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Structural Genomics Consortium unveils LRRK2 genetic research initiative funded by The Michael J. Fox Foundation
Toronto, November 23, 2021 – The Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC) is pleased to announce a new research initiative, funded by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, focusing on the WD domain of LRRK2. Using computational methods, this initiative will explore complementary and novel therapeutic strategies to target LRRK2.
Over a decade after researchers made the discovery that mutations in the LRRK2 gene are associated with some forms of Parkinson’s disease risk, there is still much that is unknown about this genetic connection, making initiatives of this kind extremely valuable. “The research findings from this initiative will provide a better understanding of how these mutations increase the risk in Parkinson’s, and about what role LRRK2 plays in this process,” said Aled Edwards, SGC founder and CEO.
In adhering to its open science model, SGC will make all its data publicly available, without restriction, to accelerate the ability of Parkinson’s disease researchers to explore LRRK2’s biological function and therapeutic relevance. Though there is still much to uncover about the genes associated with Parkinson’s, innovative research like this provides scientists with the tools needed to better understand the role of these genes in the progression of disease, which can be critical to enabling new strategies for the development of treatments for those living with Parkinson’s.
About Structural Genomics Consortium
The Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC) is a global public private partnership dedicated to open science. It seeks to accelerate drug discovery by fostering collaboration among a large network of scientists in academia and industry and by making all research outputs openly available to the scientific community. The current SGC research hubs are in Canada, Germany, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
For further information, contact:
Jill Kinsella
Director, Communications
Structural Genomics Consortium
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