[
Front Neurosci,
2020]
Mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (<i>LRRK2</i>) gene are the most frequent cause of familial Parkinson's disease (PD). Several genetic manipulations of the <i>LRRK2</i> gene have been developed in animal models such as rodents, <i>Drosophila</i>, <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i>, and zebrafish. These models can help us further understand the biological function and derive potential pathological mechanisms for LRRK2. Here we discuss common phenotypic themes found in <i>LRRK2</i>-associated PD animal models, highlight several issues that should be addressed in future models, and discuss emerging areas to guide their future development.