Background
Hypomethylation of intron 1 of the α‐synuclein (SNCA) gene has been extensively reported in the blood of patients with α‐synucleinopathies. Idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder represents a prodromal stage of α‐synucleinopathies. Methylation of α‐synuclein intron 1 in idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder patients is largely unexplored. The objective of the current study was to assess blood α‐synuclein intron 1 methylation in patients and to explore it as a potential biomarker to predict phenoconversion and monitor disease progression.
Conclusions
Peripheral blood α‐synuclein intron 1 was hypomethylated in idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder patients. α‐Synuclein methylation levels may be useful biomarkers to screen patients, predict phenoconversion, and monitor disease progression. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.28421