Central OC Times

A team of researchers from the University of California, Irvine has discovered a new role for ophthalmic acid in motor function control. This molecule, found in the brain, acts similarly to dopamine and offers a potential new therapeutic target for Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders.

The study, published in the October issue of the journal Brain, reveals that ophthalmic acid binds to calcium-sensing receptors in the brain. This interaction reverses movement impairments in Parkinson's mouse models for over 20 hours. Parkinson's disease affects millions globally, with symptoms like tremors and lack of movement caused by decreasing dopamine levels as neurons die. The standard treatment, L-dopa, replaces lost dopamine but only lasts two to three hours and can lead to dyskinesia with long-term use.

Co-corresponding author Amal Alachkar from UC Irvine stated: "Our findings present a groundbreaking discovery that possibly opens a new door in neuroscience by challenging the more-than-60-year-old view that dopamine is the exclusive neurotransmitter in motor function control." She added that ophthalmic acid not only enabled movement but also outperformed L-dopa in sustaining positive effects.

Alachkar began exploring motor function beyond dopamine over two decades ago when she noticed robust motor activity without it in Parkinson’s mouse models. Through extensive research, her team identified ophthalmic acid as an alternative neurotransmitter after analyzing hundreds of brain molecules.

“One of the critical hurdles in Parkinson’s treatment is the inability of neurotransmitters to cross the blood-brain barrier," Alachkar explained. "We are now developing products that either release ophthalmic acid in the brain or enhance its synthesis."

The research team included doctoral student Sammy Alhassen, lab specialist Derk Hogenkamp, project scientist Hung Anh Nguyen, doctoral student Saeed Al Masri, co-corresponding author Olivier Civelli from UC Irvine's School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Geoffrey Abbott from UC Irvine's School of Medicine.

The study received support from a grant by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke under award number NS107671 and contributions from Eric L. and Lila D. Nelson Chair in Neuropharmacology.

Alachkar and Civelli have filed a provisional patent related to products involving ophthalmate and calcium-sensing receptors for motor function.

UC Irvine continues its Brilliant Future campaign aimed at raising awareness and support through engaging alumni and securing philanthropic investments to enhance student success, health research, among other goals.

For further information about UC Irvine or this study visit their website or contact their media resources department.