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Project To Map The Pathways Of Parkinson’s
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) has awarded a grant to Thomson Reuters to create and publish the world’s most comprehensive source of biological maps for Parkinson’s disease (PD).
The project aims to identify possible causes of Parkinson’s disease by mapping biological mutations of the Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) protein, the most common genetic contributor to the disease discovered to date. The maps trace the disease’s biological pathways to pinpoint relevant biomarkers, which are biological molecules that signal an abnormal process or disease. They also support the drug discovery process for treating PD.
"Researching the LRRK2 protein is a top priority for our foundation," said Brian Fiske, Ph.D., director of research programs at MJFF. "We are committed to providing valuable tools, such as those from Thomson Reuters, for the research community to visually depict LRRK2 research data in useful and comprehensible formats."
Thomson Reuters creates biological maps using the highest quality scientific literature data that is manually annotated using the business’s proprietary curation methods. The data selected for the maps is evaluated based on select criteria to ensure exceptional depth, breadth and quality of information for the researchers using it. “The pathway maps and unique content Thomson Reuters is developing for the MJFF project are especially valuable in shedding light on Parkinson’s disease and its cause,” said Jon Brett-Harris, executive vice president, Life Sciences, Thomson Reuters. "The maps will provide PD researchers with a resource to reveal the mechanisms behind the disease and further extend the drug discovery process. We are honored to have the opportunity to work with the MJFF on this critical program."
About The Michael J. Fox Foundation
As the world’s largest private funder of Parkinson’s research, The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to accelerating a cure for Parkinson’s disease and improved therapies for those living with the condition today. The Foundation pursues its goals through an aggressively funded, highly targeted research program coupled with active global engagement of scientists, Parkinson’s patients, business leaders, clinical trial participants, donors and volunteers.
In addition to funding more than $270 million in research to date, the Foundation has fundamentally altered the trajectory of progress toward a cure. Operating at the hub of worldwide Parkinson’s research, the Foundation forges groundbreaking collaborations with industry leaders, academic scientists and government research funders; increases the flow of participants into Parkinson’s disease clinical trials with its online tool, Fox Trial Finder; promotes Parkinson’s awareness through high-profile advocacy, events and outreach; and coordinates the grassroots involvement of thousands of Team Fox members around the world.
Related Information
Now through December 31, 2012, all new and increased giving to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, as well as gifts from donors who have not given since 2009 or earlier, will be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis with the $50-million Brin Wojcicki Challenge, launched by Sergey Brin and Anne Wojcicki.
Learn more about The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
Learn more about pathway analysis tools at Thomson Reuters,
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