Keywords
Parkinson's disease - genetics -
LRRK2
-
SNCA
-
VPS35
-
Parkin
-
PINK1
-
DJ1
-
GBA
The clinical course and treatment response of Parkinson's disease (PD) are extremely
heterogeneous, creating challenges in its management. Similarly, PD's etiology is
heterogeneous, multifactorial, and often complex. Nevertheless, our understanding
of the disease's genetic causes and risk factors has undergone substantial development
in the last 20 years. The genetic risks for PD can be divided into those associated
with a high risk for PD and those that increase the PD risk only modestly. Mutations
associated with a high risk for PD are often called monogenic, Mendelian, or causative (from hereon, causative) and underlie 5 to 10% of PD cases.[1] Causative mutations are rarer than risk factors. In some cases, different alterations
in the same gene are causative, whereas others are considered risk factors. A classic
example is the gene SNCA, which encodes α-synuclein. A rare A53T mutation in the gene causes PD in the majority
of carriers, but a single nucleotide polymorphism in the vicinity of the gene is a
known risk factor replicated in multiple genome-wide association studies. Here we
will review the clinical features of the major causative genes: LRRK2, SNCA, VPS35, Parkin, PINK1, and DJ1, as well as GBA.
LRRK2
History
An autosomal dominant PD (ADPD) cohort was first described among a Nebraska kindred
in 1995.[2] The locus 12p11.21 was then identified via a genome-wide linkage analysis of a Japanese
family with ADPD in 2002.[3] Through recombination mapping and candidate gene sequencing, the LRRK2 gene was identified in 2004.[4]
[5] Subsequently, multiple pathogenic mutations have been identified, with ethnic distribution
and pathogenicity varying by the specific mutation.
Mechanism of Pathogenicity
Our current understanding of LRRK2 function, interactions, and pathogenicity in PD
is incomplete. LRRK2 contains multiple functional domains, including a kinase domain.
It is believed that increased LRRK2 activity increases the risk for PD because increased
kinase activity has been associated with nigrostriatal degeneration and Lewy body
(LB) formation. In addition, the G2019S mutation, located in the kinase domain, has
been associated with increased phosphorylation activity in vivo.[6] However, the pathogenicity of other mutations may be mediated by other mechanisms.
Furthermore, the substrates of LRRK2 phosphorylation (except for autophosphorylation)
were unknown until recently. Just recently identified as substrates were the Rab GTPases
(Rab5 and Rab7), which affect signaling cascades, degradation, and endosomal trafficking.[6]
[7] Abnormal mitochondrial morphology and function have been noted among LRRK2 carriers, as well as an abnormal accumulation in autophagic vacuoles, thought to
be linked via the regulatory protein 5′ AMP-activated protein kinase.[6]
Frequency and Ethnic Distribution
Ethnic distribution varies widely by mutation. The most common mutation,[8] G2019S, is especially common in North African Berbers and Ashkenazi Jews (AJs).
Mutations in the 1441 nucleotide are more common in Spain among the Basque population.[9] Other mutations are implicated in Asian populations. The I2020T mutation has been
reported in Japanese cohorts,[10] although the mutation ultimately appears to be rare among other Asian populations.[11] A common variant in Asian populations, G2385R, has been identified as a risk factor
in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean populations.[12]
[13]
[14] Among Han Chinese populations, it has been reported with a frequency of 8 to 11.7%
among PD cohorts and 0.5 to 3.3% in the general population.[15]
[16]
[17] The mutation frequency appears similar in a Korean population.[13] Few studies have compared the PD phenotype with that of other mutations, but the
motor phenotype may be more severe than for G2019S PD; G2385R PD patients have been
noted to have higher Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor scores
with more frequent fluctuations than G2019S PD or idiopathic PD (iPD) patients.[18]
G2019S
Of all the LRRK2 mutations, the best described is G2019S. The mutation has been identified among PD
patients in multiple ethnic groups including Norwegians,[19] Italians, Portuguese, and Brazilians.[20] In a large worldwide study, mutation frequency was found to be 1% among sporadic
and 4% among familial PD patients, but with the highest mutation frequency among North
African Arab and Ashkenazi Jewish populations: 39% and 38% among North African Arabs,
and 10% and 28% among Ashkenazi Jews with sporadic and familial PD, respectively.[21] It is apparently rare in Asian populations.[22] Penetrance estimations vary widely and range between 25 to 100% by 80 years.[21]
[23]
Phenotype
Overall, the G2019S motor phenotype appears to overlap with that of iPD.[19] However, carriers more commonly manifest a postural instability gait difficulty
phenotype than do noncarriers (92.3% vs. 58.9%).[24]
[25] A good response to levodopa has been reported,[26] although it has been associated with levodopa-induced dyskinesias (LIDs).[27] Regarding the rate of progression, a longitudinal study by Nabli et al found similar
rates of progression in the UPDRS and Hoehn and Yahr Scale scores between G2019S and
iPD cohorts at 6-year follow-up.[25]
G2019S PD patients have fewer nonmotor manifestations than do noncarriers. Ben Sassi
et al found similar cognitive involvement in carrier versus noncarrier PD patients.[28] In a larger study, Alcalay et al reported superior performance in attention, executive
function, and language domains in G2019S PD patients versus iPD patients, despite
longer disease duration in the G2019S cohort.[29] G2019S PD patients appear to have less depression[18] and less hyposmia than iPD patients,[30]
[31]
[32] and less probable rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD), as assessed
by questionnaire, than iPD patients.[30]
[33]
LRRK2's potential gain of function mechanism has raised concern for a possible increased
risk of malignancy. An increased risk of nonskin cancers among G2019S carriers versus
noncarriers has been reported in AJ PD patients[34]
[35] and requires further longitudinal study.
Premotor State
Much effort is invested in identifying carriers without motor PD who may develop PD.
A subset of nonmanifesting carriers may have impaired olfaction compared with noncarrier
controls, suggesting a possible preclinical marker for PD, although longitudinal studies
are lacking.[32]
[36] In a cross-sectional study, Mirelman et al found that the most prominent clinical
difference between carriers of G2019S and noncarriers was reduced arm swing when walking.[37]
[38] One study found an increased risk of premorbid mood disorders (odds ratio, 6) in
carriers versus noncarriers, although there were no differences found in neuropsychological
testing.[39]
Pathology
Postmortem examination is notable for the degeneration of the substantia nigra (SN)
and locus coeruleus (LC), but with variable LB and tau pathology. The initial report
by Zimprich et al of Y1699C and R1441C mutation carriers noted diverse pathology including
LB PD, diffuse LB disease, and nigral degeneration, as well as progressive supranuclear
palsy-like pathology.[4] Subsequent examinations reported variable cortical LB pathology, redemonstrated
through two subsequent case series. Upon review of the postmortem examination of 28
G2019S PD patients, Poulopoulos et al reported SN and LC neuronal loss in all cases
that had parkinsonism, with LB pathology in a majority but with variable cortical
involvement. They also noted tau pathology in a majority, but with variable location
and severity. Interestingly, PD patients with mutations other than G2019S had a lower
frequency of LB pathology and more SN versus LC degeneration, suggesting mutation-specific
pathogenicity.[40] Upon review of the postmortem examination of 37 LRRK2 PD patients with corresponding clinical data, Kalia et al found neuronal SN loss
in all cases, redemonstrating LB variability. Of note, on clinicopathological correlation,
a primarily motor phenotype was associated with an absence of LBs, and nonmotor features
were associated with the presence of LBs.[41]
SNCA
History
Alpha synuclein (SNCA) mutations have emerged as a rare, but important cause of ADPD with high penetrance.
Polymeropoulos et al first identified an Italian kindred with ADPD with an iPD phenotype,
but with heterogeneous age-at-onset, which was associated with a locus at 4q21-23
in 1996 through linkage analysis.[42] Subsequently, a mutation in SNCA, A53T, was identified,[43] but with apparently rare frequency based on early mutation screening among iPD cohorts
of early or late-onset PD.[44]
[45] Four other missense mutations have since been identified. A30P and E46K missense
mutations were identified in German and Spanish kindreds, respectively.[46]
[47] More recently, a H50Q point mutation has been reported in a British family.[48] A G51D mutation was reported in a French family with atypical PD, with prominent
psychiatric symptoms and associated pyramidal signs. The postmortem examination was
notable for cytoplasmic inclusions in the pyramidal tracts as well as in the basal
ganglia.[49] Overall, in comparison with iPD, the SNCA PD clinical course is notable for earlier age of onset and more rapid progression,
with good levodopa response, but early motor fluctuations.[50] Severe depression, including completed suicide, has been reported.[51]
Of the missense mutations, A53T is most common, although still rare overall, with
only ∼70 reported cases, with an apparently aggressive clinical course, notable for
a 10-year earlier age-at-onset than the other missense mutations.[50] Recently, Papadimitriou et al performed a prospective 2-year longitudinal follow-up
among A53T symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers, noting prominent motor and nonmotor
decline that included olfactory, autonomic, and cognitive dysfunction, with a disease
penetrance of ∼90%.[52]
Mechanism of Pathogenicity
The mechanism of pathogenicity remains unclear, but given that SNCA-associated PD demonstrates a gene dosage effect, a gain of function is suspected.
Gene multiplication appears to be more common among European and Asian populations.
Triplication has been associated with an earlier onset of disease, a more severe phenotype
with some atypical features including myoclonus, and more rapid progression than in
duplication.[50] A case of gene triplication reported by Singleton et al had a clinical course notable
for early onset, and a postmortem examination notable for prominent cortical and subcortical
LB pathology.[53] Duplications have also been reported in multiple ADPD families,[54] as well as in sporadic PD.[55]
[56] Phenotypes reported include prominent psychiatric symptoms including visual hallucinations.[54]
VPS35
The VPS35 gene was identified in 2011 among a Swiss kindred with late-onset ADPD via next-generation
sequencing[57] and an Austrian ADPD kindred via exome sequencing.[58] In population studies, the mutation frequency appears rare, with one study of 475
patients with familial PD finding no cases of D620N mutation.[59] Other studies among European and Asian populations have found a frequency of ∼1%
in ADPD, with Lesage et al finding the D620N mutation in 3 of 246 ADPD patients and
not in controls.[60] A similar frequency was reported in a Japanese ADPD population; the motor phenotype
in that study was tremor-predominant PD.[61] However, larger phenotype-focused studies are lacking.
Parkin
History
Parkin mutations are the most common cause of autosomal recessive PD and are especially
prevalent in PD with onset before age 30. Ishikawa et al characterized a cohort of
patients with familial juvenile parkinsonism in 1996, noting female predominance with
young onset (mean age-at-onset 27.8 years) and slow progression. The phenotype was
notable for relatively mild tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia, with some atypical
features including prominent freezing of gait, retropulsion, and foot dystonia, as
well as hyperreflexia, with notable sleep benefit on most symptoms; no dementia or
autonomic features were noted. An excellent response with levodopa was noted, but
with frequent LID and wearing off.[62] Matsumine et al identified an associated locus at 6q25.2–27 through linkage analysis.[63] Kitada et al then identified the Parkin gene and protein in 1998.[64] Hattori et al identified four homozygous deletional mutations.[65] It was subsequently implicated in sporadic cases[66] and is now confirmed in multiple ethnic groups including European, Hispanic, African
American, and North African.[67]
[68]
[69]
Mechanism of Pathogenicity
The mechanism of pathogenicity remains unclear. Parkin is an E3 ubiquitin ligase protein,
catalyzing the transfer of ubiquitin to its specific target protein. Multiple target
proteins with widely variable functions have been suggested as possible Parkin substrates.
A role in protein targeting for proteasomal degradation has been proposed.[70] In one capacity, Parkin appears to work with PINK1 (see below) in organellar quality
control through the activation of mitophagy in the setting of mitochondrial damage.[71] Finding the mechanism of the specific pathological changes of PD requires continued
investigation, but given that most Parkin postmortem studies (detailed below) do not
demonstrate α-synuclein pathology, the mechanism may be different than iPD.
Frequency
Parkin mutations are the most common cause of early-onset PD, defined in different studies
as onset before age 40 to 51 years. The reported mutation frequency has varied widely.
In a meta-analysis of studies among early-onset PD subjects, Kilarski et al found
a mutation frequency of 15.5% among familial (although significantly higher in known
consanguineous cases at 31.4%) and 4.3% among sporadic cases.[72] However, at least 60 mutations and variants have been identified, raising significant
challenges in determining pathogenicity, which may vary with specific mutation.[73] In addition, deletions and duplications are especially common, which complicate
Parkin genotyping. Such alterations may not be identified in genome-wide association studies
or whole-exome sequencing, and in addition to Sanger sequencing, a dosage analysis
is required to determine if deletions or duplications are present. Allele frequency
may be ethnically dependent.[74] Marder et al found an increased risk of Parkin mutation (odds ratio, 2.8) among Hispanic versus non-Hispanic white early-onset PD
patients.[69]
Phenotype
The clinical phenotype was first described by Ishikawa et al as above, although phenotypic
variability has been noted,[75] in part related to specific mutations. Parkin-associated PD is predominantly early-onset; late-onset cases are established, but
are rarer. Cases with later onset (> 45 years old) have been noted in studies including
gene dosage analyses,[76] but with lower frequency than in early-onset PD.[77]
[78] Disease progression appears to be slower than iPD, also supported by 18F-DOPA positron
emission tomography data.[79]
Nonmotor Symptoms
Overall, nonmotor symptoms appear less severe in Parkin PD than in iPD. Data regarding cognitive function are cross-sectional and overall
suggest comparable, if not superior cognitive function in Parkin PD compared with iPD patients. Several studies have found comparable cognitive function
between Parkin PD and iPD groups by neuropsychological testing.[80]
[81] A follow-up study by the Consortium on Risk for Early-Onset Parkinson's Disease
examined cognitive function in early-onset PD with long-duration disease (>14 years)
and found carriers performed better on the Mini-Mental State Examination; were more
likely to have lower scores on clinical dementia ratings; and had better attention,
memory, and visuospatial performance.[82] Parkin homozygotes and compound heterozygotes with PD may have less olfactory dysfunction
than iPD[83] patients or Parkin heterozygotes with PD.[84]
Parkin carriers may, however, have more severe impulse control disorders than noncarriers,
which may be a consideration in treatment selection. Morgante et al recently assessed
impulse control behaviors in PD biallelic Parkin mutation carriers versus noncarriers, matched for disease duration, age, and dopamine
dose equivalent. Although the frequency of at least one impulse control behavior was
similar between both groups, Parkin carriers had a higher frequency of compulsive shopping, binge eating, and punding/hobbyism;
were more likely to be smokers; and more likely to have higher Questionnaire for Impulsive-Compulsive
Disorders in Parkinson's Disease–Rating Scale scores.[85]
Parkin has been proposed to have a tumor-suppressor function in systemic cancers,[86]
[87]
[88]
[89] but this has not been consistently supported in epidemiologic studies. A retrospective
study by Alcalay et al did not find a difference in reported cancer history among
carriers versus noncarriers.[90]
Heterozygotes
It remains uncertain if heterozygous Parkin mutations confer a risk for PD.[77]
[91] A few studies suggest that only specific genetic mutations (e.g., duplications,
deletions, or point mutations in functionally crucial domains) increase PD risk.[92]
[93]
Deep Brain Stimulation
Given frequent motor fluctuations and dyskinesias, deep brain stimulation (DBS) may
be a relevant treatment consideration for Parkin PD patients. STN DBS appears to have similar efficacy for Parkin PD versus noncarriers. Romito et al performed a post hoc genetic analysis of a series
of patients undergoing STN DBS, with a population including Parkin carriers (one compound heterozygote and four heterozygotes) and noncarriers, matched
for disease duration and age. The Parkin and non-Parkin groups showed a similar reduction in UPDRS motor scores (56% vs. 51%) with a nonsignificant
trend to greater levodopa dose reduction postoperatively in the Parkin group. Behavioral complications were similar, although limited by small numbers.[94] Moro et al performed Parkin and PINK1 mutation screening among 80 patients with early-onset PD who underwent bilateral
STN DBS, identifying 11 Parkin mutation carriers (six homozygous or compound heterozygous; five heterozygous) and
one PINK1 homozygous mutation carrier. One-year follow-up showed less improvement in mutation
carriers by UPDRS motor scores (56% improvement vs. 36% improvement), but this difference
was not maintained at the 3- to 6-year follow-up (44% vs. 42%), suggesting mutation
carriers benefit from DBS, but not more than iPD patients.[95] Among a cohort of DBS patients screened for PD-associated mutations, Angeli et al
found Parkin carriers had the youngest age of onset, but longer disease duration before DBS was
required.[96]
Pathology
Postmortem examination is notable for SN neuronal loss, but without prominent LB pathology.
A review of 77 cases by Pramstaller et al noted neuronal loss in the pigmented nuclei
of the brainstem (SN pars compacta [SNpc] and LC), but typical LB pathology in only
a portion of cases.[97] More recently, Doherty et al performed a postmortem pathological examination on
Parkin PD patients, iPD patients, and controls. Among the Parkin PD cases, they found focal nigral degeneration with ventral predominance and absent
or rare LBs, with counts of SNpc demonstrating neuronal loss as severe as in iPD,
but with the relative preservation of the dorsal tier, mild neuronal loss in the LC,
and the dorsal motor nucleus of vagus but not the nucleus basalis of Meynert, raphe,
or other regions. LB pathology was again minimal, with sparse LBs noted in only two
cases of five.[98]
PINK1
History
PINK1 mutations are the second-most common cause of ARPD after Parkin, with some overlap with the Parkin phenotype. The locus was first identified in a Sicilian family (Marsala kindred)
with four affected members with early-onset PD, with a course notable for slow progression
and a sustained response to levodopa. Through linkage analysis, a novel locus at 1p35-p36
was identified.[99] In 2004, Valente et al identified the associated protein, a mitochondrial kinase,
1 PTEN-induced kinase (PINK1) in three affected families, identifying two homozygous
mutations of the kinase domain.[100] Valente et al subsequently noted PINK1 mutations in a cohort of Italian early-onset PD patients.[101] Subsequent studies confirmed PINK1 mutations in North American,[102] other European,[103] and Asian populations.[104] Mutation frequency is reported as ∼4 to 7% in sporadic early-onset PD.[101]
[105]
Mechanism of Pathogenicity
As first suggested by Valente et al via cell culture studies, PINK1 localizes to the
mitochondria,[99] imported there via targeting. PINK1 is a serine/threonine kinase, also containing
critical regulatory sites. Mutations conferring a complete loss of kinase activity
are associated with early-onset PD.[106] PINK1 functions most prominently together with Parkin in the activation of mitophagy,
accumulating on the outer mitochondrial membrane in the setting of mitochondrial damage.[106] The specific mechanism of pathogenicity in PD is currently unclear and requires
continued investigation.
Phenotype
Phenotype was initially described in the above-mentioned Marsala kindred.[99] Initial studies noted typical parkinsonism of slow progression, with good and persistent
levodopa response and minimal cognitive involvement.[101]
[107] Later studies noted some atypical features, including dystonia and sleep benefit
as seen in Parkin PD,[105] as well as hyperreflexia.[103] Regarding DBS, as discussed above, Moro et al noted a comparable response to iPD
patients to STN DBS among their cohort, which included one PINK1 PD patient.[95]
Nonmotor Symptoms
Psychiatric features may be present; anxiety and depression have been reported.[108] Hyposmia appears to be a common finding in PINK1 PD. Ferraris et al compared olfaction in iPD, PINK1 homozygous PD, PINK1 heterozygous PD, and PINK1 heterozygous asymptomatic carriers, noting all affected PINK1 subjects and all but one of the PINK1 heterozygotes to be hyposmic.[109]
Heterozygotes
Implications for heterozygotes remain controversial, but heterozygosity may be a risk
factor for late-onset PD, as suggested by population studies[105]
[110] and supported in meta-analysis by Kasten et al.[111] Among affected carriers, the cardinal features and age-at-onset remained similar
between the homozygous and heterozygous groups, with a trend toward more gait disturbance
in the homozygous group, but in the setting of longer average disease duration.[111] In the preclinical state, heterozygotes may manifest hyposmia.[109]
Pathology
Postmortem examinations are limited in number. Postmortem examination has been reported
on two PINK1 PD patients with atypical LB pathology. In a compound heterozygous early-onset PD
patient, Sammaranch et al noted neuronal loss in the SNpc, with LB pathology in an
atypical distribution involving the reticular nuclei, SNpc, and the nucleus of Meynert,
but sparing the LC and amygdala.[112] Recently, in a homozygous early-onset PD patient, Takanashi et al found no LB pathology,
apart from in a few olfactory nerve neurites, but did note marked SN and LC depigmentation.[113]
DJ1
van Duijn et al first identified a locus at 1p36, separate from PARK6, in a consanguineous Dutch kindred with early-onset PD.[114] Bonifati et al then identified the DJ1 gene in a Dutch and an Italian family, respectively. The phenotype among the four
subjects was early-onset PD (all < 41 years old), one with blepharospasm, with two
on treatment with levodopa with good response, and one with motor fluctuation including
LID.[115] Mutation frequency is apparently rare, with studies finding a frequency of 0 to
1% in early-onset PD cohorts[116]
[117]
[118]; a meta-analysis by Kilarski et al found an overall mutation frequency of 0.4%,
marginally higher among familial PD (0.8%) than among sporadic PD (0.4%) cases.[72]
GBA
History
Clinical observation of parkinsonism among Gaucher's disease (GD) patients led to
the confirmation of increased PD prevalence in that population. An initial case series
among GD patients with PD described an aggressive phenotype with age-at-onset in the
fourth to sixth decade of life, rapid progression, and poor response to levodopa.[119] Aharon-Peretz et al further noted younger onset in carriers than in noncarriers,[120] bringing the GBA gene under investigation as a possible genetic risk factor for PD.
Mechanism of Pathogenicity
GBA encodes the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase (GCase), which cleaves the β-glucosyl
linkage of glucosylceramide and glucosylsphingosine. Given the low penetrance of PD,
both gain-of-function and loss-of-function mechanisms have been proposed. Proposed
gain-of-function mechanisms include facilitation of α − synuclein accumulation by
misfolded GCase or lysosomal dysfunction causing impairment in the ubiquitin-proteasome
or autophagy pathways. Possible loss-of-function mechanisms include substrate accumulation
due to lysosomal dysfunction or altered lipid maintenance.[121] Alcalay et al compared GCase activity in PD patients and controls with and without
GBA mutations. Homozygotes and compound heterozygotes had lower enzymatic activity than
heterozygotes, who in turn had lower activity than controls. PD patients as a group
had lower mean GCase activity than the non-PD group. Further, among noncarriers with
PD, lower GCase activity has been associated with shorter disease duration, suggesting
lower GCase activity may be associated with faster progression.[122]
Frequency
Multiple studies have established a significantly increased risk of PD associated
with GBA mutation, now reported worldwide,[120]
[123]
[124]
[125]
[126]
[127]
[128] but most substantially in the AJ population.[129] In the AJ population, mutations in GBA are common among controls. In a large population study, Gan-Or et al found a mutation
frequency of 6.35% among young controls (ages 20–45 years) and 4.2% among elderly
controls.[129] Penetrance is incomplete and increases with age. It is estimated at 7.7 to 29.7%
by 80 years.[130]
[131] Further, the conferred risk for PD may increase with functional severity of the
GBA mutation. Gan-Or et al found an increased risk for PD conferred with functionally
severe versus mild mutations, in keeping with a prior study.[129]
[132]
Phenotype
Overall, the motor phenotype is similar between GBA PD and iPD,[120] possibly with more bradykinesia and LID among GBA PD patients.[125] In contrast, nonmotor symptoms appear to be more prominent among GBA PD patients than in iPD. One of the largest population studies noted GBA PD patients were more likely than iPD patients to have atypical features including
cognitive changes.[128] Greater cognitive involvement has been substantiated in subsequent studies,[133] with Oeda et al also noting possible earlier onset in a retrospective review.[134] Particular impairments in memory and visuospatial domains have been reported.[135] In addition, neuropsychiatric disturbances and autonomic dysfunction may be more
severe.[136] GBA mutations have been associated with confirmed idiopathic RBD as well as probable
RBD among PD patients.[137] Olfaction appears comparably affected as in iPD.[135]
As was originally reported, the disease course appears to be more rapidly progressive
than in iPD. In a longitudinal study of PD patients with and without GBA mutation, Brockmann et al found a more rapid progression of motor as well as cognitive
impairment, with decreased survival rates in GBA PD over a 3-year follow-up.[133] Cilia et al also found a decreased survival rate for GBA PD versus iPD patients.[138] Deep brain stimulation may be required earlier in GBA PD, but has also been associated with early cognitive impairment after DBS[96]; further studies are needed.
Biallelic carriers may have more severe disease. Thaler et al recently reported a
gene dosage effect, with earlier disease onset and more severe motor and nonmotor
symptoms (i.e., cognition, olfaction, RBD, hallucinations) in homozygotes and compound
heterozygotes versus both heterozygotes and iPD patients.[139]
Pathology
In parallel with GBA PD's prominent cognitive features, cortical LBs have been noted on postmortem examination,
although it remains unclear whether they occur with greater burden than in iPD. Clark
et al found GBA mutation status to be associated with cortical LBs and not with Alzheimer's disease
pathology.[140] In the postmortem examination of 17 GBA PD patients, Neumann et al found widespread, abundant LBs in all, with limbic or
diffuse neocortical LB pathology,[126] although with neocortical burden ultimately felt to be comparable to noncarriers.[141] Co-localization of mutant GCase with α − synuclein inclusions has been reported
in greater proportions in GBA PD than non-GBA PD.[142]
Rare Causes and Risk Factors
Rare Causes and Risk Factors
Additional genes have been identified as possible causes or risk factors for PD and
atypical parkinsonism. Analyses of ADPD families initially identified CHCHD2, TMEM230, and RIC3 as causative genes. Multiple mutations in CHCHD2 have been implicated among Chinese, Japanese, and European PD patients,[143]
[144]
[145] but not consistently supported in case-control studies[146]
[147]
[148]; recent meta-analyses suggest the P2L mutation is associated with increased PD risk
among Asian populations.[149]
[150] TMEM230 was reported in a North American ADPD family,[151] but has not been replicated in recent case-control studies and requires further
validation.[152]
[153] RIC3 was recently reported in an Indian ADPD family, but currently lacks validation.[154] Possible rare risk factors include SMPD1, which, in a biallelic state, causes Niemann-Pick disease type A or B, but is also
associated with an increased risk of PD.[155]
[156]
[157]
[158] Additional studies are required for DNAJC13, specific variants of which may be associated with increased PD risk.[159] Mutations in GCH1 are associated with dopa-responsive dystonia; in addition, reports including postmortem
examination suggest an increased risk of parkinsonism with LB pathology among patients
with dopa-responsive dystonia[160] in association with progressive supranuclear palsy-like pathology in one proven
GCH1 patient.[161] 22q11.2 deletion causes CATCH22 syndrome, but is also associated with an increased
risk for atypical parkinsonism[162] with supporting LB pathology on postmortem examination.[163]
Various genes have been associated with atypical parkinsonism. These include DNAJC6, associated with early-onset parkinsonism, mental retardation, hallucinations, pyramidal
tract signs, and epilepsy[164]
[165]
[166]
[167]; ATP13A2,[168]
[169] associated with Kufor-Rakeb syndrome, characterized by early-onset, rapidly progressive
parkinsonism with supranuclear gaze palsy, spasticity, and dementia; VPS13C,[170] associated with early-onset, rapidly progressive parkinsonism with early cognitive
decline; SYNJ1,[171] associated with early-onset parkinsonism with dystonia as well as supranuclear gaze
palsy, dementia, and seizures; FBXO7,[172]
[173] associated with early-onset parkinsonism with pyramidal tract signs; PLA2G6,[174] associated with dystonia parkinsonism; and RAB39B,[175]
[176]
[177] associated with early-onset parkinsonism with childhood intellectual disability.
Association with PD currently remains unclear as these genes are largely lacking postmortem
examination to confirm or refute LB pathology.
Conclusion
One of the greatest advances in PD research in the past two decades is our better
understanding of PD genetics. The wealth of genetic research helps confirm the clinical
observation that PD is not a single disease with a single pathogenesis and natural
course. However, much of the genetics of PD remains to be uncovered. Mutations in
the genes outlined above and summarized in [Table 1] are present only in a small minority of people with PD; the cause of PD in most
cases remains to be discovered. Also, despite extensive work, the mechanisms by which
mutations in these genes cause PD remain largely unknown.
To date, most of the genetic research in PD has been observational. Studies have described
the prevalence, phenotype, and clinical course of mutation carriers. Among the currently
known genetic causes and risk factors, the clinical phenotype, including the manifestation
of motor and nonmotor symptoms, and the rate of progression vary widely; these characteristics
should be considerations in individual clinical management.
Our hope is that the genetic information may ultimately lead to new therapeutic interventions
manipulating the metabolic pathways of the involved genes. In cases of loss of function
(e.g., Parkin), interventions would aim to enhance the pathway and in cases of gain of function
(e.g., LRRK2), to inhibit activity. Whether mutation carriers, or ideally the entire PD population,
would benefit from such interventions remains to be explored.
Table 1
Major genetic causes and risk factors for Parkinson's disease: Ethnic distribution,
phenotypic characteristics, neuropathological findings, and implications of heterozygosity
and/or gene dosage
|
Gene
|
Populations
|
Phenotype
|
Pathology
|
Effect of heterozygosity
|
|
LRRK2
|
Varies by mutation: G2019S (N African Berber and AJ[21]); codon 1441 (Spanish Basque[9]); G2385R (Chinese, Japanese, Korean[12]
[13]
[14]); I2020T (Japanese[10])
|
Similar motor phenotype[19] and rate of progression as in iPD[25] with good levodopa response[26]
Fewer nonmotor manifestations than in iPD[18]
[28]
[29]
[30]
[33]
|
Substantia nigra and locus coeruleus degeneration with variable LB and tau pathology[40]
|
Causative with incomplete penetrance
|
|
SNCA
|
European[43]
[46]
[47]
[48]
[49]
|
Early-onset PD with more rapid progression than in iPD; good levodopa response but
early fluctuations[50]; severe psychiatric features in gene duplication cases[51]
[54]
|
Prominent cortical and subcortical LB pathology in triplication case[53]
|
Causative with high penetrance[52]; gene dosage effect noted[50]
|
|
VPS35
|
European,[57]
[58]
[60] Japanese[61]
|
Case reports only Tremor-predominant PD[61]
|
None available
|
Causative
|
|
Parkin
|
Worldwide
|
Early-onset PD with slow rate of progression
Mild cardinal features with some atypical features (dystonia, prominent freezing of
gait), with sleep benefit on most symptoms[62] Less cognitive impairment than in iPD,[82] but more severe impulse control disorders[85]
|
Substantia nigra neuronal loss without prominent LB pathology[97]
[98]
|
Possible risk factor with deletions, duplications, or point mutations in functionally
critical domains[92]
[93]
|
|
PINK1
|
Worldwide
|
Early-onset PD with slow rate of progression; good levodopa response[99]
Some atypical features: dystonia and sleep benefit[105]
|
Limited reports (n = 2) Substantia nigra neuronal loss with sparse or no LB pathology[112]
[113]
|
Possible risk factor for late-onset PD[105]
[110]
[111]
|
|
DJ1
|
Dutch,[114] Italian[115]
|
Case reports only
Early-onset PD with reported blepharospasm; good levodopa response, but with motor
fluctuations[115]
|
None available
|
Unknown
|
|
GBA
|
Worldwide: highest risk in AJ populations[129]
|
Similar motor phenotype as in iPD,[120] but with more rapid progression[133]
More severe nonmotor features than in iPD, particularly cognitive impairment[128]
[135]
[136] Earlier onset and more severe motor and nonmotor features in homozygotes/compound
heterozygotes[139]
|
LB pathology; likely more cortical LBs than in noncarriers[140]
[141]
|
Risk factor: penetrance increases with age[130]
[131] and mutation severity[129]
[132]; Gene dosage effect noted[139]
|
Abbreviations: AJ, Ashkenazi Jewish; iPD, idiopathic PD; LB, Lewy body.
