Aditya Shetty

Cellular pathways of Parkinson’s Disease: Insights into pathogenesis and potential therapeutics

Started Mar. 27, 2021

Abstract or project description

Genetic studies have indicated that LRRK2 is the most common genetic cause of PD, but whether it is the best target for potential therapeutics will have to be determined by researchers based on the findings that are in this paper. Nearly 1 million people in just the US are affected by PD and the biggest genetic cause is changes in the LRRK2 gene. There are several possible pathways that are modified by these changes, such as the pathway involving the LRRK2 kinase, which I will explore further in my 2 focused aims. In Aim 1, I will evaluate mutations in the LRRK2 gene to discuss potential causes of Parkinson’s Disease. Building on this, in Aim 2, I will use the LRRK2 Kinase cellular pathway as a model to discuss potential therapeutics. Overall, I want readers to understand the potential causes affecting the LRRK2 gene as well as how these changes affect the interconnected cellular pathways and how this can lead to the development of potential therapeutics for PD. From already published research, I believe we are on the cusp of developing therapeutics to help PD patients.