Confirmation of the spinal motor neuron gene 2 (SMN2) copy numbers by real-time PCR.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutation or deletion of the survival motor neuron gene 1 (SMN1). SMN2, a copy gene, influences the severity of SMA and may be used in somatic gene therapy of patients with SMA in the future. The SMA carrier analysis developed at the Institute of Medical Genetics, Catholic University (Rome), on the Applied Biosystems real-time PCR instruments by Dr Danilo Tiziano and his group, provides a robust workflow to evaluate SMA carrier status.

Cognitive dysfunction in Tunisian LRRK2 associated Parkinson's disease.

Background: Cognitive impairment and dementia are frequent and debilitating features associated with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). However the prevalence and the pattern of these complications are lacking for LRRK2 (leucine-rich kinase 2)-associated PD patients.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess cognitive function in LRRK2- associated PD patients.