Genotype-Phenotype Relations for the Parkinson's Disease Genes Parkin, PINK1, DJ1: MDSGene Systematic Review

Meike Kasten1,2, Corinna Hartmann1, Jennie Hampf1

  • 1Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.

Insights

This review details 3 autosomal recessive Parkinson's disease (PD) forms caused by mutations in Parkin, PINK1, and DJ1. Findings reveal typical PD symptoms with early onset, but highlight discrepancies with existing knowledge.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Neurology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Parkinson's disease (PD) has genetic forms, including autosomal recessive types.
  • Mutations in Parkin, PINK1, and DJ1 genes are known causes of recessive PD.
  • Comprehensive data on these genetic forms are crucial for understanding disease mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a comprehensive review of autosomal recessive Parkinson's disease linked to Parkin, PINK1, and DJ1.
  • To curate and analyze phenotypic and genotypic data from over 1100 patients.
  • To compare findings with existing literature and identify discrepancies.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic data extraction from 3652 citations following the MDSGene protocol.
  • Analysis of phenotypic and genotypic data from >1100 patients with mutations in Parkin, PINK1, or DJ1.
  • Creation of a searchable online database (www.mdsgene.org) for patient data.

Main Results:

  • Identified 221 distinct disease-causing mutations across the three genes.
  • Observed a median age at onset of ~30 years for carriers of at least two mutations.
  • Found clinically typical PD with good treatment response, common dystonia/dyskinesia, and uncommon cognitive decline.

Conclusions:

  • Recapitulated known findings but identified discrepancies with common expert knowledge.
  • Emphasized the need for systematic phenotype reporting due to increasing genetic testing.
  • Highlighted the importance of data for emerging gene-specific therapies in clinical trials.

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