Ceramide accumulation induces mitophagy and impairs β-oxidation in PINK1 deficiency

What is it about?

Parkinson's disease is a disease that affects the brain and progressively degrades neurons. We used a genetic fruit fly model to unravel the underlying mechanisms of the disease. In our studies, we have found that a specific fat, ceramide plays a crucial role in the development of the disease in an attempt to overcome specific drawbacks as a feedback mechanism, but simultaneously worsening the disease phenotypes.

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Why is it important?

We have identified a novel player in genetic forms of Parkinson's disease that is called ceramide. Ceramide is accumulating to enter a vicious and progressive cycle. Interruption of this cycle by lowering ceramide levels could provide a novel therapy for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.