Epigenetic approach to early-onset Parkinson's disease: low methylation status of SNCA and PARK2 promoter regions

Background and aim: The effect of epigenetic modifications in the genes related to Parkinson's disease (PD) is still unclear. In the present study, we investigated methylation status of SNCA and PARK2 genes in patients with early-onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD). Materials and methods: The promoter region methylation status of SNCA and PARK2 genes was evaluated by methylation specific-PCR (MSP) in 91 patients with EOPD and 52 healthy individuals. Results: The methylation of SNCA and PARK2 promoter regions were significantly lower in EOPD patients compared to the control group (P = 0.013 and P = 0.03, respectively). We also found that the methylation status of the SNCA might be associated with positive family history of PD (P = 0.042). Conclusion: Although it should be supported by further analysis, based on the results of the present study, the methylation status of SNCA and PARK2 genes might contribute to EOPD pathogenesis.