Can You Test For Parkinson’s Gene

This Small Gene Edit In The Brain Could Stop Parkinsons

A new study published in the journal Nature on Wednesday shows that gene therapy on mice could be used to boost the effects of existing drugs used to treat Parkinsons disease, especially in late stages. And to boot, another arm of the study confirmed suspicions of how Parkinsons starts, which could one day help scientists identify people who could be vulnerable to developing Parkinsons five to 10 years before the onset of symptoms.

Parkinsons disease is thought to arise due to the loss of neurons in the brain that produce dopamine, a neurochemical that plays many different roles as a signal to other nerve cells. Dopamine is probably best known as the feel-good chemical thats associated with pleasure and reward. But its also critical in motor control. As these neurons fail and die, dopamine levels tank, and Parkinsons symptoms can worsen.

One way doctors treat Parkinsons is through prescribing a drug called levodopa, which the bodys neurons can convert into dopamine to restore levels to some degree of normalcy. But as the disease progresses, more and more neurons die before they can run this conversion, severely impeding the efficacy of levodopa in late-stage Parkinsons.

This discovery helps us construct a causal chain of events that could explain the long course of the disease, said Surmeier. It points to ways in which we might slow or stop disease progression.

Autosomal Dominant Genetic Features

People have two copies of each gene. In autosomal dominant inheritance, a child can inherit either a healthy gene or one that is not working correctly. They will have a 50% chance of inheriting a faulty gene.

Autosomal dominant genes that have associated with Parkinsons disease include:

• SNCA, or PARK1

• DJ-1
• PRKN

It is important to note that inheriting any of the genes that scientists have identified as being related to Parkinsons disease does not necessarily mean that a person will develop the condition.

Genetic Testing For Parkinsons Disease

Similar to other complex diseases, the reason a particular person develops Parkinsons disease is likely a combination of genetic makeup and environment. In most people, the genetic contribution to disease development may be due to a number of different genes and the interactions between them. For only a very small percentage of people with PD, about 10%, the disease can be attributed to a single abnormal gene. Figuring out the identity and contributions of all the different genes that play a role in disease development is a very hot topic in PD research today.

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Who Should Consider A Genetic Test For Parkinsons

There are two groups of people who might consider getting genetic testing and we will discuss each group separately.

Genetic testing for PD is a common request and a number of commercial labs perform panels of genetic testing for PD. You may ask: How can I test myself for Parksinons? Whether youre considering getting a genetic test through your doctor, or performing one at home, its important to note that at-home test dont map the entire gene for mutations. Genetic testing through your doctor will test for GBA, PARK7, SNCA, LRRK2, parkin and PINK1.

Both groups are faced with two questions: Should I get genetic testing? And if so, what should I do with the results? Before we address these two questions, we need to learn more about the complexity of genetic testing in PD.

Understanding The Lrrk2 Mutation

People withLRRK2 Parkinsonâs disease

Most people withLRRK2 Parkinsonâs disease have one normal gene and one mutated gene. This means they have both normal LRRK2 and an overactive version. The overactive LRRK2 causes certain cells in the brain to degenerate, resulting in the development of Parkinsonâs disease.

ESCAPE Bioâs approach

ESCAPE is developing an investigational therapy that only blocks the overactive LRRK2. The therapy is intended to be taken by mouth in pill or capsule form.

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Benefits For Qualifying Patients

• As part of the program, qualifying participants will receive free at-home DNA testing.

• Patients will receive a free explanation of their genetic results from a qualified genetic counsellor if they test positive for the genetic mutation.

• Have the chance to participate in research from home.

• People who test positive for the genetic mutation and complete this program will automatically have the chance to be assessed for eligibility to take part in a planned future precision medicine treatment study.

Study Examines Genetics Of Parkinsons In Latinos

It also established the Hispanic Parkinsons Advisory Council in December 2019. Led by Mata, the groups goal is to increase Latino participation in PD GENEration. Since the councils inception, PD GENEration has doubled the percentage of Latino participants from approximately 3% to 6%.

Adding more Latinos and Parkinsons patients as a whole could help uncover the true share of those whose cause of disease is familial, environmental, or idiopathic, meaning the specific cause of the disease is unknown.

According to María De León, MD, a Latino woman with Parkinsons who participated in PD GENEration and who is a movement disorder neurologist, PD GENEration gives minorities more information about their disease than ever before. This knowledge will help them in the long run as new medicines are developed, she said.

Patients are then able to participate in further clinical studies and trials and do other treatments that could then lead to further information and developing the science and also perhaps, to a cure of any given subtype of Parkinsons thats caused by genetic difference, said Leon in the joint interview with Mata. Leon, 53, a resident of East Texas, also is part of the Hispanic Parkinsons Advisory Council.

Historically, its been estimated that Parkinsons is caused by genetic factors in about 10% of patients. But for the more than 2,000 people who have been tested through the initiative, that rate is closer to 15%16%.

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What Genes Are Linked To Parkinson’s Disease

In 1997, we studied a large family that came from a small town in Southern Italy in which PD was inherited from parent to child . We found the gene that caused their inherited Parkinson’s Disease and it coded for a protein called alpha-synuclein. If one studies the brains of people with PD after they die, one can see tiny little accumulations of protein called Lewy Bodies . Research has shown that there is a large amount of alpha-synuclein protein in the Lewy Bodies of people who have non-inherited PD as well as in the brains of people who have inherited PD. This immediately told us that alpha-synuclein played an important role in all forms of PD and we are still doing a lot of research to better understand this role.

Currently, seven genes that cause some form of Parkinson’s disease have been identified. Mutations in three known genes called SNCA , UCHL1 , and LRRK2 and another mapped gene have been reported in families with dominant inheritance. Mutations in three known genes, PARK2, PARK7 , and PINK1 have been found in affected individuals who had siblings with the condition but whose parents did not have Parkinson’s disease . There is some research to suggest that these genes are also involved in early-onset Parkinson’s disease or in dominantly inherited Parkinson’s disease but it is too early yet to be certain.

Current Genetic Testing Practice

The vast majority of participants ordered genetic testingon ten or fewer patients in the 12 months prior to completing the study.Furthermore, most participants reported that only ten or fewer of theirpatients reported undergoing direct-to-consumer testing . Inaddition, participants reported that few of their patients received genetictesting either in research projects that returned results to patients or in research projects that did not returnresults to patients. For either type of study design , more than 80% of clinicians reported ten patients or fewer who hadgenetic testing. In contrast to genetic testing, DNA banking under researchprotocols was more prevalent. Thirty percent of respondents reported banking DNAfor 11 or more patients in the past year . Consistent withresponses citing limited genetic testing and reporting, caring for patients withknown pathogenic variants was rare among survey respondents. Only 5.5% and 4.9%of responders reported providing care to more than ten known LRRK2 or GBApatients, respectively. In total, participants reported providing care for 490known LRRK2 carriers and 402 known GBA carriers. Providing care for patients withknown Parkin , PINK-1 , SNCA , and VPS35 pathogenic variants was anecdotal .

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Genetic Testing And Parkinson’s

Research suggests that a combination of genetic and environmental factors leads to the development of Parkinsons in most cases. Research continues to determine how these factors interact, and the extent to which each is involved. Current research suggests that only about five percent of cases of Parkinsons can be definitely linked to a genetic cause.

Although there are a few families in which more than one person develops Parkinsons, it is rare for the condition to be passed from one generation to the next. Most research suggests that the condition develops as a result of genetic susceptibility and an external trigger, such as environmental chemicals. Exactly how this happens is not yet clear.

Researchers have so far identified a number of genes that seem to be linked to Parkinsons, including the parkin, PINK1, PARK7, SNCA and LRRK2 genes. It is important to note, however, that a mutation of one of these genes does not necessarily mean that the condition will develop.

Genetic testing for several Parkinsons genes is now quite widely available. From a medical point of view, this can help to confirm a diagnosis of Parkinsons. However, the decision to undergo genetic testing needs to be made carefully, as it may have implications for other family members. Knowing there is an increased risk of developing Parkinsons may cause unnecessary worry in people who may never go on to develop the condition.

What Should You Know About At

Genetic tests are not a substitute for a Parkinson’s diagnosis. Most at-home genetic tests do not provide genetic counseling services to help interpret the results. Always consult with a genetic counselor and your doctor before and after taking a genetic test. Most at-home genetic tests check for a limited number of gene mutations associated with Parkinson’s. This can be misleading since these tests may not be comprehensive.

Since scientists are still discovering more PD-associated genes, it is important to consult your doctor about comprehensive genetic testing options, like the PD GENEration study, which provides a free comprehensive genetic test identifying all possible variants in the two most common PD genes.

Even if you or a loved-one test positive for a Parkinson’s gene, it does not mean either of you will develop it. Having a genetic mutation only means that you may be at increased risk to develop PD. Environmental factors and lifestyle choices will help determine whether someone will get Parkinson’s.

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Learn More: Parkinson Disease

Parkinson Disease is the most common form of parkinsonism, a group of complex and progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by movement dysfunctions and cognitive changes.1 Hallmark features include tremors, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia , and postural instability. The clinical diagnosis of Parkinson Disease remains a challenge, as there are many causes of the disease and the symptoms can overlap with multiple other conditions.2

Genetics and Parkinson Disease

At present, established single gene causes of Parkinson Disease account for only a small portion of cases. Instead, Parkinson Disease is likely to arise from a combination of multiple genetic changes, in addition to environmental factors. As such, genetic testing should be considered on a family-by-family basis, with proper genetic counselling, and is not recommended for risk prediction in unaffected individuals with no family history of Parkinson disease.

Reasons for Genetic Testing

Confirmation of a clinical diagnosis through genetic testing can direct medical management, help predict progression of the disease, and provide essential information related to risk for relatives. In particular, testing is recommended for:

LifeLabs Genetics offers the following Next-Generation Sequencing panels

References

People Who Already Have Pd: Should I Get Tested And What Do I Do With The Results

Up until recently, even people with PD with a very extensive family history of PD would not necessarily receive genetic testing because there were no clear uses for the results. There has been research directed at figuring out whether PD caused by or associated with certain mutations have particular clinical characteristics . However, there remains so much variability in clinical characteristics even among people with the same PD mutation, that there are still no clear practical implications in knowing whether a PD patient harbors a particular mutation. There is also, so far, no difference in treatment or management of PD whether or not the patient harbors one of the known mutations. That may change however, with the advent of clinical trials that target particular mutations.

There are two genes that have received particular attention recently because medications are being developed that target those with mutations of these genes.

GBAis a gene that increases the risk of developing PD. The gene encodes for the GBA enzyme, a protein used by the body to break down cellular products. Having two abnormal GBA genes causes Gauchers disease, which is characterized by the buildup of these cellular products resulting in fatigue, bone pain, easy bleeding and an enlarged spleen and liver. When a person inherits only one abnormal gene, he or she does not develop Gauchers disease, but does incur a small increased risk of PD. Most people with one mutated GBA gene do not develop PD.

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Genetics Of Parkinson’s Disease Risk

Risk for Parkinson’s disease is influenced by genetics. In fact, the disease is associated with genetic variants in many genes. Two of the best studied genes associated with Parkinson’s disease are called LRRK2 and GBA. There are other genesand variants that have also been linked to Parkinson’s disease, but most of these genetic variants are either rare or have only a smalleffect on risk.

Referral To A Specialist

If your GP suspects Parkinson’s disease, you’ll be referred to a specialist.

This will usually be:

• a neurologist, a specialist in conditions affecting the brain and nervous system
• a geriatrician, a specialist in problems affecting elderly people

The specialist will most likely ask you to perform a number of physical exercises so they can assess whether you have any problems with movement.

A diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is likely if you have at least 2 of the 3 following symptoms:

• shaking or tremor in a part of your body that usually only occurs at rest
• slowness of movement
• muscle stiffness

If your symptoms improve after taking a medication called levodopa, it’s more likely you have Parkinson’s disease.

Special brain scans, such as a single photon emission computed tomography scan, may also be carried out in some cases to try to rule out other causes of your symptoms.

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Parkinsons Disease As A Result Of Faulty Genes Being Passed To A Child By Their Parents Parkinsons Disease Can Run In Families Approximately 15% Of People With Parkinsons Have A Family History Of This Disorder Familial Cases Of Parkinson Disease Can Be Caused By Mutations In The Lrrk2 Park7 Pink1 Prkn Mapt Gba Or Snca Gene

SYMPTOMS

Parkinsons disease is a movement disorder that progresses slowly. Some people will first notice a sense of weakness, difficulty walking, and stiff muscles. Others may notice a tremor of the head or hands. Parkinsons is a progressive disorder and the symptoms gradually worsen. The general symptoms of Parkinsons disease include:

• Slowness of voluntary movements, especially in the initiation of such movements as walking or rolling over in bed
• A shuffling gait with poor arm swing and stooped posture
• Unsteady balance difficulty rising from a sitting position
• Continuous pill-rolling motion of the thumb and forefinger
• Abnormal tone or stiffness in the trunk and extremities
• Swallowing problems in later stages
• Lightheaded or fainting when standing

Bioinformatics And Clinical Interpretation

Bioinformatics

Clinical interpretation

We provide customers with the most comprehensive clinical report available on the market. Clinical interpretation requires a fundamental understanding of clinical genetics and genetic principles. At Blueprint Genetics, our PhD molecular geneticists, medical geneticists and clinical consultants prepare the clinical statement together by evaluating the identified variants in the context of the phenotypic information provided in the requisition form. Our goal is to provide clinically meaningful statements that are understandable for all medical professionals regardless of whether they have formal training in genetics.

Variant classification is the corner stone of clinical interpretation and resulting patient management decisions. Our classifications follow the ACMG guideline 2015.

The final step in the analysis is orthogonal confirmation. Sequence and copy number variants classified as pathogenic, likely pathogenic and variants of uncertain significance are confirmed using bi-directional Sanger sequencing by orthogonal methods such as qPCR/ddPCR when they do not meet our stringent NGS quality metrics for a true positive call.

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How To Test For Parkinson’s Disease

This article was medically reviewed by Erik Kramer, DO, MPH. Dr. Erik Kramer is a Primary Care Physician at the University of Colorado, specializing in internal medicine, diabetes, and weight management. He received his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine from the Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2012. Dr. Kramer is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine and is board certified.There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 35,437 times.

Parkinsons Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting both motor and non-motor abilities. It afflicts 1% of those over 60 years of age.XResearch sourceJOHN D. GAZEWOOD, MD, MSPH,D. ROXANNE RICHARDS, MD,KARL CLEBAK, MD, Parkinsons An Update, The American Family Physician, 2013 Feb 15 87:267-273 It is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system. PD is caused by a lack of dopamine, a chemical that helps the parts of your brain responsible for motor function communicate with each other. This condition often causes tremors, muscle stiffness, slowness, and poor balance. If you suspect that you, or someone you love, has Parkinsons, it is important to know how you can diagnose this condition. Begin by trying to identify symptoms of the disease at home, and then see your doctor for an appropriate medical diagnosis.