
Gene linked to inherited Parkinson’s identified
The takeaway
Why is it important?
%
IMPACT
- Novelty 100%
- Proximity 80%
- Deliverability 40%
Impact
Background
The details
They performed additional analysis on hundreds of other DNA samples from familial and sporadic Parkinson’s cases and, again, identified changes in TMEM230 in several familial samples.
Next steps
Related work
There are multiple clinical trials aimed at trying to understand different genetic aspects of Parkinson’s. For example the ‘Parkinson’s Families Project’(PFP) in the UK is studying the genetic makeup of family members both with and without Parkinson’s (as they share a common genetic background) to identify new Parkinson’s-related gene alterations.
There are also trials which are specifically targeting genetic aspects of Parkinson’s to test potential therapies, for example the ‘Ambroxol in Disease Modification in Parkinson Disease’ (AiM-PD) trial. This trial is underway in London and has recruited 20 people with Parkinson’s who have a GBA gene mutation. GBA mutations cause the naturally occurring enzyme glucocerebrosidase to stop working properly, which can lead to build-up of alpha-synuclein. In pre-clinical research, Ambroxol has been shown to improve the function of neurons, and helps reduce the build-up of alpha-synuclein.
If you are interested in taking part in a clinical trial, local studies can be found on Fox Trial Finder.