FIGURE 1.

PD-associated genetic variation at the SNCA locus could affect microglia function at the precursor and mature stages. PD risk SNPs in regulatory regions of DNA, such as enhancers and promoters at the SNCA locus, along with more highly penetrant mutations or multiplications in SNCA coding regions, could impact the process of differentiation of hematopoietic precursors into mature microglia. Once differentiated, microglia’s functions, such as cytokine release and phagocytosis, could also be influenced by these genetic risk factors, contributing to initiation or progression of PD starting from the time of conception. This figure was created with BioRender.com.