Research done by Robert J. Smith, M.D., director of the division of endocrinology and the Hallett Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology at Rhode Island Hospital and professor of medicine at Alpert Medical School show that mutation of gene GIGYF2 has direct relationship with the degenerative disease known as Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s occurs when certain nerve cell that control muscle of body and movement die or impaired and affecting people above age 60. Parkinson’s also found to have possible relationship with insulin-like growth factor (IGF).
Research done towards 249 people with Parkinson’s found that 12 people has seven different forms of gene GIGYF2 mutation occurring in their cell. This research also sampled their family and found the same mutation on them. This research which also found that there is no mutation occurs in 200 healthy controls. Smith said that this discovery might give hint to the treatment and prevention of Parkinson’s.
Grimes, JC 2008, New Research Provides Genetic Clue to Parkinson’s Disease, Medical News Today, view on 29 March 2009,<http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/101279.php>.
