An enzyme in the body. It helps break down fatty substances. These substances are recycled inside lysosomes, which are the recycling centers of cells. If GCase doesn’t work properly or is missing, fat builds up in lysosomes. This buildup happens in places like the spleen, liver, and bone marrow.

A clear fluid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord, protecting them and helping transport nutrients and waste.

An area at the base of the skull where the brain and the spinal cord meet. This space is filled with cerebrospinal fluid and can be used by doctors to deliver treatments directly to the brain and spinal cord.

Research studies that test new treatments or procedures in people to make sure they are safe and work well.

A scan that is used to diagnose neurodegenerative Parkinson’s disease from other types of Parkinson’s disease. For example, Parkinson’s disease caused by medicines or reduced blood supply to the brain.

A test that checks the heart’s rhythm and electrical activity using small sensors attached to the skin.

The GBA1 gene gives cells the instructions to make the GCase enzyme. This enzyme helps break down fatty substances inside lysosomes, which are the cell’s recycling centers. A GBA1 genetic variant is a change in this gene. This change can stop the GCase enzyme from working properly. When this happens, fatty substances build up in the body.

A type of treatment that uses genetic material, such as DNA or RNA, to fix or replace faulty genes in the body. This treats or prevents certain diseases by enabling the genes to work as they should.

A genetic variant is a change in a gene that can affect how it works. Changes in genes are mostly harmless. But, in some cases, they can make the body work differently and increase the risk of certain diseases. Genetic variants were previously called ‘mutations’.

Medicines that lower the activity of the immune system. In gene therapy, they are used to reduce the chances of the immune system reacting to the inactivated virus that delivers the gene therapy to cells.

A document that provides important details about a clinical trial. It explains the potential risks and what is required before, during, and after the clinical trial. It also outlines the rights of participants. Participants sign the form to show they understand the clinical trial and agree to take part.

A way of delivering fluids, including medicine, directly into the bloodstream using a needle or small tube.

A method of giving medicine or fluids directly into a vein.

A medical procedure where a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid is taken from the lower back using a needle. It’s sometimes called a spinal tap.

A medical scan that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body, like the brain or spine.

A brain condition that affects movement. It happens when certain brain cells that produce a chemical called dopamine stop working properly. Without enough dopamine, the brain cannot send proper signals to the body. This can cause symptoms like tremors, stiffness, slow movements, and trouble with balance.

Parkinson’s disease is a brain condition that affects movement, caused by the loss of brain cells that produce dopamine. Without enough dopamine, symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and slow movements can occur.

Some cases of Parkinson’s are linked to genetic variants in a gene called GBA1, the most common genetic risk factor for the condition. These genetic variants increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s and can lead to earlier and faster-progressing symptoms.

A vein found in areas like the arms, hands, legs, or feet. These veins are closer to the surface of the body and are commonly used for giving medications or drawing blood.

In a clinical trial where there are two groups of participants, one group receives the active treatment or intervention, while the other group receives an inactive treatment or intervention (the placebo). The placebo is administered in the same way as the active treatment but does not contain any medicine.

A type of therapy that uses small pieces of RNA, a natural molecule in cells, to block specific genes from making harmful proteins. siRNA works by ‘silencing’ genes that may cause or worsen certain diseases. This therapy is different from traditional gene therapy, as it focuses on turning off harmful gene activity rather than replacing or fixing genes.