UCSD scientists create visualization of protein linked to Parkinson's disease

University of California San Diego scientists have created the first visualizations of a protein that has been linked to genetic neurological disorder Parkinson’s disease, which could pave the way for drug development to treat the disease.

Parkinson’s progressively attacks motor functions, leading to lasting damage in movement and coordination. Researchers studying the primary causes of the disease have focused on mutations of the protein known as leucine-rich repeat kinase 2, or LRRK2.

Understanding how the protein disrupts normal functioning has been difficult due to a lack of information on...