Shared Protein Link Found Between Parkinson’s and Cancer

**Study Identifies Shared Protein Role in Parkinson’s Disease and Melanoma**

A recent study has identified alpha-synuclein, a protein commonly associated with Parkinson’s disease, as playing a role in the development of melanoma. Researchers found that while excess alpha-synuclein in neurons leads to cell death, its presence in melanoma cells promotes uncontrolled growth by facilitating DNA repair and cell proliferation.

The study highlights contrasting effects of alpha-synuclein depending on the cellular environment. In neurons, an overabundance of this protein triggers cell death, contributing to the progression of Parkinson’s disease. However, in melanoma cells, alpha-synuclein recruits repair proteins to sites of DNA damage, enabling excessive DNA repair and fostering unchecked cell division. This dual behavior underscores the complex biological functions of alpha-synuclein and its potential involvement in both neurodegenerative disorders and cancer.

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Author

Mark Chiang

紐約 NYU Computer Science 碩士 紐澤西 UMDNJ Biomedical Informatics 博士 中研院博士後 台灣大學博士後