Scientists exploring use of peptides to treat Parkinson's

Australian scientists are exploring the use of peptides, which are said to help human cells to repair and regenerate, to treat Parkinson's disease.
Deakin University researcher Richard Williams said the use of peptides could be used to effectively build a new brain.
Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the brain that leads to shaking (tremors) and difficulty with walking, movement, and coordination.
Williams is working with a team of researchers from Australian National University and Florey Neuroscience Institute, according to AAP report.
He said the team had already created a tissue structure needed for cells to grow.
The project aims to combine this tissue with a patient's own stem cells to regenerate dopamine cells.

"We expect that when implanted the material and stem cells would be accepted by the brain as normal tissue and grow to replace the damaged or dead cells," Williams said.
Williams said the creation of the tissue structure also had the potential to treat parts of the body which struggle to repair themselves, such as cartilage, muscle and heart cells, bones and teeth.
"Ultimately, it will be like taking your car to the garage to have new parts fitted to replace the worn-out ones," he said.