Genetics of Parkinson's in African American and Latino Veterans
Genetic Architecture of Parkinson's Disease in African-American and Latino Veterans
Researchers are looking at how genes influence Parkinson's disease in African American and Latino veterans to help improve detection and treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Puget Sound Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11130912 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project analyzes genetic data from African American and Latino veterans enrolled in the Million Veteran Program and other research cohorts. Researchers will use admixture mapping and genome-wide association methods to find genetic regions and variants linked to Parkinson's disease in people with mixed ancestry. The team combines clinical movement-disorder care with statistical and molecular genetics to find disease genes that were missed by studies focused on European populations. Results will be compared with prior Latino analyses to identify ancestry-specific signals that could guide future tests or therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: African American or Latino veterans with Parkinson's disease, or individuals from these groups willing to share genetic samples and health records—especially those enrolled in the Million Veteran Program—are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who are not veterans, not of African or Latino ancestry, or unwilling to provide genetic or health data are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal genetic markers that lead to earlier detection or ancestry-tailored treatments for African American and Latino people with Parkinson's.
How similar studies have performed: Large genetic studies in European populations have identified Parkinson's risk genes and this team has published the first Latino GWAS, so these methods are proven but are now being extended into understudied groups.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zabetian, Cyrus P — VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Zabetian, Cyrus P
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.