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Matthew James Farrer, PhD

Professor and Consultant
Mayo Clinic Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Florida  United States

Prof. Farrer's team have made several discoveries related to the LRRK2 gene, including pathogenic mutations genetically linked or associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Notably, his group reported the genetic linkage, penetrance and a common founder for LRRK2 G2019S, and postulated increased kinase activity as the underlying mechanism responsible for disease (Kachergus et al., 2005; Toft et al., 2005). Current research interests include population genetic analysis of LRRK2 variants, generation of highly specific LRRK2 antibodies and protein biochemistry, cell-based drug screening assays and informative mouse models. Since cloning the gene, his team has provided the plasmid to >50 laboratories, without restriction, and BAC LRRK2 mice/tissues to many investigative teams. In addition to functional studies, Dr. Farrer is also currently involved in natural history, genetic and biomarker studies of LRRK2 patients, including neuroimaging, to perform future clinical trials.