Molecular Epidemiology of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common and disabling condition in the expanding elderly population of the US and worldwide. Its etiology remains unknown and both genetic and environmental factors have been suspected. The long-term goal of the proposed studies is to clarify the etiology of PD and to identify means to prevent it. Specifically, we will study the association of PD with susceptibility genes previously found associated with novelty seeking behavior, substance use (tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine), and anxiety and depressive disorders. The hypotheses tested derive directly from our current work and preliminary findings. We will employ the case-unaffected sibling control study design and analyses will use a generalization of the sibling transmission dysequilibrium test, or "S-TDT". In total, nine candidate susceptibility genes will be considered, of which only five have undergone limited study for PD. The candidate susceptibility genes include three detoxification genes, three dopaminergic genes, and three serotonergic genes. We will include 800 cases of PD referred to the Mayo Clinic from a 120-mile radius or from a 5-state region during approximately a 10-year period. We will also include their eligible siblings age 40 years or above, projecting that blood DNA samples will be available for 563 affected probands or siblings and 1,180 unaffected siblings stratified in 521 informative sibships. Sibships with multiple affected or unaffected siblings will be included. PD cases will undergo a clinical assessment and blood sampling, and provide family information through a face-to-face interview followed by a written mail-in form. All living siblings ages 40 and above will be screened for PD using a validated telephone instrument. Subjects screening negative for PD will provide DNA with mail-in blood sampling kits only. Persons screening positive will be clinically assessed at the Mayo Clinic or at home, and blood DNA samples will be directly obtained. Genotyping will be performed using polymerase chain reaction methods and will be blinded to affected or unaffected status. The study will avoid population stratification bias by using sibling controls. The candidate susceptibility genes selected for primary analyses relate to personality traits, substance use, and psychiatric diseases that we have found associated with PD. The selection of these genes represents a major paradigm shift. We will also establish a large DNA bank for rapid and efficient testing of new genetic hypothesis for PD. This application is submitted in response to RFA ES-00-002 ("The Role of the Environment in Parkinson's Disease"). We specifically address the RFA's objectives of evaluating endogenous (including biomarkers) and exogenous (including dietary and lifestyle) susceptibility factors for PD using molecular epidemiology tools.