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Neurons inflict self-harm

In several neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson disease, specific neurons are vulnerable to death whereas others are spared. It now appears that the neurotransmitter dopamine may damage parkin, a neuroprotective protein, in susceptible neurons and contribute to their demise (pages 1214–1221).

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Figure 1: Dopamine, parkin and selective neuron vulnerability.

Katie Ris

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Cookson, M. Neurons inflict self-harm. Nat Med 11, 1159–1161 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/nm1105-1159

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