Is there a gene, or genes, that causes Parkinsons?
So far scientists have identified six forms of genetic Parkinson’s and are searching for more. However, the number of cases with a genetic link is a tiny portion of the overall number of cases. Still, doctors hope that better understanding the genetic form of the disease could help unravel the mysteries about other forms of Parkinson’s. But the genetic component of Parkinson’s has also proved more complicated than once thought. Scientists have determined there’s no single gene for Parkinson’s — one gene may trigger the disease in one family, while a different gene triggers it in another family. Scientists also suspect that in some cases, developing genetic Parkinson’s may require having multiple trigger genes, because studies of families with a high incidence of the disorder have shown that some individuals can carry the main gene identified as causing Parkinson’s yet never develop symptoms.
Related Questions
- What are theses alternate forms of a gene called? Genes located on a homologous chromosomes may have alternate forms that control different forms of a trait?
- How can lethal genes remain in the gene pool over time instead of disappearing overtime?
- Question of the Week: What Causes a Gene To Mutate or Change?
