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Yale Finds mGluR4-NPDC1 Pathway Drives Parkinson Protein Spread

5/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Yale researchers identified membrane proteins mGluR4 and NPDC1 as mediators of misfolded ?-synuclein transport into neurons.
A screen of 4,400 cell groups revealed 16 surface proteins that bind misfolded ?-synuclein.
Mice lacking functional mGluR4 or NPDC1 accumulated less ?-synuclein and displayed fewer Parkinson-like symptoms.
The authors propose that targeting the mGluR4-NPDC1 pathway could yield therapies to slow or halt disease progression.

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Story summary

Yale researchers identified membrane proteins mGluR4 and NPDC1 as mediators of misfolded ?-synuclein transport into neurons.
A screen of 4,400 cell groups revealed 16 surface proteins that bind misfolded ?-synuclein.
Mice lacking functional mGluR4 or NPDC1 accumulated less ?-synuclein and displayed fewer Parkinson-like symptoms.
The authors propose that targeting the mGluR4-NPDC1 pathway could yield therapies to slow or halt disease progression.