Discovery reveals protein involved in Parkinson’s disease also drives skin cancer
Source: OHSU News, April 2025
A small protein involved in neurodegeneration leading to Parkinson’s disease also drives a type of skin cancer known as melanoma, new research led by Oregon Health & Science University finds.
The study, published today in the journal Science Advances, suggests new avenues for drug development to reduce the risk of developing both Parkinson’s and skin cancer by targeting the function of the alpha-synuclein protein, which appears to have a critical role in regulating cellular functions.
“Developing drugs that target alpha-synuclein may be useful in both diseases,” said senior author Vivek Unni, M.D., Ph.D., an associate professor of neurology in the OHSU School of Medicine.