Understanding the genetics of Parkinson’s disease (PD) could be a total game changer in developing new treatments for the disease. Especially when it comes to two genetic targets in particular: LRRK2, the most common genetic mutation in PD, and alpha-synuclein, whose clumping in the brain is the pathological hallmark of the disease.
But the genetic connection of LRRK2 to Parkinson’s is more mystery than destiny; genetics alone rarely cause the onset of a disease.
So what else is at play?
Listen to this podcast with the Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Dr. Maurizio Facheris, in discussion with Dave Iverson, to learn more about the connection between genetics and environmental factors in the onset of PD and why understanding this relationship could one day lead to a personalized approach to treating Parkinson’s.