Gene Research Yields Clues To Parkinson’s Disease

A mutation in the recently discovered Parkinson’s disease gene is believed to be the most common genetic cause of inherited forms of the disease, according to a recent finding from the Parkinson Study Group.

Tatiana Foroud, Ph.D., of Indiana University School of Medicine and principal investigator on the multi-center study, said the discovery has a broad implication for genetic screening for the disease.

“While a great deal of work remains to be done,” said Dr. Foroud, “it is clear that any future genetic testing for Parkinson’s disease must include studies of the LRRK2 gene.”

Patients in the Indiana University study with the gene mutation had longer disease duration but less severe symptoms while participating in the trial. The observation suggests that the mutation may be associated with slower disease progression, explained Dr. Foroud.

Though no longer a regular on weekly TV sitcoms, Michael J. Fox is committed to a greater cause-finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease. Recent discoveries by the country’s leading genetic researchers could lead to specific treatments that will slow or stop the rate of disease progression.

The ongoing study is designed to identify genes causing Parkinson’s disease. Families with at least two living members affected by Parkinson’s disease may obtain more information about the IU study at http://progeni.iu.edu, or call 888-830-6299 to enroll.

The first gene linked to the disease was identified in 1997.

Copyright Benjamin Franklin Literary and Medical Society Mar 2005