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MDS 2021 | Diversifying genetic research in Parkinson’s disease

Ignacio Mata, PhD, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, discusses the problems caused by a lack of representation in genetic research in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Cutting-edge technological advancements in recent years have uncovered many genetic connections to Parkinson’s disease, furthering our understanding of disease pathophysiology and paving the way towards novel targeted treatments. However, nearly all of our genetic information from large genome wide association studies (GWAS) comes from European populations. Very little data has been collected from underrepresented populations and thus, findings based on genetic discoveries may not be applicable to all patients with Parkinson’s disease. There is a great need for the inclusion of patients from diverse ethnic backgrounds in genetic studies, to understand genomic differences in minority populations, discover new influential genes, and enable equal opportunities for appropriate care across the globe. This interview took place during the 2021 International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders.