The unconventional G-protein cycle of LRRK2 and Roco proteins

Mutations in the human leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are the most frequent cause of hereditary Parkinson's disease (PD). LRRK2 belongs to the Roco family of proteins, which are characterized by the presence of a Ras of complex proteins domain (Roc), a C-terminal of Roc domain (COR) and a kinase domain. Despite intensive research, much remains unknown about activity and the effect of PD-associated mutations. Recent biochemical and structural studies suggest that LRRK2 and Roco proteins are noncanonical G-proteins that do not depend on guanine nucleotide exchange factors or GTPase-activating proteins for activation. In this review, we will discuss the unusual G-protein cycle of LRRK2 in the context of the complex intramolecular LRRK2 activation mechanism.