Centogene N.V. and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF) announced a research project to accelerate research on genetic risk factors associated with PD, specifically targeting the role of variants in the GBA (glucosylceramidase beta) gene. PD is a devastating neurodegenerative disease affecting over 10 million people worldwide, with many cases being linked to genetic factors. Recent research has identified the GBA gene as a significant genetic risk factor for PD, which could shed new light on potential biological pathways for the development of effective therapies.

The research project will leverage CENTOGENE's expertise in rare genetic and neurodegenerative diseases, drawing on diverse multiomic data in the CENTOGENE Biodatabank. The biodatabank currently contains more than 800,000 patients representing over 120 highly diverse countries, including over 15,000 Parkinson's disease datasets from the Company's ROPAD Study, the world's largest observational study on PD genetics. In working with MJFF, the aim of the research is to establish a deeper understanding of the relationship between specific GBA gene variants and PD.

GBA-Associated Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by specific variants in the GBA (glucosylceramidase beta) gene and has been identified as one of the most common genetic risk factors for PD. Variants in the GBA gene impair the body's ability to break down certain fats, leading to a buildup of harmful substances in nerve cells. This accumulation, as well as potentially other independent consequences of GBA dysfunction, can contribute to the development of PD symptoms, which resemble the motor symptoms of idiopathic PD, such as tremors, stiffness, and bradykinesia.

Recognizing the connection between GBA variants and PD is crucial for both diagnosis and potential targeted therapies, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research and clinical investigations in this area, as there's currently no cure for PD.