Doha: Important research into Parkinson’s disease being led by Dr Omar El Agnaf, Professor of Life Science at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), has been awarded a research grant from the New York-based Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF).
Dr El Agnaf will use biological samples and data from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), an MJFF-sponsored study that collects specimens from Parkinson’s patients and control volunteers to learn more about the disease.
The HBKU study, carried out within purpose-built laboratories at the university in Qatar, will use spinal fluid samples from about 400 PPMI participants newly diagnosed with the disease and 200 control volunteers.
Funding for the one-year project will support extensive investigation that will build on Dr El Agnaf’s previous research into the behaviour of a protein that was found to accumulate in a specific part of the brain in people with the disease.
Detailed analysis of the PPMI samples being carried out at HBKU will look at the presence of the protein in cerebrospinal fluid as a marker to not only confirm diagnosis of the disease, but also track its progression and help in the search for more effective treatments for the disease.
Around five million people are believed to be living with the disease worldwide, with no proven cure.
A neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system, the disease affects the body’s motor system and causes the death of dopamine-generating cells in a region of the mid-brain.
It is most common in adults over 60 and symptoms include tremor, rigidity, slowness, and dementia and depression in more advanced stages.
Dr El Agnaf is considered a pioneer in the field of the disease and related disorders, with his discoveries known for providing incredible insight into the molecular pathogenesis of the disease.
Shortly after completing his PhD in biochemistry at Queen’s University in Belfast, he was awarded a research fellowship from the UK-based Parkinson’s Disease Society.
Moving to the Gulf in 2004, Dr El Agnaf continued research and joined HBKU in 2014.
Dr El Agnaf said: “As scientists who have been working on Parkinson’s for many years, my team is honoured to receive the grant from MJFF and is very excited to be allowed access to PPMI’s precious samples.
“All members of our research team are based in Qatar and all lab work will be conducted locally.
“At the culmination of our research, we plan to publish a report, which will be accessible to the Parkinson’s disease research community and the public at large.”
Founded by actor Michael J Fox, MJFF has been noted by the New York Times as “the most credible voice on Parkinson’s research in the world”.
The foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for the disease through an aggressively funded research agenda and the development of improved therapies for those living with the disease.
“As therapies that may slow or stop Parkinson’s progression move closer to clinic, so grows the urgent need for measures of disease for early diagnosis and faster testing of potential treatments,” said Dr Katie Kopil, Senior Associate Director, Research Programmes, MJFF.
“Dr El Agnaf’s research shows promise towards the goal of a biological marker of Parkinson’s disease and we hope his analysis of PPMI samples will lead to greater insights.”
Dr Khaled Ben Letaief, Provost, HBKU, said: “One of HBKU’s main objectives is to produce globally recognised research impacting the development of the region.
“Research projects such as Dr El Agnaf’s place Qatar and HBKU on the map as an institution dedicated to conducting cutting-edge research, offering scholars access to leading scientists and incredible facilities and laboratories.
“I congratulate Dr El Agnaf and his team on receiving this recognition from an international foundation and look forward to following their progress.”
The Peninsula
