About: The department of Pharmaceutical Gene Modulation (PGM) is focused on the development of drugs for the therapeutic manipulation of gene activity. Genetic medicines and delivery forms are being developed for the specific and efficient treatment of different diseases. Currently, the research is focused on cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Achievements: Patients with Parkinson’s disease are treated with levodopa, which is converted into dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain. In a study published on 18 January in the journal Nature Communications, scientists from the University of Groningen show that gut bacteria can metabolize levodopa into dopamine. As dopamine cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, this makes the medication less effective – even in the presence of inhibitors that should prevent the conversion of levodopa.
Address: Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy
Dept. of Pharmaceutical Gene Modulation
P.O. Box 196
9700 AD Groningen
The Netherlands
Phone: + 31-50-3637866
Web Site: https://www.rug.nl
