A recent study has discovered a gene that may be critical to developing new treatments for Parkinson’s disease. The study, conducted by researchers at Rhode Island Hospital and the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, found that the gene, known as GIGYF2, may be directly linked to the occurrence of Parkinson’s in those with a family history of the disease.
The study utilized 250 DNA samples from patients who had Parkinson’s and also had at least one close relative with the disease. The subjects were divided evenly between French and Italian patients. Researchers used a control sampling of more than 200 unrelated healthy patients from both countries.
After gene sequencing and analysis was conducted, researchers found seven distinct forms of GIGYF2 mutations in 12 different individuals. Eight of these patients had at least one parent with Parkinson’s, one had two parents with the condition, and three had one sibling who had Parkinson’s.
According to senior author Robert J. Smith, M.D., the data “provides strong support for GIGYF2 as a PARK11 gene with a causal role in familial Parkinson’s disease.” Smith believes that more studies needed to be done to “zero in” on the gene, but is hopeful that the findings “may ultimately help open the door the development of new therapeutic—and possibly even preventive—strategies that target the underlying Parkinson’s disease cause.”
Currently, close to 1 million Americans suffer from Parkinson’s disease. The disease, which has no established cure, is believed to be caused by a variety of environmental and genetic factors. Currently, a quarter of all Parkinson’s cases are familial.
For further information: “Mutations in the GIGYF2 (TNRC15) Gene at the PARK11 Locus in Familial Parkinson Disease,” Corrine Lautier, Stefano Goldwurm, Alexandra Durr, Barbarba Giovannone, American Journal of Human Genetics, January 15, 2008.
See Related Articles
See Statin Drugs May Reduce Risk of Developing Parkinson’s Disease for more information about a recent study that suggests a drug that lowers cholesterol and may reduce risk of Parkinson's.
Researches believe there's a correlation between pesticides and Parkinson's Disease. Read more about this study, in Link Between Parkinson’s and Pesticide Exposure Strengthened.
