Researchers report that the LRRK2 R1627P mutation intensifies gut inflammation and accelerates α‑synuclein aggregation in rat models, linking a genetic Parkinson’s risk factor to early gut pathology. The study implicates peripheral inflammation and enteric α‑synuclein accumulation in mechanisms that may precede central nervous system involvement. The findings support growing interest in gut‑targeted strategies for Parkinson’s disease, including anti‑inflammatory and microbiome‑modulating approaches. The work provides a preclinical basis for exploring whether mitigating gut inflammation can alter disease course in genetically susceptible populations.