Podcast recap: Sonya Dumanis and Andy Singleton on building a global genetics engine for Parkinson’s

On the most recent episode of The Genetics Podcast, we hosted Sonya Dumanis and Andy Singleton to unpack GP2, the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program. GP2 is a ten-year effort to map Parkinson’s genetics at global scale and make the data broadly available, so researchers can move faster on mechanisms, biomarkers, and therapies.

The conversation also explored ASAP, the Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s initiative that funds and stewards GP2 with the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Together they are building not just a dataset, but a durable global network, local capacity, and a model for team science that others can reuse.

What GP2 and ASAP are doing

ASAP’s mission is to accelerate understanding of Parkinson’s and move ideas into the clinic by funding open, collaborative science. GP2 is its flagship genetics resource program, aiming to generate genotype and whole-genome data from more than 250,000 people worldwide and to share results for anyone to analyze.

Their central idea is since Parkinson’s is a global disease, discovery must be global as well. That means investing in cohorts outside traditional Northern European ancestry datasets, and pairing data generation with training, infrastructure, and open access.

Why global representation matters

Most of what we know about Parkinson’s genetics comes from Northern European populations. That limits discovery and risks building therapies that do not work for everyone. GP2 is closing that gap by enrolling across Africa, Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.

Representation is not only about equity, it changes the science. Studying diverse populations reveals risk variants and mechanisms that may not show up elsewhere, giving the field fresh targets and sharper tools.

How GP2 works

GP2 launched in early 2020. The team used the COVID-19 lockdown as a pause to set foundations such as trusted data use agreements, harmonized pipelines, and clear rules for fast sharing.

Another essential part of the way GP2 works is by building local capacity. GP2 supports biobanks, core labs, and training where the patients are, runs regional investigator meetings, and uses a "train the trainer" model so expertise spreads and stays. The result is a network that grows stronger over time rather than depending on external experts and resources.

An example from West Africa

A standout example came from Lagos, Nigeria. During an online training on genome-wide association studies (GWAS), local and GP2 analysts found a Parkinson’s risk signal in GBA1 that would have been invisible in Northern European datasets. It sits in an intron, alters a branch point, and reduces functional GBA1 protein.

This one result shows the full loop: diverse cohorts enable discovery, training builds local analysts who make the discovery, follow up functional work clarifies mechanism quickly, and now a large group of people who were never considered for GBA-linked trials could be eligible.

From genes to targets to timing

Genetics helps define rational points for intervention, such as lysosomal or mitochondrial pathways, and it helps match the right patient to the right target. The next frontier is timing, using genetics alongside biomarkers to understand when to act as disease unfolds.

Proteomics, alpha-synuclein seeding assays, and quantitative readouts like neurofilament light may combine with genetic risk to define trajectories. The goal is simple: pick the right mechanism for the right person at the right moment.

Data access and return of results

All GP2 data flows into AMP PD so academic and industry teams can analyze at scale. GP2 is also piloting return of results where it is feasible and appropriate, partnering with programs like PD GENEration in the United States and expanding into Latin America.

Rules differ country by country, so GP2’s approach is to learn locally, work with ethics and clinical partners, and build models others can reuse. The aim is to help participants benefit from insights while maintaining high standards for quality and counseling.

Lessons for team science

A decade-long horizon and stable support allow GP2 to adapt as the field changes. The teams meet often, course correct together, and share credit. Critically, ASAP and the Michael J. Fox Foundation act as true partners rather than distant funders, which speeds decisions and builds trust.

The blueprint is transferable. Map the landscape, bring existing organizations together, invest in shared infrastructure, and seed local leaders who can train others. Start focused, pilot, and then scale what works.

Looking ahead

GP2 is about halfway through its ten-year plan and already at roughly 80,000 genomes with data from nearly 60 countries. The next phase will deepen coverage in underrepresented regions, layer in longitudinal follow up, and tighten links between genetics, biomarkers, and trials.

If the field can keep compounding these gains, the payoff is clear. Better targets, more inclusive trials, and a path to earlier, smarter interventions for Parkinson’s that work for everyone.

Listen to the full episode below.