Structures of Parkinson’s disease-linked proteins offer a framework for understanding how they work together

Scientists at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital have revealed the complex structure of two Parkinson’s disease-related proteins, both of which are implicated in late-onset cases. Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a protein kinase that modifies other proteins in a process called phosphorylation; Rab29, a member of the Rab GTPase family that regulates cellular trafficking, modulates the activity of LRRK2.

New type of antibody shows promise against multiple forms of flu virus

Researchers have identified a previously unrecognized class of antibodies—immune system proteins that protect against disease—that appear capable of neutralizing multiple forms of flu virus. These findings, which could contribute to development of more broadly protective flu vaccines, were published by Holly Simmons of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and colleagues in the open access journal PLOS Biology.