Effect of siRNA-induced silencing of cellular prion protein on tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the substantia nigra of a rat model of Parkinson’s disease
“Effect of siRNA-induced silencing of cellular prion protein on tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the substantia nigra of a rat model of Parkinson’s disease”, vol. 15, p. -, 2016.
, The most significant pathological feature of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra. Currently, available treatments for PD cannot prevent the loss of DA neurons. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expressed in substantia nigra neurons catalyzes the conversion of tyrosine to L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA), which is the rate-limiting step of DA biosynthesis. Major reasons for PD occurrence include decreased TH activity in the substantia nigra and secondary DA suppression.