Research
by RACHEL COHEN
LRRK2
Rockets
into Space
to Further
Parkinson’s
Research
LRRK2 aboard the International Space Station
Since its discovery in 2004, researchers have wondered
if LRRK2, a key protein linked to Parkinson’s disease (PD),
could lead us to a cure.
On August 14, LRRK2 took another step (a
240-mile one) in its journey as a disease-
modifying target when it blasted off for
study aboard the International Space Station
(ISS). The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF)
initiated the project with the Center for
the Advancement of Science in Space and
collaborated to prepare the protein for
transport to and from the ISS as part of the
SpaceX CRS-12 cargo resupply mission.
LRRK2 is a priority target for PD researchers,
who hypothesize that Parkinson’s progression
can be slowed or even prevented by
inhibiting the protein’s function. However,
with limited understanding of LRRK2’s
structure, creating therapies is a challenge.
When removed from the limitations imposed
by Earth’s strong gravitational field, scientists
hypothesized that the protein could
grow larger and with fewer defects. These
compounds would help scientists design
optimized therapies and provide a much
clearer target for drug developers.
In late September, the LRRK2 crystals returned
to Earth for further study by researchers
in California, the United Kingdom and
Germany. Analysis so far shows that crystals of
adequate size were produced in microgravity,
but the study still faces many of the same
challenges as with those grown on Earth. The
experiment serves as just one component
of the Foundation’s LRRK2 roadmap, which
continues to engage leading researchers
worldwide. “We have world-renowned
structural scientists who are obsessed with
uncovering the mysteries of LRRK2,” says
Marco Baptista, PhD, director, research
programs at MJFF.
LRRK2 is moving closer to the clinic! Stay tuned to
michaeljfox.org/LRRK2news for updates on this priority
research area.
12
The Fox Focus