2022 Pilot Awards for Global Brain Health Leaders (GBHI)

Genetics of Parkinson's disease dementia in the Mexican population

Do the genes that promote Parkinson’s disease differ between Mexican individuals and people of European ancestry?

Miguel E. Renteria, Ph.D.
Red Mexicana de Bioinformática, A.C.
Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico, Mexico

Background

Parkinson’s disease, the second most common cause of dementia behind Alzheimer’s, is characterized by a variety of disorders, including those that involve altered movement, loss of cognition and mood disorders. Studies have found a number of gene (DNA) variations linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s, including genes that promote the build-up of abnormal alpha-synuclein into protein clumps called Lewy bodies. Much of this research, however, has focused on people of European ancestry. It is important to identify genes that promote Parkinson’s in different population groups. 

Research Plan

Dr. Miguel E. Renteria and colleagues will conduct a study of Parkinson’s genetics in Mexico. First, they will genetically analyze blood samples from a Mexican biobank and from individuals in a large-scale Mexican study of Parkinson’s disease. Results from these analyses will identify Parkinson’s risk genes that differ from those found in European ancestry studies. Next, the researchers will recruit and test a group of 1,000 Mexican individuals — 500 with Parkinson’s and 500 without. Individuals will receive both cognitive tests and genetic analysis, in order to determine how certain gene variations may impact memory loss and other cognitive functions among Mexican individuals.  

Impact

The results of this project will refine our understanding of how genes impact dementia risk in different population groups. Dr. Renteria and colleagues plan to use the results to apply for funding for a larger study of genetics and Parkinson’s disease in other Latin American countries. Ultimately, such work could identify genetic methods of diagnosing and treating Parkinson’s that are tailored to these populations.