- Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a kinase enzyme that protects the body against viral and bacterial infections by triggering inflammation like swelling, redness, heat and pain.
- According to a recent study, this enhanced inflammation can lead to collateral damage to the body.
- Inflammation caused by mutation in a gene can raise the risk of Parkinson’s and Crohn’s diseases as well as leprosy.
- Leprosy caused by infections characterised by lesions in the nerve endings of the skin.
- LRRK2, which causes excessive inflammation to defend body against a type of mycobacterium infects peripheral nerves, is thought to be behind leprosy.
- The findings are also important for ongoing clinical trials of Parkinson’s drugs that can reduce excessive LRRK2 activity.
- However, total absence of LRRK2 function can make people more prone to infections.
LRRK2 was recently on science news portals, it is a
- Gene
- Hormone
- Kinase enzyme
- Asteroid
