Scientific Research Team Wins 2025 Eureka Prize for Parkinson's Disease Protein Discovery
A research team led by Dr. Sylvie Calligari has achieved a significant breakthrough in Parkinson's disease research by determining the three-dimensional structure of the PINK1 protein, which is associated with early-onset forms of the condition. The team, based at WEHI's Parkinson's Disease Research Centre in Melbourne, utilized cryo-electron microscopy to visualize how PINK1 attaches to damaged mitochondria. This discovery provides a detailed map that could guide the development of new therapeutic drugs aimed at slowing or halting disease progression. The research was recognized with the 2025 UNSW Eureka Prize for Scientific Research, supported by philanthropic funding including the Hugh Christopher Middendorp Testamentary Trust. The team now plans to expand their efforts into drug discovery campaigns.
Key facts
- The PINK1 Parkinson's Disease Research Team visualized the 3D structure of human PINK1 protein for the first time.
- The discovery could lead to new treatments for early-onset Parkinson's disease by enabling targeted drug design.
- The research won the 2025 UNSW Eureka Prize for Scientific Research.
- The work was conducted at WEHI's Parkinson's Disease Research Centre in Melbourne with key contributions from cryo-EM specialists Alisa Glukhova and Nicholas Kirk.
- Funding came from philanthropic sources including the Hugh Christopher Middendorp Testamentary Trust.
Entities
Institutions
- PINK1 Parkinson's Disease Research Team
- WEHI's Parkinson's Disease Research Centre
- Australian Museum
- UNSW Eureka Prize
Locations
- Melbourne
- Australia