Nuclear and Mitochondrial Genome, Epigenome and Gut Microbiome: Emerging Molecular Biomarkers for Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is currently the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, burdening about 10 million elderly individuals worldwide. The multifactorial nature of PD poses a difficult obstacle for understanding the mechanisms involved in its onset and progression. Currently, diagnosis depends on the appearance of clinical signs, some of which are shared among various neurologic disorders, hindering early diagnosis. There are no effective tools to prevent PD onset, detect the disease in early stages or accurately report the risk of disease progression. Hence, there is an increasing demand for biomarkers that may identify disease onset and progression, as treatment-based medicine may not be the best approach for PD. Over the last few decades, the search for molecular markers to predict susceptibility, aid in accurate diagnosis and evaluate the progress of PD have intensified, but strategies aimed to improve individualized patient care have not yet been established. Conclusions: Genomic variation, regulation by epigenomic mechanisms, as well as the influence of the host gut microbiome seem to have a crucial role in the onset and progress of PD, thus are considered potential biomarkers. As such, the human nuclear and mitochondrial genome, epigenome, and the host gut microbiome might be the key elements to the rise of personalized medicine for PD patients.

The connection between epigenetics and gut microbiota‐current perspective

“…Dwelling on epigenomes as a mediator for host‐microbiota crosstalk is a potential area of study when microbiota induced epigenetic changes are studied 127 . To connect the link between epigenetic and GM for a number of metabolic disorders, there should be large‐scale cohorts that will include a precise monitoring.…”

“…Dwelling on epigenomes as a mediator for host-microbiota crosstalk is a potential area of study when microbiota induced epigenetic changes are studied. 127 To connect the link between epigenetic and GM for a number of metabolic disorders, there should be large-scale cohorts that will include a precise monitoring. With the improved epigenetic data, transcriptome data, metabolome, lipidome, genetic variants and microbiome studies, a comprehensive pathogenesis will be established.…”

Transcriptome sequencing of circular RNA reveals the involvement of hsa‐SCMH1_0001 in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease

“…Many biomarkers are currently under investigation for the early diagnosis of PD, including genetic biomarkers. [3][4][5] Exosomes are endosome-derived extracellular vesicles, which range in size from 40 to 160 nm. Exosomes are composed of a lipid bilayer that contains proteins, lipids, DNA, and RNA, which are involved in intercellular communication.…”

“…The diagnosis and treatment of PD are as complex as its symptoms. Many biomarkers are currently under investigation for the early diagnosis of PD, including genetic biomarkers 3–5 …”