Deciphering LRRK2

Location: Lecture Theatre, Ground Floor, Biomedicine West, International Centre for Life
Time/Date: 18th September 2012, 13:00

Patrick Lewis
University College, London 

Mutations in Leucine Rich Repeat Kinase 2 (LRRK2) are the most common genetic cause of  Parkinson's disease, and this gene has been linked to the idiopathic form of Parkinson's in recent genome wide association studies. Understanding the function of LRRK2, and how mutations impact on this, is one of the key challenges facing Parkinson's researchers. We have been investigating the mechanisms of intramolecular regulation controlling LRRK2 function and a putative role for LRRK2 in the autophagy/lysosomal pathway. Our results have important implications for targeting LRRK2 and for our understanding of the pathways that can lead to degeneration of the substantia nigra.

Published: 17th September 2012