Study identifies gene for Parkinson’s disease treatment breakthrough

Wu Kaimin, a researcher from Fudan University, has made significant progress in Parkinson's disease treatment. Her study, published in February 2025, focuses on a gene called FAM171A2. This gene may lead to new therapies that could change the way doctors approach the disease. Wu started her research with little knowledge about what FAM171A2 did. After four grueling years of work, she discovered that this gene could be a crucial target for treating Parkinson's. The number of people living with Parkinson's is rising, with projections suggesting 13 million cases by 2040, especially in China. Parkinson's is a progressive condition that leads to motor impairments and has no known cure. Current treatments only manage symptoms and do not slow the disease. Wu's research has identified a way to block the spread of a harmful protein linked to Parkinson's, called alpha-synuclein. Wu described her research journey as "searching for a needle in a haystack." Identifying effective therapeutic targets has been difficult, but her findings enhance understanding of Parkinson's mechanisms. Her team found a drug candidate called Bemcentinib, which might prevent alpha-synuclein from entering brain cells. Despite doing groundbreaking work, Wu acknowledges the challenges ahead. Drug development is long and uncertain, and there are concerns about the safety and effectiveness of new drug candidates. She is focused on understanding how FAM171A2 works in the brain before proceeding to animal testing and human trials. Wu is hopeful for the future but remains cautious about the excitement surrounding her findings. More research is needed to confirm the potential of FAM171A2 in treating Parkinson's and possibly other neurodegenerative diseases.