A frequent gene mutation associated with autosomal dominant Parkinson's disease

Mutations in the LRRK2 gene have been identified in families with autosomal dominant parkinsonism. We amplified and sequenced the coding region of LRRK2 from genomic DNA by PCR, and identified a heterozygous mutation (Gly2019Ser) present in four of 61 (6·6%) unrelated families with Parkinson's disease and autosomal dominant inheritance. The families originated from Italy, Portugal, and Brazil, indicating the presence of the mutation in different populations. The associated phenotype was broad, including early and late disease onset. These findings confirm the association of LRRK2 with neurodegeneration, and identify a common mutation associated with dominantly inherited Parkinson's disease.