Genetics of Parkinson disease: paradigm shifts and future prospects.
Parkinson disease is a complex, multifactorial neurodegenerative disease. Although a heritable basis was originally thought unlikely, recent studies have implicated several genes in its pathogenesis, and molecular findings now allow accurate diagnosis and challenge past criteria for defining Parkinson disease. Most importantly, genetic insights provide the rationale for new strategies for prevention or therapy, and have led to animal models of disease in which these strategies can be tested. Neuroprotective therapies can now be designed to slow or halt disease progression in affected subjects and asymptomatic carriers.
Morris K. Udall Parkinsons Disease Research Center of Excellence, Birdsall Building, Mayo Clinic, Department of Neuroscience, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32224, USA. farrer.matthew@mayo.edu
Matthew James
MJ
Farrer
D004777:Environment; D005799:Genes, Dominant; D005808:Genes, Recessive; D008040:Genetic Linkage; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics* / Q000628:therapy; D015398:Signal Transduction