Parkinson's Study Revives Hopes of Neuronal Recovery
Scientists at Stanford University have demonstrated that suppressing the hyperactivity of a specific enzyme, LRRK2, with a compound called MLi-2 can prompt substantial recovery of dopaminergic signalling in a genetically engineered mouse model of Parkinson's. The treatment not only halted further degeneration but appeared to reverse structural impairments in the affected brain cells, marking a significant shift in understanding how Parkinson's progression might be modified at a cellular level.
Parkinson's, a neurodegenerative condition marked by tremors, rigidity, and impaired movement, is primarily caused by the death of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain's substantia nigra. For decades, treatments have largely focused on symptom management rather than tackling the root causes of cellular dysfunction. The Stanford findings now suggest that correcting underlying molecular defects could pave the way for regenerative strategies.
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The breakthrough centres on the LRRK2 enzyme, mutations in which are among the most common genetic causes of Parkinson's. Overactive LRRK2 has been linked to damage of cellular structures called primary cilia — antenna-like projections that play a vital role in neuron communication and survival. The research team found that neurons in the striatum of the brain — a key region involved in motor control — lacked these cilia in the Parkinson's model mice.
Using the LRRK2-inhibiting compound MLi-2, the team observed a significant regeneration of these lost cilia after three months of treatment. Dopamine signals began to function normally again in many of the affected neurons. The mice showed molecular signs of cellular recovery, with restored receptor localisation and improved intercellular communication. Importantly, the drug was administered after symptoms had started to appear, indicating that early-stage intervention could potentially reverse some aspects of the disease.
Further investigations revealed that the repaired cilia helped restore the sonic hedgehog signalling pathway, which is essential for neuron protection and maintenance. In Parkinson's, reduced Shh signalling due to cilia loss contributes to further deterioration of neurons. Restoring this pathway through cilia regrowth suggests a dual benefit: halting ongoing degeneration and triggering repair mechanisms.
Although the research was conducted on genetically modified mice, the implications for human forms of Parkinson's could be significant. LRRK2 mutations account for a relatively small percentage of all Parkinson's cases, but the pathway affected by this mutation may play a broader role in other forms of the disease, including idiopathic Parkinson's with unknown genetic causes.
The MLi-2 compound itself is a highly selective, brain-penetrant molecule designed to inhibit LRRK2 activity without causing off-target effects. Previous efforts to target LRRK2 were hindered by concerns over safety and unintended consequences in other organs where the enzyme is also active. However, the current study found no major toxic effects over the duration of the experiment, opening the door for cautious optimism about its translational potential.
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Neuroscientists have long been searching for ways to go beyond dopamine replacement therapies, which offer temporary relief but do not prevent neuron loss. Deep brain stimulation and other invasive procedures are used in advanced cases but are not curative. A pharmacological approach that addresses root biological causes has remained elusive. The discovery that cellular antennae can regrow and restore critical signalling functions represents a conceptual leap in the field.
Experts have noted that early intervention will be key. While the drug showed promise after symptoms appeared, the degree of neuronal recovery is likely to depend on how much degeneration has already taken place. Identifying Parkinson's earlier in its course, perhaps through biomarker detection, may significantly enhance the efficacy of such treatments.
Further preclinical studies and safety evaluations are expected before MLi-2 or similar compounds move into human trials. Nonetheless, the research has sparked considerable interest among those exploring disease-modifying treatments. If replicated and expanded, the findings could contribute to a paradigm shift in the management of neurodegenerative conditions more broadly.
The concept of regrowing cilia to restore function in damaged neurons could also have implications for other central nervous system disorders involving disrupted cell signalling. Beyond Parkinson's, researchers are already examining cilia dysfunction in conditions such as Alzheimer's and Huntington's disease.
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Arabian Post
2 days ago
- Arabian Post
Parkinson's Study Revives Hopes of Neuronal Recovery
A targeted drug therapy has shown potential to reverse cellular damage in Parkinson's disease by regenerating critical brain structures and restoring neuron function, according to new findings from a leading neuroscience research team. Scientists at Stanford University have demonstrated that suppressing the hyperactivity of a specific enzyme, LRRK2, with a compound called MLi-2 can prompt substantial recovery of dopaminergic signalling in a genetically engineered mouse model of Parkinson's. The treatment not only halted further degeneration but appeared to reverse structural impairments in the affected brain cells, marking a significant shift in understanding how Parkinson's progression might be modified at a cellular level. Parkinson's, a neurodegenerative condition marked by tremors, rigidity, and impaired movement, is primarily caused by the death of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain's substantia nigra. For decades, treatments have largely focused on symptom management rather than tackling the root causes of cellular dysfunction. The Stanford findings now suggest that correcting underlying molecular defects could pave the way for regenerative strategies. ADVERTISEMENT The breakthrough centres on the LRRK2 enzyme, mutations in which are among the most common genetic causes of Parkinson's. Overactive LRRK2 has been linked to damage of cellular structures called primary cilia — antenna-like projections that play a vital role in neuron communication and survival. The research team found that neurons in the striatum of the brain — a key region involved in motor control — lacked these cilia in the Parkinson's model mice. Using the LRRK2-inhibiting compound MLi-2, the team observed a significant regeneration of these lost cilia after three months of treatment. Dopamine signals began to function normally again in many of the affected neurons. The mice showed molecular signs of cellular recovery, with restored receptor localisation and improved intercellular communication. Importantly, the drug was administered after symptoms had started to appear, indicating that early-stage intervention could potentially reverse some aspects of the disease. Further investigations revealed that the repaired cilia helped restore the sonic hedgehog signalling pathway, which is essential for neuron protection and maintenance. In Parkinson's, reduced Shh signalling due to cilia loss contributes to further deterioration of neurons. Restoring this pathway through cilia regrowth suggests a dual benefit: halting ongoing degeneration and triggering repair mechanisms. Although the research was conducted on genetically modified mice, the implications for human forms of Parkinson's could be significant. LRRK2 mutations account for a relatively small percentage of all Parkinson's cases, but the pathway affected by this mutation may play a broader role in other forms of the disease, including idiopathic Parkinson's with unknown genetic causes. The MLi-2 compound itself is a highly selective, brain-penetrant molecule designed to inhibit LRRK2 activity without causing off-target effects. Previous efforts to target LRRK2 were hindered by concerns over safety and unintended consequences in other organs where the enzyme is also active. However, the current study found no major toxic effects over the duration of the experiment, opening the door for cautious optimism about its translational potential. ADVERTISEMENT Neuroscientists have long been searching for ways to go beyond dopamine replacement therapies, which offer temporary relief but do not prevent neuron loss. Deep brain stimulation and other invasive procedures are used in advanced cases but are not curative. A pharmacological approach that addresses root biological causes has remained elusive. The discovery that cellular antennae can regrow and restore critical signalling functions represents a conceptual leap in the field. Experts have noted that early intervention will be key. While the drug showed promise after symptoms appeared, the degree of neuronal recovery is likely to depend on how much degeneration has already taken place. Identifying Parkinson's earlier in its course, perhaps through biomarker detection, may significantly enhance the efficacy of such treatments. Further preclinical studies and safety evaluations are expected before MLi-2 or similar compounds move into human trials. Nonetheless, the research has sparked considerable interest among those exploring disease-modifying treatments. If replicated and expanded, the findings could contribute to a paradigm shift in the management of neurodegenerative conditions more broadly. The concept of regrowing cilia to restore function in damaged neurons could also have implications for other central nervous system disorders involving disrupted cell signalling. Beyond Parkinson's, researchers are already examining cilia dysfunction in conditions such as Alzheimer's and Huntington's disease.
Gulf Today
27-06-2025
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Farewell to the US as the world's top science nation
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Arabian Business
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Top Arab universities 2026 revealed: Education institutions in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Oman climb QS rankings
The best universities in the world have been named in a prestigious academic ranking, with a Saudi institution taking the top spot in the Arab region. QS Quacquarelli Symonds released its highly respected rankings of global universities on Thursday and institutions in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman and around the Arab world saw progress. In global rankings, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) retained the top position for the 14th consecutive year, followed by Imperial College London and Stanford University. Best Arab universities revealed Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) was ranked as the best Arab university and achieved a new global milestone by entering the list of the world's top 100 universities, ranking 67th. This advancement is a direct result of the university's strategic transformation launched in 2020, during which it climbed from 200th to 67th place in just five years. The new QS rankings evaluated more than 8,467 universities from across 106 locations and the 2026 QS World University Rankings featured 107 universities from the Arab Region—25 more than last year. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) leads the Arab region, rising to 67th globally—the first Arab institution ever to enter the top 100. Qatar University climbs to 112th, and King Saud University advances to 143rd, reinforcing the region's growing influence on the global higher education stage. The QS methodology evaluates universities based on key indicators, including academic reputation (assessed through expert surveys on teaching and research quality), employer reputation (measuring graduate employability), and faculty-to-student ratios (reflecting educational quality). Research impact is gauged through citation metrics, while international faculty and student ratios demonstrate institutional diversity and global appeal. Additional metrics encompass sustainability performance, contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), graduate employment outcomes, and international research collaboration networks. Top Arab Institutions in QS World University Rankings 2026 KFUPM in Saudi Arabia is now ranked 67 in the world Qatar University in Qatar is now ranked 112 in the world King Saud University in Saudi Arabia is now ranked 143 in the world King Abdul Aziz University in Saudi Arabia is now ranked 163 in the world Khalifa University in UAE is now ranked 177 in the world United Arab Emirates University in UAE is now ranked 229 in the world American University of Beirut in Lebanon is now ranked 237 in the world Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar is now ranked 244 in the world American University of Sharjah in UAE is now ranked 272 in the world University of Jordan in Jordan is now ranked 324 in the world University of Sharjah in UAE is now ranked 328 in the world Sultan Qaboos University in Oman is now ranked 334 in the world Cairo University in Egypt is now ranked 337 in the world The American University in Cairo in Egypt is now ranked 381 in the world Abu Dhabi University in UAE is now ranked 391 in the world In total, 42 percent of ranked Arab universities improved their position, 32 per cent remained stable, and 26 percent declined. Eleven institutions appear in the rankings for the first time—six from Jordan, five from Iraq, and three each from Lebanon and Oman. Saudi Arabia adds two new entrants, and Palestine sees one institution ranked for the first time. The UAE sees seven of its 12 universities rise in rank, with Khalifa University entering the top 200. Egypt added five new entries, while Cairo University climbed to 347th. Jordan and Iraq are among the top contributors of new ranked universities worldwide. Ben Sowter, QS Senior Vice President, said:'Only nine countries added five or more universities to the rankings this year—and three of them are in the Arab region. This reflects a rapidly evolving ecosystem.' Governments in the region are increasingly linking higher education performance to national goals. Saudi Arabia aims for five universities in the top 200 by 2030. The UAE aligns rankings with its Higher Education Strategy 2030, and Egypt incorporates education as a central element of its Vision 2030. As global competition intensifies QS underscores the importance of international visibility, research collaboration, and graduate outcomes for maintaining momentum. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals is now listed as the first ever Arab university to enter the global top 100. Last year, the university ranked 101st, underscoring the remarkable progress made in just one year. University President Dr. Muhammad Al Saggaf noted that KFUPM's entry into the global top 100 reflects the university's bold vision and the tremendous support it receives from the Kingdom's leadership. He described this as a pivotal moment in the university's journey toward global prominence, with even greater aspirations ahead. KFUPM's comprehensive transformation has spanned across academic, research, and administrative domains. Nearly 100 new programs have been launched, including innovative undergraduate and graduate offerings. The university also introduced the region's first entrepreneurship program, granting students and researchers full ownership of their startups—a move that reflects a modern, innovation-driven academic culture focused on economic empowerment. Khalifa University of Science and Technology is the highest ranked university in the UAE, jumping 25 places to be ranked 177th globally. For eight consecutive years, Khalifa University has remained the top institution in the UAE, reinforcing its status as a national leader in higher education and research. In the 2026 edition, the university leads across several key indicators, including 11th in the world for 'International Faculty,' top in the UAE for 'Citations per Faculty' and 'Faculty Student Ratio', affirming its leadership in attracting global talent and producing high-impact scientific research. Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President, Khalifa University, said: 'As global academic and research landscape evolves, our consistent climb to reach the top 200 in the 2026 QS World University Rankings reinforces Khalifa University's status as a driving force in science and technology, particularly among researchers and students seeking world-class opportunities closer to home. The 177th rank remains a testament to our faculty and students whose work continues to make a positive impact, while highlighting our global growing presence. Through our diverse academic community and our expanding international and regional industry collaborations, we are consistently contributing to meeting UAE's ambitions in knowledge economy leadership.' The 2026 QS World University Rankings recognised five Omani higher education institutions, including Sultan Qaboos University, University of Nizwa, Dhofar University, Sohar University, and the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech). Sultan Qaboos University achieved significant progress, climbing 28 spots to secure the 334th position globally. This performance reflects the steady advancement of Oman's academic and research infrastructure, as reported by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), the UK-based global higher education analyst, on its official 2026 rankings website. QS World University Rankings 2026 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States Imperial College London, United Kingdom Stanford University, United States University of Oxford, United Kingdom Harvard University, United States University of Cambridge, United Kingdom ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology), Switzerland National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore UCL (University College London), United Kingdom California Institute of Technology (Caltech), United States
