A recent paper led by researchers in the Edwin S.H. Leong Healthy Aging Program reviewed the role of DNA methylation as a mediator of genetic and environmental influences on Parkinson’s Disease risk. The review was published in Frontiers in Genetics.
UBC Authors:
- Samantha Schaffner, PhD Student, Department of Medical Genetics
- Dr. Michael Kobor, Edwin S.H. Leong UBC Healthy Aging Chair – A UBC President’s Excellence Chair and Professor, Department of Medical Genetics
Summary
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes impairments with movement, as well as other symptoms. Parkinson’s disease is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental/life style factors. A recent review paper by members of the Edwin S.H. Leong Healthy Aging program outlines the genetic and environmental factors that influence the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. In particular, they review evidence for the role of DNA methylation in the cause of Parkinson’s disease as well as its potential use an early-stage biological marker for the disease. DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that involves the addition of a chemical called a methyl group to DNA. This modification can change the activity of the DNA and subsequent gene expression. The review focuses on variants in the SNCA gene, which is a gene that encodes the alpha-synuclein protein that has been implicated in Parkinson’s disease. The authors also review evidence for the role of exposure to pesticides and physical activity. The goal of this review is to provide direction for future epigenetics studies of Parkinson’s Disease to build upon existing foundations and leverage large datasets, new technologies, and relevant statistical approaches to further elucidate the etiology of this disease.
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