INCREASED FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY AND/OR EXPRESSION OF ABC TRANSPORTERS PROTECTS AGAINST THE LOSS OF DOPAMINE NEURONS ASSOCIATED WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE

摘要

Methods and compositions are provided for reducing the level of a catecholamine, in particular dopamine, and conjugates thereof, thus reducing catecholaminergic cell toxicity, by increasing a functional activity or increasing expression of ABC transporter polypeptides. ABC transporters serve to extrude dopamine and dopamine conjugates out of the neuron, thus preventing or reducing dopamine-associated toxicity, including cell death. Agents that increase a level of expression, or increase a functional activity, or increase both, of the ABC transporters find utility in preventing or alleviating Parkinson's disease.