This looks pretty interesting. And, it is exactly the kind of finding that needs to be validated. This is where PPMI (more info at http://www.michaeljfox.org/living_PPMI.cfm) comes in. Our team is in the process of reaching out to the UK-based investigators to encourage them to apply to get samples from the PPMI database to take their finding to the next level of investigation without having to start a larger new study cohort. The PPMI resource saves time and money.

The PPMI database includes extensive, standardized longitudinal clinical, biological and imaging data from PD patients and controls and is a resource for the whole community. Even though the PPMI study will be underway for several more years, data and samples are available in real time. Since data access was launched earlier this year, over 4000 download requests have been received. We are very excited that the field is valuing this critical information.

Debi