Orchestrating pathogenesis: copper ions as the conductor of molecular dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease and therapeutic avenues
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and the abnormal aggregation of α-synuclein (α-Syn) into Lewy bodies. While these pathological features arise from genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, and age-related cellular deteriorations, the precise interactions among these factors remain incompletely understood. Mounting evidence implicates that copper ions are playing a critical role in PD pathogenesis, particularly in regulating dopaminergic neuron survival and the aggregation dynamics of α-Syn.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Parkinson's Disease Mechanisms and Treatments
Trace Elements in Health
Neurological disorders and treatments
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Reviews in the Neurosciences
- Publisher
- Walter de Gruyter GmbH
- Volume
- 37
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 409–421
- Publication date
- 3 March 2026
- Language
- EN