How many genes are involved in Parkinson’s disease?

Genes implicated in Parkinson’s disease can broadly be divided into two groups: causative genes and risky genes.

Causative genes with mutations directly lead to Parkinson’s disease. It is monogenic, and happens usually in the family. These genes include:

1. SNCA: Synuclein alpha

2. LRRK2: Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2

3. PARK2: parkin or PRKN

4. PINK1: PTEN-induced kinase 1

5. DJ-1: PARK7 (Parkinsonism associated deglycase)

6. VPS35: Vacuolar protein sorting 35

Risky genes with mutations themself won’t be able to cause Parkinson’s disease, but it will increase the chance of an individual developing Parkinson’s disease in the future. These genes include:

1. GBA: Glucosylceramidase beta)

2. MAPT: Microtubule-associated protein tau

3. BST1: Bone marrow stromal cell antigen 1