PRKN and Parkinson disease: Specific mutations in genes such as alpha-synuclein (SNCA), leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), and parkin (PARK2) have been linked to an increased risk of developing PD [42]. Researchers are exploring techniques to mitigate the effects of SNCA mutations to prevent harmful alpha-synuclein accumulation and have modified the LRRK2 gene to alter features associated with PD.