Lrrk2 and Lewy body disease

Abstract

Objective The Lrrk2 kinase domain G2019S substitution is the most common genetic basis of familial and sporadic parkinsonism. Patients harboring the G2019S substitution usually present with clinical Parkinson's disease. Methods Herein, we report that the most common neuropathology of G2019S‐associated Parkinson's disease is Lewy body disease. Results Lrrk2 G2019S was observed in approximately 2% (n = 8) of our Parkinson's disease/Lewy body disease cases (n = 405). The mutation was also found in one control subject and one Alzheimer's disease patient, reflecting reduced penetrance. Interpretation Therapeutic strategies targeted at modulating Lrrk2 kinase activity may be important to treat patients with genetically defined familial or typical sporadic Parkinson's disease. Ann Neurol 2006;59:388–393