Biotech Researchers Publish Parkinson’s Gene Silencing Data

(Courtesy, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals)

Researchers from Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc. in Cambridge, Massachusetts, collaborating with colleagues at research institutes, reported effective silencing of a gene associated with Parkinson’s Disease. The pre-clinical findings were published 11 August in the journal Public Library of Science (PLoS).

The researchers silenced the alpha-synuclein gene using an RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutic administered directly to the substantia nigra — part of the brain stem — of monkeys. The accumulation of excess alpha-synuclein protein in the substantia nigra has been associated with the cause or progression of Parkinson’s Disease.

David Bumcrot, Director, Research at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals was one of six members of the research team, led by Alison McCormack of the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Bonn and SRI International, Menlo Park, California. The research was funded by a Linked Efforts to Accelerate Parkinson’s Solutions (LEAPS) award from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.