LRRK2: the key role of lysosomes in parkinson’s disease?

By Ana Espino | Published on April 8, 2026 | 4 min read


Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons and the accumulation of protein aggregates. Despite therapeutic advances, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain only partially understood.

The protein LRRK2 (leucine-rich repeat kinase 2) is now recognized as a central player. Mutations that increase its kinase activity are implicated in both familial and sporadic forms of the disease. However, the regulation of this activity and its exact role in pathophysiology are still not fully clarified.

Recent research suggests a close link between LRRK2, lysosomes, and cellular stress mechanisms, opening new perspectives. This review, published in 2025 in Current Opinion in Cell Biology, aims to synthesize recent advances in LRRK2 regulation—particularly through Rab GTPases and lysosomal damage pathways—to better understand their involvement in Parkinson’s disease.