A brain with illuminated areas next to a white mouse held by a blue-gloved hand — Scientists manage to reverse Parkinson's in mice, opening up hope for humans | La Derecha Diario

Camara — Scientists manage to reverse Parkinson's in mice, opening up hope for humans | La Derecha Diario

An experimental therapy reversed Parkinson's in laboratory mice

An experimental therapy managed to reverse Parkinson's symptoms in mice and offers hope for treating it in humans

11/07/2025 12:03:00h

Editorial Team

Two new experimental studies show encouraging results in the fight against Parkinson's. Tests in mice managed to reverse motor symptoms and restore key neuronal functions.

Although a definitive cure is still a long way off, researchers believe these therapies could be part of a combined approach to treat the disease in humans.

White laboratory mouse with red eyes held by a gloved hand

Tests in mice managed to reverse motor symptoms | La Derecha Diario

Parkinson's is advancing worldwide: why a solution is urgently needed

Parkinson's cases have doubled in the last 25 years. It affects nearly 10 million people and represents a high cost for health systems.

This neurodegenerative disease destroys the cells that produce dopamine, which causes tremors, muscle stiffness, and balance problems.

A key discovery in the role of the SOD1 protein

Kay Double's team from the University of Sydney discovered in 2017 an abnormal form of the SOD1 protein in patients with Parkinson's.

Aerial view of a historic stone building with a large central lawn courtyard surrounded by paths and people walking

University of Sydney | La Derecha Diario

This protein should act as an antioxidant, but in these cases it accumulates and damages neurons instead of protecting them.

Copper to restore brain function

The researchers tested a drug called CuATSM, designed to deliver copper directly to the brain, which is essential for SOD1 function.

Hands of an elderly person resting one on top of the other

The researchers tested a drug called CuATSM | La Derecha Diario

First, they determined the ideal dose in healthy mice, and then applied it to genetically modified mice to develop symptoms similar to Parkinson's.

Positive results in treated mice

The treated animals maintained their motor skills intact, while those that received a placebo worsened.

The treatment preserved dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, an essential region for movement and coordination.

White mouse inside a glass capsule held by hands wearing blue gloves

The treated animals maintained their motor skills intact | La Derecha Diario

"All the treated mice showed remarkable improvement in their motor skills. It exceeded our expectations," Double said.

A second path: reactivating neuronal communication

Another study, from Stanford University, focused on a genetic variant of Parkinson's related to the LRRK2 gene.

Panoramic view of the Stanford University campus with green gardens, red-roofed buildings, and hills in the background

Stanford University | La Derecha Diario

This mutation alters cellular activity and signaling between neurons, affecting the connection with the striatum, a key area of the brain.

Inhibiting the enzyme to repair neurons

Using the compound MLi-2, they inhibited the excessive activity of LRRK2 in mice and managed to regenerate the cellular structures responsible for communication between cells.

After three months, the cells recovered their primary cilia, and the connection between dopaminergic neurons and the striatum was restored.

Illustration of several neurons connected to each other in blue and red colors on a dark background

Using the compound MLi-2, they inhibited the excessive activity of LRRK2 in mice | La Derecha Diario

What do these results imply?

The recovery of these connections allowed the brain to produce neuroprotective factors at normal levels again.

Markers of dopaminergic nerve endings also doubled, suggesting active neuronal regeneration.

"We didn't just stabilize the disease, we also improved the overall condition. The therapeutic potential is enormous," said Suzanne Pfeffer, who led the study.

➡️ Argentina