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New disease could signal hope for sufferers of brain aging conditions

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A new genetic disease which results in neurodegeneration has been discovered by experts at the University of Sussex.


In the study published in the journal Nature, the team from the University of Sussex's Genome Damage and Stability Centre (GDSC) reveal they have discovered the disease, ataxia oculomotor apraxia type XRCC1, which is caused by a genetic mutation that disrupts the repair of our DNA.


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The team discovered that when single strands of our DNA are damaged, a genetic mutation in a gene called XRCC1 causes a vital DNA-repairing enzyme (known as PARP1) in our bodies to over-activate. In people suffering from the new disease the scientists discovered the speeding up of this key enzyme actually triggers the death of brain cells.


Learn More: Genetic brain disorder in humans discovered


Single strand breaks are one of the most common types of DNA damage and the researchers believe it's possible the discovery of this new genetic disease could be important for scientists researching other rare DNA repair related diseases. The team also believe the findings could eventually prove significant for researchers looking into more common neurodegenerative and brain ageing conditions, such as Alzheimer's, Huntington's and Parkinson's.


Professor Keith Caldecott, who led on the study, said: "Discovering this new disease and its cause is a huge step towards developing drug-based therapies for other rare neurodegenerative conditions.


"Drugs which target this key DNA repairing enzyme in the right way, could prove vital for treating people suffering from diseases caused by the over-activation of this protein—it is now crucial we determine what diseases these are.


Read Next: Researchers identify a novel disease gene causing neurodegenerative disorders


"More research needs to be done, but it's also possible the cause of this newly discovered condition could contribute to the death of nerve cells in people suffering from diseases such as, Alzheimer's, Huntington's and Parkinson's."


Note: Material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.


University of Sussex   press release


Publication

Hoch NC et al. XRCC1 mutation is associated with PARP1 hyperactivation and cerebellar ataxia.  Nature, Published Online December 21 2016. doi: 10.1038/nature20790