Gene Linked to Family History of Parkinson's

(March 23, 2008) - It has long been suspected that Parkinson's disease (Read about "Parkinson's Disease") may have some sort of genetic basis. And while they can't pinpoint that basis, researchers say they have discovered a gene that could hold the key to developing new treatments for Parkinson's disease.

According to the findings of the study, published online in the American Journal of Human Genetics, mutations in the gene, known as GIGYF2, appear to be directly linked to the development of Parkinson's in people with a family history of the disease. The gene is one of only a handful linked to Parkinson's and one of just two genes known to be a common contributor to this degenerative disease, which has no known cause or cure.

Although less than a quarter of all cases of Parkinson's are familial, researchers believe genes like GIGYF2 can provide clues to the mechanisms behind Parkinson's and could point to new treatments for the more common and sporadic forms of the disease.

"These findings may ultimately help open the door to the development of new therapeutic - and possibly even preventive - strategies that target the underlying cause of Parkinson's disease, improving the quality of life of the many people worldwide who are affected by this devastating disorder," said senior author Robert J. Smith, M.D.

Their research also revealed an intriguing secondary finding - the possible association between Parkinson's and insulin and the related hormone known as insulin-like growth factor (IGF). This joins a small but growing body of research linking insulin and IGF to Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's. (Read about "Alzheimer's Disease")

"A better understanding of the link between insulin or IGF and Parkinson's may lead us to new treatment strategies for Parkinson's and also new insights into the connection between diabetes and nervous system disorders," Smith said.