Genes That Influence Parkinson's Onset Identified

Genes, which may influence the onset age of Parkinson's Disease (PD) have been identified, report researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM).

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) report that the genes, which may influence the onset age of Parkinson's Disease (PD) have been identified.

The findings are the first to identify genes contributing to the variation in onset age and may help identify mechanisms and therapeutic targets capable of delaying symptoms.

Parkinson’s Disease - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease caused by progressive dopamine brain cells loss. Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are correctable to an extent.

PD is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder usually occurring late in life and is characterized by debilitating symptoms of tremor, rigidity, and slowed ability to start and continue movements.

The BUSM researchers performed analyses using genotypes generated with the Illumina HumanCNV370Duo array in a sample of 857 unrelated, familial PD cases.

Then, they performed a meta-analysis of imputed Single Nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) by combining the familial PD data with that from a previous genome-wide associated study (GWAS) of 440 idiopathic PD cases.

Trials to Test Gene Therapy for Parkinson's Disease Underway
Scientists at Michigan hospital have launched a trial to test gene transfer therapy that would help restore better mobility in Parkinson's patients who have lost responsiveness to drug therapy.

And they identified the 15q26.2 region as well as the gene AAK1 related to the previously observed PD susceptibility gene, GAK as areas that would benefit from further examination.

"Important distinctions can be made between those genes that influence susceptibility for developing disease, and the genetic modifiers that influence onset age," said joint lead author Dr. Jeanne C. Latourelle, from the department of neurology at BUSM.

Risk of Crashes in Low Visibility High in Drivers With Parkinson's Disease
New research has revealed that drivers with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease may be at higher risk of crashes on foggy days and other times of low visibility.

Latourelle said that the findings highlight the importance of continuing the study of onset age of PD that could provide insight into the disease mechanisms and processes for delaying onset with implications for novel treatments.

The study has been published in BMC Medical Genetics.

Drug Rasagiline may Slow Parkinson's Progression
Scientists from Mount Sinai School of Medicine have found that drug rasagiline not only helps treat the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease, but also slows the rate of disease progression.

Source-ANI
TAN