2021 in Review and What’ s Next
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What’ s Next for LRRK2
+ Prevention on the horizon: MJFF’ s landmark study PPMI( read more on page 16) is expected to recruit LRRK2 mutation carriers with and without Parkinson’ s throughout 2022 and 2023. Learnings from studying these individuals are considered critical for LRRK2 therapies to move into preventive trials.
+ A revolution in Parkinson’ s genetics: Intense study of LRRK2 requires MJFF to financially support an ongoing campaign to identify other cellular players with roles in the LRRK2 pathway that gives rise to Parkinson’ s. In 2021, Foundation-supported research uncovered another gene, CORO1C, that may increase likelihood of Parkinson’ s in conjunction with a LRRK2 mutation. In 2022, Foundation grantees will continue to study this emerging genetic target and its potential for drug development.