Researchers probe roles of 204 copper- and 441 iron-associated proteins in different brain disorders

Chandigarh, March 29, 2019: Dr.Ashok Kumar, Center for System biology & Bioinformatics, Panjab University, Chandigarh and his team along with Scientists from All India Institute of Medical Science in Jodhpur have studied the roles of proteins involved in copper and iron metabolism. Dr Ashok group conducted research work using Cytoscape, a software tool widely used for studying biomedical networks of protein-protein, gene-gene and other types of interactions, they probed the roles of 204 copper- and 441 iron-associated proteins in different brain disorders.
The researchers narrowed their search to three proteins osteonectin, coagulation factor V and VII that are known to have roles in copper and iron metabolism which have direct impact on Alzheimers, Parkinsons and Huntingtons, schizophrenia febrile seizures and Brunner Syndrome and congenital hydrocephalus (build-up of excess fluid in the brain of newborns). This study will help in addressing the issue of limited success of clinical trials targeting copper and iron in various neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimers and Parkinsons disease, informed Dr Ashok.
Researchers have linked specific proteins involved in copper and iron metabolism to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease1. This finding could help design novel therapies for such brain disorders.
Recent studies had shown that alterations of copper and iron levels in the brain could cause brain disorders. In contrast, some studies have detected normal levels of copper and iron in the brains of patients afflicted with nerve diseases.
BRIEF
PU Results
Chandigarh: Panjab University, Chandigarh has declared result of the following examinations:
1. M.Sc (Maths) Ist Semester,Dec-18
2. BE(ECE)Ist Semester,Dec-18
3. M.Com (Business Economics)3rd Semester,Dec-18
4. B.Sc(Hons) Bio-Chemistry 5th ,Dec-18
5. Master in Fashion and Lifestyle Tech.,Ist & 3rd Semester,Dec-18
6. P.G.Diploma in Personnel Mgt.,& Labour Welfare Ist Semester,Dec-18
7. MA-Psychology Ist Semester,Dec-18
8. BA/B.Com LLB(Hons) 7th Semester,Dec-18
9. BA-Ist Semester,Dec-18
10. M.Sc (TYC)Chemistry Ist Semester,Dec-18
The students are advised to see their results in their respective Departments/ Colleges/ University website, says the University press release today.