Researchers at DeCODE genetics, the Rekyavik-based company studying the genetic records of the Icelandic population, announced last week that it had discovered a gene linked to the main form of Parkinson's disease. The gene was found on a small section of chromosome one after a study of data from 51 Icelandic families.
The scientists plan to use the information to develop new diagnostic tests and new treatments for the condition, although these will be many years away. Kari Stefansson, the chief executive of DeCODE, said that the gene discovery goes against the more commonly held belief that Parkinson's has no identifiable genetic component. Genes have been found for rarer forms of the disease but this is the first time a gene has been identified as having a causal link to the late-onset form of the disease.
Sources and References
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Scientists find genetic key to Parkinson's
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Icelandic firm finds Parkinson's disease gene
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