Foldable synthetic molecules could infiltrate and bust apart the toxic protein clumps causing Parkinson’s
Researchers have developed synthetic molecules called 'foldamers' that can target and break down toxic protein clumps associated with Parkinson's disease. The molecule SK-129 shows promise in preventing these proteins from clumping in mice, offering a potential new therapeutic pathway.
Why it matters
This research addresses a major hurdle in neurodegenerative disease treatment by targeting proteins previously considered 'undruggable'.
Toxic clumps of abnormal proteins damage neurons and cause dementia. Juan Gaertner/Science Photo Library via Getty Images Foldable synthetic molecules could infiltrate and bust apart the toxic protein clumps causing Parkinson’s Published: July 31, 2026 8:09am EDT https://theconversation.com/foldable-synthetic-molecules-could-infiltrate-and-bust-apart-the-toxic-protein-clumps-causing-parkinsons-281842 https://theconversation.com/foldable-synthetic-molecules-could-infiltrate-and-bust-apart-the-toxic-protein-clumps-causing-parkinsons-281842 Link copied Share article Share article
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Current therapies for Parkinson’s disease and related conditions primarily treat symptoms but don’t stop the underlying process causing the disease.
Increasing evidence suggests that toxic clumps of proteins called alpha-synuclein are among the primary drivers of damage to neurons. My team and I developed a synthetic molecule that can block these proteins from clumping and spreading in the brains of mice, ultimately reducing symptoms of disease.
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