CONy 2022 | Alpha-synuclein inhibitors, kinase inhibitors & targeting mitochondria in Parkinson’s disease

Heinz Reichmann, MD, PhD, University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany, discusses potential therapeutic strategies for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Firstly, if an antibody could stop the propagation of abnormal alpha-synuclein, the disease could potentially be stopped. Secondly, LRRK2 (leucine-rich repeat kinase 2) mutations are abundantly found in PD patients in places like Northern Africa and Israel. Therefore, the development of LRRK2 inhibitors could offer the prospect of a novel disease-modifying treatment. Finally, genetic research has shown that there are three genes related to the biogenesis of mitochondria – PINK1, PARKIN, and DJ-1. This research has resulted in the development of medication targeting these mitochondrial problems. Overall, research shows potential other targets aside from dopamine-replacement therapy or anti-inflammatory drugs. This interview was conducted during the 2022 World Congress on Controversies in Neurology (CONy) meeting.