochemistry, diagnostics, microfluidics and production engineering to achieve extremely high analytical sensitivity and analytical specificity, Hailey Lai, PolyUs communications and public affairs officer, as she explained to BioWorld how the system can identify so many pathogens in so little time. She said patent applications have been filed for the technologies.

The design of primers and probes, biochemical reagents and amplification technology allows for simultaneous, sensitive (down to 5 gene copies) and specific detection of up to 40 pathogens without interference. We also have internal control in our system, Lai added.

She said the research team is urgently focusing on further developments of the systems robustness and cost-effectiveness. The team is also moving on in the collaboration with relevant parties for the clinical trials, regulatory approvals, mass scale production, and frontline applications of this POCT system.

Terence Lau Lok-ting, director of Innovation and Technology Development and adjunct professor at the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology at PolyU who leads the research team, said this innovation can substantially reduce the cost of microfluidic cartridge manufacturing, thus making it feasible for wide adoption.

He believes this diagnostic system will be a practical solution for the lack of full panel POCT technologies in early and on-site diagnosis and should be able to differentiate between different pathogens at the same time. He added that PolyUs proprietary technology overcame the limitations of existing technologies by ensuring sensitivity.

Early and accurate detection of pathogens contributes to effective and efficient disease control and management and prevents the spreading of any contagious pathogens. It benefits patient as well because timely therapy can then be applied to prevent complications, said Lau of the value of early and on-site diagnosis, which may be realized by this new diagnostic system.

The development of this diagnostic system comes at a time when tens of thousands of people in China, especially in the epicenter of Hubei province, are desperate to be tested for the COVID-19 virus so they can be hospitalized and receive medical care. Patients without a proper diagnosis have reportedly been denied access to public health care due to the high demand for hospital beds.

The COVID-19 virus remains a serious threat and Hubei province has reported 14,000 new cases overnight, due to an observational diagnosis system having been developed and implemented.

Alexander Wai Ping-kong, deputy president and provost designate of PolyU, said it is important that the research community is able to quickly pool their expertise and resources to develop practical solutions in the difficult and challenging times that Hong Kong, China and the global community are encountering.

The system's versatility and capability will provide for comprehensive monitoring during disease outbreaks or routine surveillance. It will become a crucial technology for ensuring the effective control of infectious diseases, medical diagnosis, and treatment, said Yuen Kwok-yung, the chair of infectious diseases at the University of Hong Kongs (HKU) department of microbiology.

Yuen has supported the R&D for this PolyU-HKU partnership over the four years it has taken to develop the diagnostic system. Researchers also conducted tests on clinical samples from the COVID-19 outbreak using the system.

Yuen is currently dedicating his efforts toward developing a vaccine for the coronavirus. The vaccine is based on a nasal spray applied vaccine that he and his team invented.

This new PolyU diagnostic system, developed with the support of HKU, is a continuation of the joint efforts from Hong Kongs academia and university research institutions.

Last week, researchers at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology claimed to have invented the worlds fastest portable diagnostic device, with detection of the COVID-19 virus performed in just 40 minutes.

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Researchers develop diagnostic system that detects up to 40 infectious respiratory pathogens in one test - BioWorld Online

Biochemistry

Jan Scrimgeour Receives Tenure and Promotion to Associate Professor at Clarkson University – Clarkson University News

Prof. Jan Scrimgeour

Clarkson University President Tony Collins has announced that Jan Scrimgeour has been granted tenure and promoted from assistant professor to associate professor of physics in the School of Arts and Sciences.

His research interests involve the application of advanced optical microscopy for the visualization and characterization of nanostructured biological interfaces. He is especially interested in the interplay between the nanostructure, physics and biochemistry of cell-surface polymers and the roles of each in mediating interactions between tissue surfaces and the immune system. His work can shed light on chronic inflammatory conditions.

Last year, he was awarded a CAREER grant from the National Science Foundation for more than $541,000. Scrimgeour was awarded the grant for use on his project titled CAREER: Understanding the Structure and Function of the Endothelial Glycocalyx through Single Molecule Visualization.

He received his master of physics degree with first class honours in optoelectronics and laser engineering, from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. He received his D.Phil. in condensed matter physics from the University of Oxford.

Before coming to Clarkson, Scrimgeour was a postdoctoral fellow at the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Gothenburg University in Sweden.

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Jan Scrimgeour Receives Tenure and Promotion to Associate Professor at Clarkson University - Clarkson University News

Biochemistry

First presidential search forum canceled due to inclement weather – OSU – The Lantern

The first of three public forums for the universitys presidential search was canceled Feb. 12 for inclement weather. Credit: Andre White | Lantern Reporter

The presidential search forums are off to a slippery start.

The first of three public forums for the universitys presidential search was canceled Wednesday due to inclement weather when fewer than 10 people attended at the Biomedical Research Tower. Those who remained after the cancellation announcement were invited to voice their opinions to Lewis Von Thaer and Susan Olesik, members of the presidential search committee.

At 4:04 p.m., Ohio State Emergency Management issued a winter weather advisory, effective until 10 a.m. due to a possible 2 inches of snow. The university has yet to announce if the forum will be rescheduled.

Von Thaer, university trustee and chair of the selection subcommittee, and Olesik, professor of chemistry and biochemistry and co-chair of the advisory subcommittee, are hosting the forums to gather public input on qualities, skills, attributes and experiences the university community is looking for in the next president, according the Board of Trustees website.

Among those present was Dr. Edmund Mroz, research associate professor of otolaryngology, who raised concerns about the universitys national and global standing among research institutions.

If Ohio State wants to become a world-class university, as opposed to being one which I think presently is seen as being more regional, then it has to have a president who is going to be able to work with the trustees, work with the schools within the university and have policies that will make that possible, Mroz said.

Sumaya Hamadmad, an ophthalmology research assistant at the university, said her main concern was Ohio States Family and Medical Leave Policy, which allows for 12 weeks of job-protected parental leave, according to the universitys Parental Care Guidebook.

I think it should be at least three months or maybe more, Hamadmad said.

The two remaining forums will take place from 2 to 3 p.m. Friday in Thompson Library and from 2 to 3 p.m. Feb. 19 in the U.S. Bank Conference Theater at the Ohio Union, according to the Board of Trustees website.

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First presidential search forum canceled due to inclement weather - OSU - The Lantern

Biochemistry

Biochemistry Analyzers Market Reprt Impressive Growth, Industry Size, Key Players And Forecast 2020 To 2027 – TechNews.mobi

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Biochemistry Analyzers Market Reprt Impressive Growth, Industry Size, Key Players And Forecast 2020 To 2027 - TechNews.mobi

Biochemistry

Rebecca Lyons named University of Redlands Professor of the Year – The Inland Empire Community

The University of Redlands Mortar Board Honor Society has named Rebecca Lyons as Professor of the Year. Lyons, a chemistry professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, has been teaching at the University of Redlands for nine years.

Being a teacher in the College of Arts and Sciences is a noble calling. It is noble to assist students in the liberating joy of discovering knowledge that restructures how they see the world. It is also noble to help students take the beginning steps in a profession that will provide lifelong satisfaction, said Associate Dean of Student Engagement David Schrum.

The Professor of the Year distinction recognizes faculty members outstanding teaching abilities and important contributions to the University community. While the Mortar Board Honor Society facilitates the voting process, the nominations for the award are student-driven.

A graduate of University of Washington (B.S., biochemistry), the State University of New York College at Cortland (M.A., science education), and the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (M.S., Ph.D., environmental chemistry), Lyons teaches nine courses in chemistry, including a May Term course in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

She works every day to not only ensure that her students are prepared for the rigor of graduate-level work in chemistry, medical school, and work in research fields, but also makes connections that keep her students feeling seen and loved, said Associated Students of the University of Redlands President Jacob Miner 20.

Throughout her time at the University, Lyons has mentored more than two dozen research students and co-authored a number of publications and presentations alongside students.

Chemistry Club President Jared Cellini 20 spoke about how Lyons mentorship has enhanced his experience at the University of Redlands. Recalling a group hike that she led, he explained that her passion for science and the environment is felt by all of her students.

This is such an amazing group of people to be a part ofI look around at my fellow educators and Im honored to stand with you. More than anything, my students are amazing and I love them, and its really great when its reciprocated, Lyons said.

This was the 62nd year that Mortar Board undergraduates honored a distinguished faculty member who embodies the groups ideals of scholarship, leadership, and service.

Mortar Board began at the University of Redlands in 1943 as a womens senior honorary group, known as W.E.B.S., Wisdom, Excellence, Belief, and Service. In 1955, it became recognized as an official chapter of the Mortar Board National Senior Honor Society, and, in 1975, membership was opened to both men and women.

This years Mortar Board finalists for Professor of the Year also included Mathematics and Computer Science Professor Joanna Bieri, Biology Professor Caryl Forristall, Theatre Arts Professor Trevor Norton, and Biology Professor Linda Silveira.

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Rebecca Lyons named University of Redlands Professor of the Year - The Inland Empire Community

Biochemistry

‘I like to burst the myth that my career has been a carefully orchestrated plan’ – Siliconrepublic.com

Having studied biochemistry at college, Sinead Barry of Accenture wasnt always planning to forge a career path in financial services.

According to Sinead Barry, you could call her the biochemist who has spent her career in financial services. Now working at Accenture, where she leads the companys customer insights and growth practice for financial services in Ireland, Barry feels she is in a sector that has offered her the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of roles.

From a summer job at a bank to recently getting the chance to chat with Accentures global banking lead, Barry talked to Siliconrepublic.com about her unique career journey to date.

As a biochemistry graduate, financial services was not always my career aspiration SINEAD BARRY

My job at Accenture is to lead our customer insight and growth practice for our financial services industry group in Ireland.

My team and I work with organisations to help them improve their customer experience, develop their digital offering, utilise analytics and drive growth. Digital has disrupted every aspect of business as we know it, so creating a compelling customer experience has never been more important.

Its the ideal role for me as it allows me to do two things that I am very passionate about. I like to champion the customer and the importance of their experience when using a product or service. I also strongly believe in the value of stewardship by developing our people, and spend time in my role helping others to navigate their own career paths.

As a biochemistry graduate, financial services was not always my career aspiration. A summer job in a bank caught my interest and led me to a role working for a company called GAM Fund Management.

I had a great boss, Billy Norris, who offered me exposure to both operational and project roles. It was a fantastic experience. In my early days, I worked on a Swift implementation programme and that really uncovered my interest in technology and change. You could say that I am the biochemist who has spent my career in financial services!

It is a sector that has offered me the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of roles. Ive always felt challenged and have had the space to grow and develop new capabilities. I do think in the coming years we will see people enjoying careers that span across a variety of industries and experiences work will evolve and look different to today and I think people need to embrace and plan for this inevitable shift in the workplace.

I always like to burst the myth that my career has been a carefully orchestrated plan it hasnt. Like everyone, I have had many highs and lows and some key career inflection points.

As I glance back, achieving my MBA at 23 was pivotal and it was only then that consulting captured my interest. I think early on I understood the importance of always reskilling and keeping up to date with trends, current thinking and technology, which is now more important than ever with things moving at such a fast pace.

The one piece of advice I would love to give to my younger self is the importance of being balanced in all that you do, be that in work or in life. I am the type of person who throws themselves into work 100pc, but at times that can be at the detriment of other aspects of your life.

I continue to work on not letting that happen, but its a discipline I do wish I had mastered earlier in my career. My best advice would be to define your priorities and be protective of your time thats when you create balance.

I find the opportunity to support and enable others on their career journeys the most rewarding aspect of my role at Accenture. I like to think that I can pay it forward for the excellent coaches and mentors who have supported me to date.

I believe that mentorship is invaluable and its something that is incredibly important to us at Accenture. For a successful career, I think its essential to find out what it is that you do best, and ensure you have the support that you need to plan and develop your best possible career.

There are two skills that are extremely important in any scenario firstly, remaining calm under pressure, and secondly, ensuring that you listen and really hear the perspectives of those around you, be they colleagues or clients.

Having recently had the opportunity to chat with Alan McIntyre Accentures global banking lead on the top 10 trends for banks in 2020, there are two key trends that stood out for me and which I found particularly interesting from a customer perspective.

Firstly, we are seeing the emergence of a socially conscious or purpose-driven banking era. Consumers are increasingly aligning their buying with socially conscious providers, which means that we should see banks and financial services organisations beginning to really align their efforts with social issues.

The second is the continued focus by the banking sector to continue to build trust and provide transparency to their customers in terms of cost, data and privacy. I think it will be interesting to see how these trends play out across 2020 and beyond.

I have a few go-to authors and podcasts. I highly recommend reading Daring Greatly by Bren Brown its an insightful read and I practise some of her tips. I also follow Jim Marous on Twitter and listen to his Banking Transformed podcast regularly.

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'I like to burst the myth that my career has been a carefully orchestrated plan' - Siliconrepublic.com

Biochemistry

How a Parkinson’s Protein Wreaks Havoc in the Brain – Technology Networks

Parkinson's disease is a long-term (chronic) neurological condition that affects around 12,000 people in Ireland and between 7 and 10 million people worldwide. The disease affects the way the brain co-ordinates body movements like walking and talking, but cognitive abilities are also affected. There is currently no cure for the disease, but researchers at Trinity have recently published findings of a study which may lead to better treatments for this debilitating illness.Neurons in the part of the brain called substantia nigra (dark matter) produce and release a hormone called dopamine. This hormone acts as a messenger between these cells in the substantia nigra and other parts of the brain which control body movements.

"If these specialized neurons become damaged or die, the amount of dopamine in the brain is reduced. This means that the parts of the brain that control movement cease to function normally. The only treatment for Parkinson's disease in the last 20 years has been dopamine replacement therapy. This involves providing a substitute to try to increase the levels of the hormone in the brain. However, the treatment is not completely effective and can wear off over time, and it also has side effects," said Amir Khan, Associate Professor, School of Biochemistry and Immunology at Trinity.

"The main reason why we lack new treatments is that we don't understand the fundamental mechanism of how neurons become sick and die. No one knows why these particular neurons in the substantia nigra are affected."

"In the last few years, the field has completely changed. We have new insight into a gene called LRRK2, which is the most common cause of inherited Parkinson's disease. Although only 10% of Parkinson's cases are inherited, the enzyme that is produced by the LRRK2 gene seems to be overactive in both inherited and 'sporadic' cases."

"In other words, afflicted individuals may not have an LRRK2 mutation, but the enzyme 'runs amok' in their neurons anyway. Inhibitors of this enzyme are now in late clinical trials for treatment of Parkinson's disease."

The team at Trinity has studied the effects that LRRK2 has on other proteins in neuronal cells. To understand how LRRK2 affects the brain and leads to Parkinson's disease, the team has simulated the activity of the enzyme in the laboratory.

"The research allowed us to visualize the 3-D structure of a protein complex that is formed when LRRK2 is overactive. From these structural studies of proteins, we can understand how LRRK2 is able to impose its profound effects on neurons. We are the first group to report the effects of LRRK2 in 3-D detail using a method called X-ray crystallography," Professor Khan continued.

"An overactive LRRK2 runs loose in neurons and wreaks havoc on motor and cognitive abilities. In a way, we are chasing the footprints that LRRK2 leaves in the brain to understand what it does, and find ways to stop it."

"We are hopeful that these studies may eventually lead to new treatments for Parkinson's disease, for which there is currently no cure."ReferenceWaschbsch et al. (2020) Structural Basis for Rab8a Recruitment of RILPL2 via LRRK2 Phosphorylation of Switch 2. Structure. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.str.2020.01.005This article has been republished from the following materials. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.

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How a Parkinson's Protein Wreaks Havoc in the Brain - Technology Networks