The ASAP (Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Initiative) announced the launch of the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program (GP2), a major international research program on Parkinson’s disease in which the Institut du Cerveau – ICM is involved.

Genetics plays an important role in Parkinson’s disease and several risk factors have already been identified. The progress in the genetics of this disease has a global impact on its understanding and the development of therapeutic solutions.

However, there is still much to be learned about the influence of genetics on the disease. Being a carrier of risk factors does not mean that the disease will develop, and even among those who develop the disease, differences in the age of onset or its evolution suggest the existence of other “protective” factors.

The Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program has three aspects:

– To deepen current knowledge about the genetic architecture of Parkinson’s disease.

– Accelerate the discovery and validation of new genetic mutations involved in diseases.

– Provide training and resources for scientists and clinicians.

“To understand more precisely the full extent of the influence of genetics in Parkinson’s disease, it is necessary to analyze data from a very large number of subjects, 150,000, sick or not. This is the goal of this major Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program (GP2). The study of very diverse populations from around the world will also allow us to fill a major gap in our knowledge of Parkinson’s disease. By bringing together expert centers around the world on Parkinson’s disease such as the Institut du Cerveau – ICM, we are joining forces to advance our understanding of the disease’s mechanisms and, ultimately, the development of treatment. ” Prof Alexis Brice, Institut du Cerveau – ICM Executive Director and member of the Steering Committee of the GP2 program.

For more information: https://parkinsonsroadmap.org/asap-announces-new-resource/