• Experts believe several factors contribute to the development of Parkinson’s disease. Some studies suggest one factor may be the formation of Lewy bodies in the brain, created by clusters of a protein called alpha-synuclein.
• Previous research has shown that zinc may increase alpha-synuclein accumulation. Still, the mechanisms behind this process are not well understood.
• A new study conducted under biologically relevant conditions has found that zinc may have an unexpected role in preventing the accumulation of alpha-synuclein by enhancing a transport protein called albumin to inhibit clustering.
• The research underscores the need to study biological pathways under conditions that mimic natural organisms.

By Kimberly Drake on October 21, 2022

Fact checked by Harriet Pike, Ph.D

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