Epigenetic Variations Underlying the Pathogenesis of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder which leads to a significant loss in the quality of life. It is due to the death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the mid brain. However, the exact cause for this cell death remains elusive. In the last few years epigenetic mechanisms are gaining increasing importance due to their role in various cellular processes. The cardinal role played by epigenetic mechanisms in the function of the Central Nervous System (CNS) and in the regulation of neurological disorders is one of the most fascinating developments of modern-day neuroscience. Aberrant epigenetic mechanisms are involved in the development of many diseases including neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. This manuscript will review the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease (PD).