Molecular basis of Parkinson's disease : NeuroReport (original) (raw)
MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
aMedical Molecular Biology Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London
bDepartment of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Neurology
cBirkbeck College, University of London, London, UK
Correspondence to Yan Xiang Yang, PhD, Institute of Child Health, University College London, Institute of Child Health, University College London, WC1N 1EH, UK
Tel/fax: +44 20 7905 2638; e-mail: [email protected]
Received 28 July 2008 Accepted 3 October 2008
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and remains incurable. Considerable progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms of this disease, in particular, a distinct set of genes have emerged, whose dysfunctional regulation is strongly associated with the condition. These genes include α-synuclein, parkin, PTEN induced Putative Kinase 1 (PINK1), DJ-1, Leucine Rich Repeat Kinase 2 (LRRK2) and ATP13A2. Here we discuss what has been learnt in the study of these genes and how these genes may contribute to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease through different molecular pathways, and consider how these pathways might converge to lead to the onset of Parkinson's disease.
© 2009 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.