Objective: Expanding the current understanding of the genetic architecture of Parkinson’s disease (PD), accelerate discovery and validation of novel disease-causing genetic mutations and provide training and resources to a broad, diverse base of scientists and clinicians.

Background: A substantial proportion of risk for PD is driven by genetics, and these genetic links have advanced disease understanding and therapeutic development. However, there is still much to learn about identified genetic risk factors. We know that not all people with PD-linked mutations develop the disease, and, in those who do, onset can be late in life, suggesting the existence of protective genetic factors that prevent or delay disease. The path to further understanding the genetic architecture of PD requires working collaboratively to analyze samples from hundreds of thousands of people representing diverse backgrounds and disease experiences. Progress requires working openly and sharing data, processes, and results in a timely manner.

Method: The Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program (GP2) will engage existing global consortia and cohorts to expand genetic analysis efforts with samples from more than 150,000 people, including those with PD, people at risk for PD, and control volunteers. GP2 will use cutting-edge techniques to analyze samples from people around the world living in or with ancestors from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Central and South America.

Results: GP2 aims to democratize these efforts. There will be significant focus on training the future generation of genetic researchers and clinicians. The underlying data, analytical processes, and results from GP2 will be made available to the larger research community as quickly as possible, with minimum barriers to access and use.

Conclusion: Expanded understanding of the genetic architecture of PD has wide and deep implications for research and care. Findings and data generated from GP2 including new PD-linked genetic associations, relationships between mutations, protective variants, commonalities, and differences in the genetics of disease in individuals of diverse ancestry can help clinicians, investigators and companies better understand who may develop PD, at what time, and to what degree.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/an-introduction-to-the-global-parkinsons-genetics-program-gp2/