CRISPR Technology Uncovers Genes Linked to Parkinson’s Disease
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Synopsis
US researchers have utilized CRISPR interference technology to discover a new set of genes contributing to the risk of Parkinson's disease, revealing critical genetic factors that could influence future therapeutic strategies.
Key Takeaways
- CRISPR interference technology was used to identify key genes.
- Over 10 million people globally suffer from Parkinson's disease.
- Commander proteins play a vital role in cellular waste management.
- Genetic factors significantly influence Parkinson's disease development.
- Loss-of-function variants in specific genes increase disease risk.
New Delhi, April 12 (NationPress) Researchers in the US have harnessed the innovative technology of CRISPR interference to pinpoint a novel collection of genes that are implicated in the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
Currently, over 10 million individuals globally are affected by Parkinson’s, making it the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease.
Scientists have long been exploring the reasons why certain individuals with pathogenic variants develop Parkinson’s while others do not, leading to the hypothesis that additional genetic components may influence this outcome.
The findings, published in the journal Science, unveil a new set of genes and cellular pathways associated with the risk of Parkinson’s disease.
The team from Northwestern University utilized CRISPR interference technology to analyze the complete human genome.
They identified a cluster of 16 proteins, named Commander, which collectively fulfill a previously unidentified function in transporting specific proteins to the lysosome, a cellular component that operates like a recycling center by decomposing waste materials, aged cell components, and other undesirable substances.
“Our research demonstrates that a combination of genetic factors influences the emergence of disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, indicating that therapeutic interventions targeting multiple critical pathways must be considered for such conditions,” remarked Dr. Dimitri Krainc, chair of the Davee Department of Neurology and director of the Feinberg Neuroscience Institute at the university.
Rather than analyzing tens of thousands of patients—which could be both challenging and expensive—the research team opted for CRISPR.
“We conducted a genome-wide CRISPR interference screen to inhibit each protein-coding human gene in cells, identifying those crucial for Parkinson's disease pathogenesis,” Krainc explained.
By examining genomes from two separate cohorts, the researchers discovered loss-of-function variants in Commander genes among Parkinson’s patients compared to those without the condition.
“This indicates that loss-of-function variants in these genes heighten the risk of Parkinson’s disease,” Krainc concluded.
