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Here on the SoPD we have discussed the Parkinson’s-associated protein LRRK2 many times. And we look forward to seeing the results of ongoing clinical trials of LRRK2 inhibitors. But there are significant efforts ongoing to develop therapies that can indirectly target dysfunctional LRRK2 pathways (which may help avoid any potential side effects of direct inhibition) Recently, researchers in Scotland and California have published research highlighting one such indriect approach to modulating LRRK2. In today’s post, we will discuss what LRRK2 is, review the new data, and consider the ‘what happens next?’ question.
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Prof Dario Alessi. Source: Eureka
Whenever I read a new research report about the activity of the Parkinson’s-associated protein, LRRK2, my first thought is usually “I wonder what Dario thinks of this?”
And I am not alone in this thought.
Prof Dario Alessi – Director of the Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit and Professor of Signal Transduction, at the School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee – is widely recognised as one of the leading experts on the research of this particular protein.
University of Dundee. Source: Dundee
His thoughts/opinions are widely sought by many in the field – both academic and industry researchers.
And recently his lab – in collaboration with researchers are Stanford University – published a really interesting new report which we will discuss in today’s post.
But first, the obvious question:
What is LRRK2?
The Science of Parkinson's 