1
|
Nguyen HN, Galleri G, Rassu A, Ciampelli C, Bernardoni R, Galioto M, Albani D, Crosio C, Iaccarino C. Evaluation of Neuroinflammatory Contribution to Neurodegeneration in LRRK2 Drosophila Models. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1555. [PMID: 39062128 PMCID: PMC11274873 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Pathological mutations in the LRRK2 gene are the major genetic cause of Parkinson's disease (PD). Although several animal models with either LRRK2 down- or over-expression have been developed, the physiological function of LRRK2 remains elusive. LRRK2 is constitutively expressed in various tissues including neurons and glial cells, but importantly, it is expressed at low levels in dopaminergic neurons, further contributing to the cryptic function of LRRK2. Significant levels of LRRK2 protein and mRNA have been detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, lymph nodes, the spleen, and primary microglia, strongly suggesting the contribution of inflammatory cells to neuronal degeneration. In this research article, using Drosophila LRRK2 models, we were able to demonstrate a significant contribution of glial cells to the LRRK2 pathological phenotype. Furthermore, in Drosophila, neurodegeneration is associated with a significant and important increase in specific inflammatory peptides. Finally, levetiracetam, a compound widely used in human therapy to treat epilepsy, was able to rescue both neuronal degeneration and neuroinflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hoai Nam Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy (G.G.); (A.R.)
| | - Grazia Galleri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy (G.G.); (A.R.)
| | - Antonio Rassu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy (G.G.); (A.R.)
| | - Cristina Ciampelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy (G.G.); (A.R.)
| | - Roberto Bernardoni
- Department Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Manuela Galioto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy (G.G.); (A.R.)
| | - Diego Albani
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Claudia Crosio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy (G.G.); (A.R.)
| | - Ciro Iaccarino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy (G.G.); (A.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhu C, Herbst S, Lewis PA. Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 at a glance. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs259724. [PMID: 37698513 PMCID: PMC10508695 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a multidomain scaffolding protein with dual guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) and kinase enzymatic activities, providing this protein with the capacity to regulate a multitude of signalling pathways and act as a key mediator of diverse cellular processes. Much of the interest in LRRK2 derives from mutations in the LRRK2 gene being the most common genetic cause of Parkinson's disease, and from the association of the LRRK2 locus with a number of other human diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease. Therefore, the LRRK2 research field has focused on the link between LRRK2 and pathology, with the aim of uncovering the underlying mechanisms and, ultimately, finding novel therapies and treatments to combat them. From the biochemical and cellular functions of LRRK2, to its relevance to distinct disease mechanisms, this Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster deliver a snapshot of our current understanding of LRRK2 function, dysfunction and links to disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Zhu
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London NW1 0TU, UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Susanne Herbst
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London NW1 0TU, UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Patrick A. Lewis
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London NW1 0TU, UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gu YZ, Vlasakova K, Miller G, Gatto NT, Ciaccio PJ, Kuruvilla S, Besteman EG, Smith R, Reynolds SJ, Amin RP, Glaab WE, Wollenberg G, Lebron J, Sistare FD. Early-Onset albuminuria and Associated Renal Pathology in Leucine-Rich Repeat Kinase 2 Knockout Rats. Toxicol Pathol 2023; 51:15-26. [PMID: 37078689 DOI: 10.1177/01926233231162809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Activating mutations of the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene are associated with Parkinson disease (PD), prompting development of LRRK2 inhibitors as potential treatment for PD. However, kidney safety concerns have surfaced from LRRK2 knockout (KO) mice and rats and from repeat-dose studies in rodents administered LRRK2 inhibitors. To support drug development of this therapeutic target, we conducted a study of 26 weeks' duration in 2-month-old wild-type and LRRK2 KO Long-Evans Hooded rats to systematically examine the performance of urinary safety biomarkers and to characterize the nature of the morphological changes in the kidneys by light microscopy and by ultrastructural evaluation. Our data reveal the time course of early-onset albuminuria at 3 and 4 months in LRRK2 KO female and male rats, respectively. The increases in urine albumin were not accompanied by concurrent increases in serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, or renal safety biomarkers such as kidney injury molecule 1 or clusterin, although morphological alterations in both glomerular and tubular structure were identified by light and transmission electron microscopy at 8 months of age. Diet optimization with controlled food intake attenuated the progression of albuminuria and associated renal changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Zhong Gu
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Glen Miller
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Roger Smith
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Jose Lebron
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
The Roc domain of LRRK2 as a hub for protein-protein interactions: a focus on PAK6 and its impact on RAB phosphorylation. Brain Res 2022; 1778:147781. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.147781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|