No pathogenic mutations in the beta-synuclein gene in Parkinson's disease

We present 11 families consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance of pr obable Parkinson's disease (PD). Although excluded as a cause of disease in these kindreds, mutations in the alpha-synuclein gene have been implicated in familial PD. The beta-synuclein gene is highly homologous, expressed in the nervous system and thus is a good candidate gene for PD. Multipoint li nkage analysis was either equivocal or excluded 5q35 haplotype sharing amon g affected family members. Sequencing the translated exons of the beta-synu clein gene failed to identify any pathogenic mutation. (C) 1999 Elsevier Sc ience Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.