![](http://parkinsons.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/protein-discovery-linked-to-parkinsons-disease-opens-future-research-areas.jpg)
Researchers at WEHI in collaboration with a team at the University of Vienna have discovered two proteins that act as regulators for mitophagy.
Mitophagy is the process cells use to recycle damaged mitochondria, the source of cell energy, and dysfunction of this process has been linked to Parkinson’s disease.
The discovery, co-led by Associate Professor Michael Lazarou at WEHI and Professor Sascha Martens at the University of Vienna, opens a new avenue for researchers to boost mitophagy activity, to promote mitochondrial and neuronal health.