Get involved in research

Why study genes to understand Parkinson’s?

We still don’t know why people get Parkinson’s. Which is why current treatments can only be about easing symptoms. The condition often affects people very differently and at different ages, which makes us suspect there are a variety of underlying causes. One benefit of studying human genetic variation is the discovery and understanding of the contribution genes make to both healthy processes in the brain but also what changes may occur that lead to diseases such as Parkinson’s. Understanding these processes enables us then to develop new treatments and medications that can intervene in advance of any symptoms and potentially prevent damage to brain cells. The aim of understanding the causes is to ultimately find a cure.

“One of the beauties of genetic research and genetic analysis particularly in families where lots of people are affected means you can go in the space of an afternoon knowing nothing about why the disease happened to understanding why a specific spelling mistake in a gene can explain the disease. We now have very powerful tools to enable us to make breakthroughs in this condition and develop new treatments”
Professor Huw Morris, Chief Investigator

Working towards a more personalised approach to treating Parkinson’s

Doctors know that many of their patients don’t often respond the same way to the same medication, which is why it often feels such a complex business tweaking Parkinson’s medications to suit the individual. For centuries medicine classified disease by what could be seen, felt and smelt and then about a hundred years ago we began to define diseases anatomically, physiologically and biochemically. But now we can do more using molecular biology and genetics. By understanding an individual’s unique genetic make-up, we will have an informed picture of why things are potentially causing problems and more crucially what specifically is going to help best. The simple concept behind stratified or personalised medicine is that we become smarter at identifying the people who will benefit from which drug. Precision medicine is a good term because current medicine can often be imprecise. What has long been an aspiration is now becoming a reality.

The speed of the technology and science

We are living in exciting times. The technology involved in sequencing genes is moving at an amazing pace. In 2003 when the first human genome was completely sequenced, it took 10 years and cost £800 million. The advent of ultra-fast sequencing computers and the reduction in cost has enabled scientists collaborating all over the world to sequence 18,000 genomes a year for approximately £800 a genome. Which means looking for new Parkinson’s genes can be more targeted, more efficient and more cost effective. In reality, this means genomic medicine can now happen in the clinic; where we can begin to understand what causes Parkinson’s and also how to predict aspects of the condition.

A UK/NHS commitment to genomic medicine

In 2012, the department of health established Genomics England and made a commitment to sequence 100,000 Genomes by 2020. This number includes 50,000 cancer genomes and 50,000 rare disease genomes. This involves sequencing the genomes of both people with these conditions and members of their families. Parkinson’s is included in the rare disease category and includes people with an early onset of the condition and people with a family history of Parkinson’s. The aim is to create a new genomic medicine service for the NHS – transforming the way people are cared for. The project will also enable new medical research. Combining genomic sequence data with medical records is a ground-breaking resource. Researchers will study how best to use genomics in healthcare and how best to interpret the data to help patients. The causes, diagnosis and treatment of disease will also be investigated. This is currently the largest national sequencing project of its kind in the world.

You can learn more about the 100,000 genomes project here.

Why get involved?

Hear from Sara Webb, who is already taking part in our genetic family research studies.

Current Parkinson's Families Projects

Here you can find all the current Parkinson's Families Projects that you can take part in and which one is right for you.