Therapeutic Horizons for Parkinson's Disease: Current Relevance of PNA5 in Memory and Cognition.

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized primarily by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the pathological aggregation of α-synuclein. While some genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of PD, emerging evidence suggests that specific proteins and molecules may have the potential to slow down, reverse, or mitigate the progression of the disease. Recently, the neuroprotective potential of peptide nucleic acid 5 (PNA5) has garnered attention for its ability to restore cognitive functions in PD. PNA5 is an angiotensin (1-7) agonist peptide molecule that targets α-synuclein mRNA to inhibit its translation and aggregation. Key areas explored include the role of PNA5 in reducing toxic α-synuclein oligomers and fibrils, modulating neuroinflammation, preserving mitochondrial function, and harnessing molecular chaperones and angiotensin-MAS receptor signalling pathways for cellular homeostasis. This review emphasizes the significance of PNA5 in addressing the unmet needs of PD treatment, particularly in the areas of memory and cognition. By targeting the molecular basis of cognitive decline, PNA5 represents a transformative candidate for disease-modifying therapy that could revolutionize approaches to treating neurodegenerative disorders. Future studies should concentrate on establishing delivery methods, evaluating long-term efficacy, and addressing safety concerns.