Funded Studies
Objective/Rationale:
There is great hope that drugs targeting an enzyme termed LRRK2 may be useful in treating Parkinson’s disease (PD). There is therefore intense research taking place to better understand LRRK2 and its role in Parkinson’s disease. One of the key reagents being deployed to study LRRK2 are called antibodies, which are used to detect the LRRK2 protein. At present there are several different antibodies in use and the their properties in order to ascertain which work best for techniques commonly used to learn about LRRK2.
Project Description:
The aims of this project are to characterize about nine antibodies selected by MJFF and assess their relative suitability their use in techniques frequently used to measure LRRK2 from different sources. Because much research is being carried out with human and pre-clinical forms of LRRK2, we will also assess which antibodies work best for these techniques when utilized in these species. This work will aid with the development of an optimized strategy to analyze LRRK2, which could lead to a standardized protocol to allow researchers in the LRRK2 field to better compare their results and move towards the ultimate goal of assessing the role of LRRK2 in Parkinson’s disease.
Relevance to Diagnosis/Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease:
We believe that the information we generate will be useful to academic as well as pharmaceutical researchers investigating LRRK2 and its links to Parkinson’s disease. Overall this research could aid and speed up the development of LRRK2 inhibitors for the treatment for Parkinson’s disease.
Anticipated Outcome:
We would expect to learn which antibodies work best for commonly used techniques used to measure both pre-clinical and human forms of LRRK2. This information will be communicated to the whole LRRK2 research field and will enable researchers in different labs worldwide deploy the optimal antibody for each application. This will ensure greater consistency and aid comparing of results between different laboratories. This will help firmer conclusions to be undertaken from research undertaken.
This study is a part of MJFF’s LRRK2 Antibody Comparison Effort 2011.