Although the literature states that genetic components weigh more in YOPD,
we are still told that the possibility of having one of the identified mutations is scant like 6-7%. Guess again. 23andMe just posted results of largest genome wide study of PWP and reports it more like 25 %... Wow! This is great news as it should help boost funding for genetics which I am sure must have been taking the back seat for far too long now. Oh they also discovered two more potential loci.

Here is the abstract and link to full-text. A huge thank you to both Wojcicki and Brin for having the notion that people would want access to their genetic code and for being magnanimous in subsidizing the cost involved for us to participate. I'd rather not have PD, but $25 bucks is a good deal. Assuming that they ever read anything here. ha.


We conducted a large genome-wide association study (GWAS) of Parkinson's disease (PD) with over 3,400 cases and 29,000 controls (the largest single PD GWAS cohort to date). We report two novel genetic associations and replicate a total of twenty previously described associations, showing that there are now many solid genetic factors underlying PD. We also estimate that genetic factors explain at least one-fourth of the variation in PD liability, of which currently discovered factors only explain a small fraction (6%–7%). Together, these results expand the set of genetic factors discovered to date and imply that many more associations remain to be found.

http://<br /> http://www.plosgeneti...netics 6/23/11

Oh, and gotta love the final sentence of the abstract:

Our study thus illustrates the ability of web-based methods for enrollment and data collection to yield new scientific insights into the etiology of disease, and it demonstrates the power and reliability of self-reported data for studying the genetics of Parkinson's disease.


Laura

Today, MJFF sent out a letter (pasted below) to our constituents from Todd Sherer (MJFF CEO) that discusses this paper and also provides links to actions for those of you who might be interested but haven't spit.

Debi

You can be part of an ongoing research project that could help speed the progress of improved treatments for Parkinson’s disease.

Two years ago, personal genetics company 23andMe created a Web-based Parkinson’s Research Community to examine how genes and environment are related to the disease. I wanted to provide an update on the project and let you know how you can get involved.

In the relatively short period since its launch, 23andMe’s innovative approach to genetic research has been validated. In a fraction of the time that traditional research requires, the 23andMe study has already verified many previous genetic associations with Parkinson’s. What’s more, 23andMe has discovered two new genetic associations with Parkinson’s, a finding that was recently published in PLoS Genetics. These finding shows that a considerable proportion of the genetics of Parkinson’s has yet to be explained while also confirming the importance of environmental factors. 23andMe is now one of several groups participating in the largest collaborative genetic analysis of Parkinson’s to date. They have identified a genetic target that may modify risk for Parkinson’s and are working with an external academic partner to explore this possibility. This progress was made in part because more than 5,000 people like you chose to participate in the study.

Accelerating the development of new and better Parkinson’s treatments is The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s mission. For that reason, we have collaborated with 23andMe to help publicize this novel approach to research and encourage enrollment in the Parkinson’s Research Community.

23andMe is halfway to the goal of enrolling 10,000 people with Parkinson’s in the Research Community. A cohort of this size has the potential to make breakthrough discoveries and offer possible targets for treatment. The 23andMe approach enables these discoveries to happen rapidly. But it can’t happen without your help. The more people who enroll in the project, the more powerful it becomes. We hope you will consider joining.

Participation is free and open to anyone who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s by a physician. The study is conducted entirely online, so you can take part from any location. As a participant, you will provide a saliva sample for DNA testing and fill out online surveys about your symptoms, experiences and environmental exposures. In return, you will be able to see your own genetic information, including whether you carry certain mutations associated with Parkinson’s (you can also choose not to view these results). If you choose to see your results, 23andMe provides knowledge and support to put them in context through online tutorials, videos and the patient liaison (pd-help@23andme.com). Additionally, community members are kept informed of research discoveries made possible by their collective participation in the project.

To learn more, visit www.23andme.com/pd. Or enroll at www.23andme.com/pd/codereq. If you are already a member of the 23andMe Parkinson’s Research Community, thank you! Check out the discoveries you helped make possible at https://www.23andme.com/pd/research_discoveries/. You can also see new genetic data in the PD report and fill out new surveys on factors that might play a role in Parkinson’s, such as caffeine use and pesticide exposure.

The decision to explore your own genome is one deserving of thoughtful deliberation. There is currently no specific therapeutic action to take in response to learning you have or are at increased risk for Parkinson’s. But The Michael J. Fox Foundation is hopeful that novel approaches, like this one, will advance research into therapies and a future cure. I hope you will consider enrolling today.

Laura

The $25 was a steal and look what came of it! Movin' on!
Peggy