Experiment to find effects of microgravity on cell growth.

In an effort to develop and optimize therapies to treat Parkinson’s disease, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) and the Center for the Advancement in Space (CASIS) have partnered to send a key protein associated with the disorder for study on the International Space Station (ISS).

The experiment is intended to reveal the effects of microgravity on the growth of LRRK2. “Earth's strong gravitational field produces ground-grown versions of LRRK2 protein with low resolution,” said MJFF. “The microgravity conditions of the ISS laboratory allow proteins to collect into bigger crystal structures with fewer defects that may allow for higher resolution.” MJFF and CASIS theorize that larger more uniform crystals will help researchers better understand the protein’s structure and provide a robust platform to develop treatments for the disease.

"The unique environment of the International Space Station untethers research from restrictions imposed by gravity," said CASIS President and Executive Director Gregory H. Johnson. "CASIS is glad to partner with The Michael J. Fox Foundation to explore the structure of this important piece of the Parkinson's puzzle."

Plans call for the protein to be “launched” August 10, as part of SpaceX CRS-12 cargo resupply mission. In a video message played to attendees of the International Space Station Research and Development Conference in Washington DC, Michael J. Fox said: "We're thrilled that PD research has been selected to travel to the International Space Station and honored to partner with CASIS on behalf of the PD community here on Earth."

According to MJFF, LRRK2 has been a priority target by Parkinson’s researchers because a mutation of the gene has been identified as a cause the disease. Because of a limited understanding of LRRK2’s exact structure, therapeutic development has slowed. With a better understanding of a protein's shape and structure, MJFF said, scientists will have an easier time designing therapies “more likely to engage that protein and treat disease.”