BERLIN – The MDS Task Force on Genetic Nomenclature in Movement Disorders has constructed an online database, which provides a comprehensive overview of movement disorders phenotypes linked to causative gene mutations. The new MDS Genetic Mutation Database, MDSGene, was introduced today at the 20th International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders.
Led by Drs. Christine Klein at the University of Lübeck and Connie Marras at the University of Toronto, the MDS Task Force is comprised of a global team of experienced movement disorder specialists and geneticists. Spearheaded by Dr. Christina Lill, in conjunction with Dr. Lars Bertram, the MDS Task Force developed this innovative tool using genetic and phenotypic/clinical data extracted from relevant literature. MDSGene displays extensive data on mutations in Parkinson’s disease, paroxysmal movement disorders, and familial brain calcification. The database also provides a comprehensive list of the available literature and extensive summary of patients’ characteristics for each gene of interest using graphic and tabular data summaries. Primarily, MDSGene can be used a resource to assist clinical diagnosis and guide research in the field of hereditary movement disorders.
José A. Obeso, Professor of Neurology at the University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain, and Editor-in-Chief of Movement Disorders, states, “This new database is based on a formal analysis of the different clinical presentation of movement disorders and the associated genetic mutations published in the May issue of Movement Disorders. This very valuable effort will eventually lead to establish a comprehensive account of most types of movement disorders and their genetic origin, thus allowing and facilitating many newer studies and also serving as a diagnostic tool to clinicians worldwide.” Obeso adds, “In sum, MDSGene is a major contribution to a better definition, classification and understanding of Parkinson’s disease and several other movement disorders.”
MDSGene is being highlighted as a Late-Breaking poster during the 20th International Congress, as well as at a Skills Workshop, “Presenting the MDS Genotype Phenotype Toolbox”. The database is available at www.mdsgene.org.
About the 20th International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders: Meeting attendees gather to learn the latest research findings and state-of-the-art treatment options in Movement Disorders, including Parkinson’s disease. Over 5,000 physicians and medical professionals from more than 86 countries will be able to view over 2,200 scientific abstracts submitted by clinicians from around the world.
About the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society: The International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS), an international society of over 5,000 clinicians, scientists, and other healthcare professionals, is dedicated to improving patient care through education and research. For more information about MDS, visit www.movementdisorders.org.
