Characterization of SNCA Multiplication in Parkinson's Disease: 2 New Cases and Evaluation of the Literature

Abstract Background Alpha‐synuclein ( SNCA ) copy number variations (CNV) have been certified as a causative mutation in patients with familial and sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD). Case We report three SNCA duplication cases diagnosed as PD. Through whole‐exome sequencing, we identified a de novo 4.56 Mb repeated region in one patient and a 2.50 Mb repeated region in familial PD with two patients. Literature review In review of previous cases, we suggest that aggressive behavior is more remarkable in CNV4 patients. Meanwhile, frequency of cognition decline and dementia were slightly increased in CNV4 patients. We also illustrate a younger onset age in offspring than parent in familial SNCA multiplication PD cases. No difference was observed in disease duration between parent and offspring generation. Conclusions Our findings demonstrated the clinical and genetic characteristics in PD with SNCA multiplication and provided strong evidence for genetic anticipation. These results may be instructive for future disease diagnosis and genetic counseling.