Fox Foundation Awards $5M to Support Genetic Studies of Parkinson’s in Africa, Asia and India

Mary Chapman avatar

by Mary Chapman |

Share this article:

Share article via email
SP-420 and grant award

With the overarching goal of helping scientists develop and test targeted therapies in Parkinson’s (PD), The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) is awarding $5 million in grants to three teams conducting genetic studies in African, East Asian and Indian populations.

The funding seeks to broaden these studies in order to better understand the role of genetics in PD onset and progression, and to expand treatment options for patients globally. Historically, the majority of research has focused on people of European descent. The grants will enable genetic testing of samples from more than 30,000 people.

“While the field has made significant strides in genetic research, we know we have more to learn about the changes in DNA that lead to Parkinson’s disease and impact its progression,” Brian Fiske, PhD, MJFF senior vice president of research programs, said a news release. “This is an all-star initiative with world-class geneticists, clinic networks and study volunteers coming together to paint a global picture of Parkinson’s and work toward cures for everyone.”

Since researchers discovered the first genetic mutation linked to PD in 1997, more than 80 others have been identified. Scientists are studying the cellular impact of these mutations, associated with about 15 percent of PD cases, in order to better understand Parkinson’s and possible ways of treating it.

Potential therapies aimed at proteins including LRRK2, one of the most commonly known genetic causes of Parkinson’s, are in clinical trials. Work like this is what the global Parkinson’s genetics program hopes to build upon. The non-profit foundation has long backed genetic studies, and diversity and inclusivity in clinical investigations.

Grants under this global program — with support from the Edmond J. Safra Foundation, a long-time partner of the Fox Foundation — will go to the following projects:

“Parkinson’s is a global issue, and we are grateful to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for fostering representation in research,” said Njideka Okubadejo, a professor of research at the University of Lagos in Nigeria. “We hope this partnership results in greater understanding of disease causes and contributors, and leads to new treatments for people living in Africa and beyond.”

Parkinson’s is the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder (after Alzheimer’s), and estimated to affect 7 to 10 million people worldwide.