Gene-environment interaction and Mendelian randomisation

Rev Neurol (Paris). 2019 Dec;175(10):597-603. doi: 10.1016/j.neurol.2019.04.010. Epub 2019 Sep 19.

Abstract

Genetic factors only account for up to a third of the cases of Parkinson's disease (PD), while the remaining cases are of unknown aetiology. Environmental exposures (such as pesticides or heavy metals) and the interaction with genetic susceptibility factors (summarized in the concept of impaired xenobiotic metabolism) are believed to play a major role in the mechanisms of neurodegeneration. Beside of the classical association studies (e.g. genome-wide association studies), a novel approach to investigate environmental risk factors are Mendelian randomisation studies. This review explores the gene-environment interaction and the gain of Mendelian randomisation studies in assessing causalities of modifiable risk factors for PD.

Keywords: Gene-environment interaction; Genome-wide association studies (GWAS); Mendelian randomisation; Parkinson's disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects
  • Environmental Pollutants / toxicity*
  • Gene-Environment Interaction*
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Genome-Wide Association Study
  • Humans
  • Mendelian Randomization Analysis*
  • Parkinson Disease / epidemiology*
  • Parkinson Disease / etiology*
  • Parkinson Disease / genetics
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Environmental Pollutants