GBA Gene Mutation

Ambroxol hydrochloride is an oral mucolytic drug available over-the-counter for many years as cough medicine. In 2009 it was found to also act as a pharmacological chaperone (PC) for mutant glucocerebrosidase, albeit in a several-fold higher dose. Unfortunately, due to its low cost, there have been no pharma-driven clinical trials to establish the use of ambroxol. Thus, data are needed on the safety and efficacy of ambroxol for patients with Gaucher disease (GD).

This study plans to analyze the molecular and clinical mechanisms of the relationship between the GBA mutations and Parkinson's disease. This will be assessed through the use of advanced neuroimaging techniques called PET (positron emission tomography) to study the accumulation of the tau protein and the dysfunction of acetylcholine and dopamine in the brain of people with a mutation in the GBA gene, with and without Parkinson's disease. The ingestigators will also use a technology-based assessment to study the typing patterns as possible biomarkers of early motor dysfunctions.

The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Research Institute is performing this research to accelerate Parkinson's disease research and drug development by using cells from the body (such as skin or blood cells) to make stem cells and other types of cells, conduct research on the samples, perform genetic testing, and/or store the samples for future use. Through this research, researchers hope to identify future treatments or even cures for Parkinson's disease.