GENETICS OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Abstract

Over the last ten years, several genes for monogenic forms of Parkinson's disease have been mapped and/or cloned. These genes have been implicated in proteosomal degradation, the oxidative stress response, and mitochondrial function. These cellular pathways may play a direct role in the etiology of the common sporadic form of PD. Further, recent genetic, pathologic, and molecular studies have strengthened the evidence that there is probably more "cross-talk" between the different pathways than previously appreciated. In this review, we surnmarize the genetic features of monogenic forms of PD.