Background: DYRK1A is a kinase targeting several proteins associated with the pathology of dementias, including α-synuclein and amyloid precursor protein. It is not clear if DYRK1A genetics are associated with neurodegenerative conditions.
Objective: To determine if DYRK1A also has a genetic association with α-synuclein dementias such as dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease dementia.
Methods: DNA samples from prospectively followed cohorts of control and dementia individuals were genotyped for the DYRK1A rs8126696 polymorphism.
Results: The rs8126696 polymorphism altered the risk of developing an α-synuclein-associated dementia.
Conclusion: DYRK1A could prove to be an important therapeutic target as it interacts with several proteins associated with the development of pathology in dementia.
Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.