Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2): a key player in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease

J Neurosci Res. 2009 May 1;87(6):1283-95. doi: 10.1002/jnr.21949.

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder, with a prevalence of more than 1% after the age of 65 years. Mutations in the gene encoding leucine-rich repeat kinase-2 (LRRK2) have recently been linked to autosomal dominant, late-onset PD that is clinically indistinguishable from typical, idiopathic disease. LRRK2 is a multidomain protein containing several protein interaction motifs as well as dual enzymatic domains of GTPase and protein kinase activities. Disease-associated mutations are found throughout the multidomain structure of the protein. LRRK2, however, is unique among the PD-causing genes, because a missense mutation, G2019S, is a frequent determinant of not only familial but also sporadic PD. Thus, LRRK2 has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for combating PD. In this Mini-Review, we look at the current state of knowledge regarding the domain structure, amino acid substitutions, and potential functional roles of LRRK2.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Leucine-Rich Repeat Serine-Threonine Protein Kinase-2
  • Mutation
  • Parkinson Disease / genetics*
  • Parkinson Disease / metabolism
  • Parkinson Disease / pathology
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / chemistry
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics*
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • LRRK2 protein, human
  • Leucine-Rich Repeat Serine-Threonine Protein Kinase-2
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases