Contribution of genomics and proteomics in understanding the role of modifying factors in Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex neurological disorder, characterized by selective degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. It is a multi-factorial disease, contributed by a combination of age, genetic and environmental factors. Etiology of sporadic PD and mechanism underlying selective loss of dopaminergic neurons has not yet been clearly understood. Recent developments in genomics and proteomics have revolutionized the research on PD at genetic level. Differential gene expression patterns (DNA biochip technology), age-dependent complex genetic patterns (SNP genotyping), and protein expression profiles (proteomics) of PD patients have started providing the specific and rigorous molecular explanation and role of modifying factors in PD. Genomics and proteomics are further expected to help in developing biomarkers for diagnosis of early onset PD and also to develop valuable and potential therapeutic strategies for its treatment. In this review, we have discussed the progress made by genomics and proteomics, in understanding the role of modifying factors in PD.