Characterization of recessive Parkinson's disease in a large multicenter study

Studies of the phenotype and population distribution of rare genetic forms of parkinsonism are required, now that gene-targeting approaches for Parkinson's disease have reached the clinical trial stage. We evaluated the frequencies of PRKN, PINK1, and DJ-1 mutations in a cohort of 1587 cases. Mutations were found in 14.1% of patients: 27.6% were familial and 8% were isolated. PRKN was the gene most frequently mutated in Caucasians whereas PINK1 mutations predominated in Arab-Berber individuals. Patients with PRKN mutations had an earlier age at onset, and less asymmetry, levodopa-induced motor complications, dysautonomia, and dementia than those without mutations. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.