Study first to demonstrate role of parkin gene in eye lens free radical formation and cell survival
Tuesday, December 13, 2016 - 15:31
in Biology & Nature
A new study is the first to show that the Parkin gene is turned on when cells are exposed to environmental insults that cause free radical formation and cataract formation. Researchers have discovered that through the removal of mitochondria that are damaged by these environmental insults, Parkin prevents free radical formation in lens cells and increases the ability of the cells to survive exposure to conditions that are associated with aging and the development of many degenerative diseases.