Further Application of GP2

            A couple of weeks ago, we had the pleasure of hearing from Dr. Mary Makarious about Parkinson's in various populations around the world. Parkisons is a chronic neurological disorder that affects movement. Although it is a widespread disease, not much is known about the cause of Parkinson's disease and what may cure it. In the research article “Tackling A Disease on a Global Scale, the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program, GP2: A New Generation of Opportunities”, Dr. Makarious presents the Global Parkinson's Genetics Program (GP2), a program that aims to uncover genetic risk factors for Parkinson’s disease and develop advanced treatments. Since research in many countries regarding Parkinson’s have been left out, the program highlights the importance of collaboration and inclusivity. Dr. Makarious makes the statement that ultimately the program intends to pave the way for more effective and patient specific therapies. 

            The research article “Elucidating causative gene variants in hereditary Parkison’s disease in the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program (GP2)” by Lara M. Lange and colleagues support and expand upon Dr. Makarious’s presentation by demonstrating how the goals she addressed can be implemented in practice. This study focuses on GP2’s Monogenic Network, a system that investigates gene-based causes of Parkinson’s through large scale genome sequencing on patients across multiple countries. By collecting data internationally, this research reflects Dr. Makarious’s emphasis on collaboration and inclusion as an essential factor in understanding the mechanisms of Parkinson's. The findings of the study showed how genetic and environmental diversity can influence how disease can be expressed and therefore treatment response, forming a direct connection that could lead to more effective patient specific therapies. Additionally, the infrastructure of GP2 is advancing as seen through the Monogenic Network, illustrating how research and collaboration can come a long way in understanding not only Parkinson’s genetics but also other diseases.

            The integration of global collaboration not only transforms how we study Parkinson’s but also challenges how we tackle neurological research. If genetic risk factors differ across the world, then our understanding of disease mechanisms must change from the generic data that is usually obtained from western methods. If this is the case, who gets represented in the data that we collect and how might that affect who benefits from new types of therapies? Programs like GP2 help remind researchers that progress in fields like GP2 depends on both new innovation and collaboration. It is imperative that the new generation of researchers and clinicians recognize the values of diversity in research and how much that can contribute on the global scale. 

 

 

References:

Cornelis Blauwendraat, et al. “Tackling a Disease on a Global Scale, the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program, GP2: A New Generation of Opportunities.” The American Journal of Human Genetics, 1 Aug. 2025, www.cell.com/ajhg/fulltext/S0002-9297(25)00284-8, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajhg.2025.07.014.

 

Lange, Lara M., et al. “Elucidating Causative Gene Variants in Hereditary Parkinson’s Disease in the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program (GP2).” Npj Parkinson’s Disease, vol. 9, no. 1, 27 June 2023, www.nature.com/articles/s41531-023-00526-9, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41531-023-00526-9.