[olsen]

(perhaps those with one copy of the mutation who have PD could be helped with this already established therapy for Gaucher's)

Rare genetic disorder provides unique insight into Parkinson's disease

Pathway disrupted in Gaucher disease affects Parkinson's-associated protein deposits, suggests novel therapeutic strategy

Massachusetts General Hospital investigators appear to have found the mechanism behind a previously reported link between the rare genetic condition Gaucher disease and ...Parkinson's disease ... they describe how disruption of the molecular pathway that causes Gaucher disease leads to the toxic neuronal deposits of the protein alpha-synuclein (α-syn) found in Parkinson's and related disorders. In addition, rising α-syn levels further inhibit the Gaucher's-associated pathway, leading to even more α-syn deposition, a finding that indicates therapies targeting this pathway may be a new option for patients with Parkinson's disease.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releas...-rgd061711.php