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Nita: The only gene that has been identified at this point is the alpha synuclein mutation cloned by Polymeropoulos et al at NIH in 1996. That gene has been positively identified in only a very few (3 or 4?) families including the Contursi kindred of Italian origin. As I recall, the PD in these families is the young onset variety. Further, it has been postively established that the mutation is NOT present in most other young onset patients. Hope this clarifies your physician's comments a little bit Carole -----Original Message----- From: Nita Andres [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Monday, November 16, 1998 6:48 AM To: Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN Subject: Genetic PD I do not know for sure, because the gene has not been found (or this one-). My husband and late brother in law both have/had it. My mother in laws family did not escape Russia (from the Czars) so we don't know. It would be very unusual for two brothers to get it from some environmental source since there was 8 years difference in their ages. I have entered my kids and nieces and nephews into a study. I don't think that phase of the study is still active. I will write them and see what is happening a little later. The study group certainly wanted them and there was no charge. If it is still open I will post it. complete with address and phone number. If any one knows of other studies, I would like to know. Nita