Objective: To identify and collect data on non-genetic variables from individuals with and without Parkinson’s disease (PD) in the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program (GP2, http://gp2.org/).

Background: The etiology of PD is complex, involving both genetic and non-genetic factors. GP2 is an international collaborative effort to accelerate research into the genetic basis of PD. Alongside developing a global network of researchers, GP2 aims to integrate clinico-genetic data from >200,000 participants. We recognize that it is vital to also understand non-genetic contributions to PD risk and progression, including how they interact with genetic variants. This expanding effort in GP2 aims to gather and harmonize data on exposure to non-genetic factors in addition to the data that is already being collected in GP2.

Method: We will collect and harmonize data on non-genetic variables such as environmental exposures (e.g., pesticides), lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking) and comorbidities (e.g., type 2 diabetes) from individuals with and without PD worldwide. Where possible, we will facilitate additional data collection to build a unified dataset from diverse ancestral populations, either directly or indirectly through supporting new collaborative efforts. In the spirit of GP2, researchers will be able to access the data and work on collaborative projects to explore gene-environment (GxE) interactions for PD. A site interest form (SIF) was sent out to collect information on the number of study participants and the availability of non-genetic data for all cohorts currently participating in GP2.

Results: Over 200 sites answered the SIF; 125 reported having data on lifestyle variables and 105 on environmental exposures. Out of the 125 cohorts with lifestyle data, 41% reported having longitudinal data and 59% cross sectional data, whereas out of the 105 cohorts having environmental data, 44% reported having longitudinal data and 55% cross sectional data. Out of all sites, 21% are from regions outside Europe and North America. The effective sample size with available lifestyle and environmental data is >40,000 PD patients and >80,000 controls.

Conclusion: This expanding effort aims to gather data on non-genetic variables in addition to the clinico-genetic data in GP2 from individuals with and without PD in order to build a global resource for studies of GxE interactions in PD.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/utilizing-a-global-network-to-study-environmental-factors-relating-to-parkinsons-disease-in-the-global-parkinsons-genetics-program-gp2/