The Complicated Relationship between Gaucher Disease and Parkinsonism: Insights from a Rare Disease

Publication date: 22 February 2017 Source:Neuron, Volume 93, Issue 4 Author(s): Elma Aflaki, Wendy Westbroek, Ellen Sidransky The discovery of a link between mutations in GBA1, encoding the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase, and the synucleinopathies directly resulted from the clinical recognition of patients with Gaucher disease with parkinsonism. Mutations in GBA1 are now the most common known genetic risk factor for several Lewy body disorders, and an inverse relationship exists between levels of glucocerebrosidase and oligomeric α-synuclein. While the underlying mechanisms are still debated, this complicated association is shedding light on the role of lysosomes in neurodegenerative disorders, demonstrating how insights from a rare disorder can direct research into the pathogenesis and therapy of seemingly unrelated common diseases. Teaser Aflaki et al. provide new perspectives on potential mechanisms and pathways underlying the enigmatic association between the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase and Parkinson disease. They posit that glucocerebrosidase may provide a novel drug target for patients with parkinsonism.

Source: Neuron - February 23, 2017 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research