pj PD: GUCY2C protein prevents the development of Parkinson's disease

Scientists from Thomas Jefferson University (USA) have found that an intestinal receptor protein called GUCY2C may prevent the development of Parkinson's disease by protecting the brain from damage. The findings are published in npj Parkinson's Disease (npj PD).

Scientists explained that Parkinson's disease is accompanied by muscle stiffness and tremors due to the loss of the chemical dopamine in the brain. One of the causes of this disease is exposure to certain toxins such as pesticides.
In the new study, scientists focused on studying the protein GUCY2C, which regulates the secretion of water and salts in the gut. GUCY2C is also produced in the brain. Elimination of this protein in gut cells has previously been found to increase the activity of genes that provoke Parkinson's disease. The researchers set out to find out what effect the suppression of GUCY2C in the brain would have on the body.

The scientists completely removed GUCY2C from the brain cells of laboratory mice and exposed them to toxins. The results showed that rodents and artificially reduced expression of GUCY2C had more brain cell damage compared to mice with normal levels of this protein. Animals without GUCY2C were also more susceptible to toxins.

They also found that GUCY2C levels naturally increased when exposed to a threat (toxin). According to the scientists, this self-regulation indicates the protein's ability to provide protection for neurons. Additional studies showed that people with Parkinson's disease also had elevated concentrations of GUCY2C in their bodies.

The scientists noted that targeting GUCY2C could be a promising way to treat Parkinson's disease. More detailed studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms of how this protein functions.

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