Researchers used a big data analysis coupled with cutting-edge genomic techniques to discover six new genetic risk factors for Parkinson's disease.
The study, published in the journal Nature Genetics, demonstrates the power of combining these techniques. The analysis included over 18,000 patients, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NIH) reported.
"Unraveling the genetic underpinnings of Parkinson's is vital to understanding the multiple mechanisms involved in this complex disease, and hopefully, may one day lead to effective therapies," said Andrew Singleton, Ph.D., a scientist at the NIH's National Institute on Aging (NIA) and senior author of the study.
The research team collected data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), which allowed them to pinpoint genomic variants of differences in the genetic codes of large groups of patients. The sample included 13,708 Parkinson's disease cases and 95,282 controls. The technique allowed the researchers to identify genetic risk variants that increase the risk of Parkinson's.
"The study brought together a large international group of investigators from both public and private institutions who were interested in sharing data to accelerate the discovery of genetic risk factors for Parkinson's disease," said Margaret Sutherland, Ph.D., a program director at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), part of NIH. "The advantage of this collaborative approach is highlighted in the identification of pathways and gene networks that may significantly increase our understanding of Parkinson's disease."
Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disorder affecting movement; millions of people struggle with the condition every year. Early symptoms can include "trembling of the hands, arms, or legs, stiffness of limbs and trunk, slowed movements and problems with posture," NIH reported. Over time simple tasks such as walking and talking can become difficult.
Some of the newly identified genetic risk factors are believed to be linked to Gaucher's disease, proteins that accumulate in the brains of Parkinson's patients, and inflammation.
