Parkinson's disease (genetics)
SNCA is a gene found on human chromosome 4 that codes for alpha-synuclein. Autosomal dominant mutations of SNCA have been identified in several families with inherited Parkinson's disease.
It is thought that the mutant forms of alpha-nuclein aggregate and induce other proteins to incorporate into the aggregate as well. These aggregates are known as Lewy bodies and are comprised primarily of alpha-synuclein. Lewy bodies are similar to the beta-amyloid plaques found in Alzheimer's patients.
Another gene implicated in the development of Parkinson's disease is the Parkin gene.
Note that the known genes are responsible for a minority of cases only, the majority of cases are sporadic
It is thought that the mutant forms of alpha-nuclein aggregate and induce other proteins to incorporate into the aggregate as well. These aggregates are known as Lewy bodies and are comprised primarily of alpha-synuclein. Lewy bodies are similar to the beta-amyloid plaques found in Alzheimer's patients.
Another gene implicated in the development of Parkinson's disease is the Parkin gene.
Note that the known genes are responsible for a minority of cases only, the majority of cases are sporadic
