The discovery of this new genetic trigger for Parkinson's disease is a significant step forward in our understanding of this disease
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is caused by a complex mix of genetic and environmental factors, but much of the research into the genetic underpinnings of Parkinson's has been done with largely European populations. This means that we could be missing important information about how Parkinson's develops in people of other ancestries.
A new study published in The Lancet Neurology has identified a novel genetic trigger for Parkinson's disease that is much more commonly seen in people with recent African ancestry. The researchers found that people who were born with one or two copies of this associated variant were noticeably more likely to develop Parkinson's.
The Study
The researchers conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of nearly 200,000 people of African or mixed ancestry, mostly from Nigeria as well as parts of the U.S. About 1,500 individuals in this group were diagnosed with Parkinson's, while the rest were not.
The researchers ultimately identified a novel variant of the gene that produces β-glucocerebrosidase (GBA1) that seemed to raise people's risk of Parkinson's. People who had one copy of the variant were 1.5 times more likely to have Parkinson's than those who had no copies, and those with two copies were about 3.5 times more likely to develop it, they found. GBA1 is a protein that helps cells recycle other proteins, and several mutations involving this gene have already been linked to Parkinson's. But this new variant was almost exclusively found in people with African ancestry.
Implications
The findings of this study are important because they highlight the importance of conducting genetic research in diverse populations. By studying people of African ancestry, the researchers were able to identify a new genetic trigger for Parkinson's that had previously been overlooked.
This research could lead to better screening and treatment options for people of African ancestry who are at risk of developing Parkinson's. It could also help us to better understand the biological mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease.
The discovery of this new genetic trigger for Parkinson's disease is a significant step forward in our understanding of this disease. It is also a reminder of the importance of conducting genetic research in diverse populations. By studying people from all backgrounds, we can learn more about the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to Parkinson's disease and other diseases.
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