People who carry a rare gene variant are about half as likely to develop Parkinson's disease than people who carry a different version of the gene, a new study finds.
Researchers have started to unravel exactly how this genetic quirk might protect against Parkinson's — by preserving the function of a crucial enzyme needed for cells' metabolism and survival. Someday, a better understanding of the protective mechanism could lead to new treatments for the disease, scientists wrote in the report, published Jan. 3 in the journal Molecular Psychiatry.
