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Morez M, Lara Ordóñez AJ, Melnyk P, Liberelle M, Lebègue N, Taymans JM. Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) inhibitors for Parkinson's disease: a patent review of the literature to date. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2024; 34:773-788. [PMID: 39023243 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2024.2378076] [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] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nearly two decades after leucine rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) was discovered as a genetic determinant of Parkinson's disease (PD), LRRK2 has emerged a priority therapeutic target in PD and inhibition of its activity is hypothesized to be beneficial. AREAS COVERED LRRK2 targeting agents, in particular kinase inhibitors and agents reducing LRRK2 expression show promise in model systems and have progressed to phase I and phase II clinical testing for PD. Several additional targeting strategies for LRRK2 are emerging, based on promoting specific 'healthy' LRRK2 quaternary structures, heteromeric complexes and conformations. EXPERT OPINION It can be expected that LRRK2 targeting strategies may proceed to phase III clinical testing for PD in the next five years, allowing the field to discover the real clinical value of LRRK2 targeting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaux Morez
- University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 - LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Lille, France
| | | | - Patricia Melnyk
- University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 - LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Lille, France
| | - Maxime Liberelle
- University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 - LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Lille, France
| | - Nicolas Lebègue
- University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 - LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Lille, France
| | - Jean-Marc Taymans
- University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 - LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Lille, France
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Lubben N, Brynildsen JK, Webb CM, Li HL, Leyns CEG, Changolkar L, Zhang B, Meymand ES, O'Reilly M, Madaj Z, DeWeerd D, Fell MJ, Lee VMY, Bassett DS, Henderson MX. LRRK2 kinase inhibition reverses G2019S mutation-dependent effects on tau pathology progression. Transl Neurodegener 2024; 13:13. [PMID: 38438877 PMCID: PMC10910783 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-024-00403-2] [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] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are the most common cause of familial Parkinson's disease (PD). These mutations elevate the LRRK2 kinase activity, making LRRK2 kinase inhibitors an attractive therapeutic. LRRK2 kinase activity has been consistently linked to specific cell signaling pathways, mostly related to organelle trafficking and homeostasis, but its relationship to PD pathogenesis has been more difficult to define. LRRK2-PD patients consistently present with loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra but show variable development of Lewy body or tau tangle pathology. Animal models carrying LRRK2 mutations do not develop robust PD-related phenotypes spontaneously, hampering the assessment of the efficacy of LRRK2 inhibitors against disease processes. We hypothesized that mutations in LRRK2 may not be directly related to a single disease pathway, but instead may elevate the susceptibility to multiple disease processes, depending on the disease trigger. To test this hypothesis, we have previously evaluated progression of α-synuclein and tau pathologies following injection of proteopathic seeds. We demonstrated that transgenic mice overexpressing mutant LRRK2 show alterations in the brain-wide progression of pathology, especially at older ages. METHODS Here, we assess tau pathology progression in relation to long-term LRRK2 kinase inhibition. Wild-type or LRRK2G2019S knock-in mice were injected with tau fibrils and treated with control diet or diet containing LRRK2 kinase inhibitor MLi-2 targeting the IC50 or IC90 of LRRK2 for 3-6 months. Mice were evaluated for tau pathology by brain-wide quantitative pathology in 844 brain regions and subsequent linear diffusion modeling of progression. RESULTS Consistent with our previous work, we found systemic alterations in the progression of tau pathology in LRRK2G2019S mice, which were most pronounced at 6 months. Importantly, LRRK2 kinase inhibition reversed these effects in LRRK2G2019S mice, but had minimal effect in wild-type mice, suggesting that LRRK2 kinase inhibition is likely to reverse specific disease processes in G2019S mutation carriers. Additional work may be necessary to determine the potential effect in non-carriers. CONCLUSIONS This work supports a protective role of LRRK2 kinase inhibition in G2019S carriers and provides a rational workflow for systematic evaluation of brain-wide phenotypes in therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah Lubben
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
| | - Julia K Brynildsen
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Connor M Webb
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, Institute On Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Howard L Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, Institute On Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Cheryl E G Leyns
- Neuroscience Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Lakshmi Changolkar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, Institute On Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, Institute On Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Emily S Meymand
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, Institute On Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Mia O'Reilly
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Zach Madaj
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core, Van Andel Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave., NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Daniella DeWeerd
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
| | - Matthew J Fell
- Neuroscience Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Virginia M Y Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, Institute On Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Dani S Bassett
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, NM, 87501, USA
| | - Michael X Henderson
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA.
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA.
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Pena N, Richbourg T, Gonzalez-Hunt CP, Qi R, Wren P, Barlow C, Shanks NF, Carlisle HJ, Sanders LH. G2019S selective LRRK2 kinase inhibitor abrogates mitochondrial DNA damage. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2024; 10:49. [PMID: 38429321 PMCID: PMC10907374 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-024-00660-y] [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: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic mutations in LRRK2 cause Parkinson's disease (PD). The G2019S variant is the most common, which results in abnormally high kinase activity. Compounds that target LRRK2 kinase activity are currently being developed and tested in clinical trials. We recently found that G2019S LRRK2 causes mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage and treatment with multiple classes of LRRK2 kinase inhibitors at concentrations associated with dephosphorylation of LRRK2 reversed mtDNA damage to healthy control levels. Because maintaining the normal function of LRRK2 in heterozygous G2019S LRRK2 carriers while specifically targeting the G2019S LRRK2 activity could have an advantageous safety profile, we explored the efficacy of a G2019S mutant selective LRRK2 inhibitor to reverse mtDNA damage in G2019S LRRK2 models and patient cells relative to non-selective LRRK2 inhibitors. Potency of LRRK2 kinase inhibition by EB-42168, a G2019S mutant LRRK2 kinase inhibitor, and MLi-2, a non-selective inhibitor, was determined by measuring phosphorylation of LRRK2 at Ser935 and/or Ser1292 using quantitative western immunoblot analysis. The Mito DNADX assay, which allows for the accurate real-time quantification of mtDNA damage in a 96-well platform, was performed in parallel. We confirmed that EB-42168 selectively inhibits LRRK2 phosphorylation on G2019S LRRK2 relative to wild-type LRRK2. On the other hand, MLi-2 was equipotent for wild-type and G2019S LRRK2. Acute treatment with EB-42168 inhibited LRRK2 phosphorylation and also restored mtDNA damage to healthy control levels. We further investigated the relationship between LRRK2 kinase activity, mtDNA damage and mitophagy. Levels of mtDNA damage caused by G2019S LRRK2 were fully re-established within 2 h of a LRRK2 inhibitor wash out and recovery experiment, indicating the mtDNA damage phenotype is highly dynamic. G2019S LRRK2 mitophagy defects were not alleviated with LRRK2 kinase inhibition, suggesting that mitophagy is not mechanistically regulating LRRK2 kinase-mediated reversal of mtDNA damage in this acute timeframe. Abrogation of mtDNA damage with the mutant selective tool inhibitor EB-42168 demonstrates the potential of a precision medicine approach for LRRK2 G2019S PD. Levels of mtDNA damage may serve as a potential pharmacodynamic biomarker of altered kinase activity that could be useful for small molecule development and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Pena
- Departments of Neurology and Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Duke Center for Neurodegeneration and Neurotherapeutics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Tara Richbourg
- Departments of Neurology and Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Duke Center for Neurodegeneration and Neurotherapeutics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Claudia P Gonzalez-Hunt
- Departments of Neurology and Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Duke Center for Neurodegeneration and Neurotherapeutics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Rui Qi
- Departments of Neurology and Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Duke Center for Neurodegeneration and Neurotherapeutics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Paul Wren
- ESCAPE Bio, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | | | | | | | - Laurie H Sanders
- Departments of Neurology and Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Duke Center for Neurodegeneration and Neurotherapeutics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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Kattar SD, Gulati A, Margrey KA, Keylor MH, Ardolino M, Yan X, Johnson R, Palte RL, McMinn SE, Nogle L, Su J, Xiao D, Piesvaux J, Lee S, Hegde LG, Woodhouse JD, Faltus R, Moy LY, Xiong T, Ciaccio PJ, Pearson K, Patel M, Otte KM, Leyns CEG, Kennedy ME, Bennett DJ, DiMauro EF, Fell MJ, Fuller PH. Discovery of MK-1468: A Potent, Kinome-Selective, Brain-Penetrant Amidoisoquinoline LRRK2 Inhibitor for the Potential Treatment of Parkinson's Disease. J Med Chem 2023; 66:14912-14927. [PMID: 37861679 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Genetic mutation of the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) protein has been associated with Parkinson's disease (PD), a disabling and progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is devoid of efficacious disease-modifying therapies. Herein, we describe the invention of an amidoisoquinoline (IQ)-derived LRRK2 inhibitor lead chemical series. Knowledge-, structure-, and property-based drug design in concert with rigorous application of in silico calculations and presynthesis predictions enabled the prioritization of molecules with favorable CNS "drug-like" physicochemical properties. This resulted in the discovery of compound 8, which was profiled extensively before human ether-a-go-go (hERG) ion channel inhibition halted its progression. Strategic reduction of lipophilicity and basicity resulted in attenuation of hERG ion channel inhibition while maintaining a favorable CNS efflux transporter profile. Further structure- and property-based optimizations resulted in the discovery of preclinical candidate MK-1468. This exquisitely selective LRRK2 inhibitor has a projected human dose of 48 mg BID and a preclinical safety profile that supported advancement toward GLP toxicology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon D Kattar
- Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Anmol Gulati
- Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Kaila A Margrey
- Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Mitchell H Keylor
- Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Michael Ardolino
- Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Xin Yan
- Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Rebecca Johnson
- Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Rachel L Palte
- Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Spencer E McMinn
- Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Lisa Nogle
- Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Jing Su
- Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Dong Xiao
- Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Jennifer Piesvaux
- Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Susi Lee
- Merck & Co., Inc., 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Laxminarayan G Hegde
- Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Janice D Woodhouse
- Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Robert Faltus
- Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Lily Y Moy
- Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Tina Xiong
- Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Paul J Ciaccio
- Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Kara Pearson
- Merck & Co., Inc., 770 Sumneytown Pike., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Mayankbhai Patel
- Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Karin M Otte
- Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Cheryl E G Leyns
- Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Matthew E Kennedy
- Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | | | - Erin F DiMauro
- Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Matthew J Fell
- Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Peter H Fuller
- Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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Taymans JM, Fell M, Greenamyre T, Hirst WD, Mamais A, Padmanabhan S, Peter I, Rideout H, Thaler A. Perspective on the current state of the LRRK2 field. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2023; 9:104. [PMID: 37393318 PMCID: PMC10314919 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-023-00544-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Almost 2 decades after linking LRRK2 to Parkinson's disease, a vibrant research field has developed around the study of this gene and its protein product. Recent studies have begun to elucidate molecular structures of LRRK2 and its complexes, and our understanding of LRRK2 has continued to grow, affirming decisions made years ago to therapeutically target this enzyme for PD. Markers of LRRK2 activity, with potential to monitor disease progression or treatment efficacy, are also under development. Interestingly, there is a growing understanding of the role of LRRK2 outside of the central nervous system in peripheral tissues such as gut and immune cells that may also contribute to LRRK2 mediated pathology. In this perspective, our goal is to take stock of LRRK2 research by discussing the current state of knowledge and critical open questions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Marc Taymans
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S 1172-LilNCog-Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, F-59000, Lille, France.
| | - Matt Fell
- Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Tim Greenamyre
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Suite 7039, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Warren D Hirst
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Unit, Biogen, 115 Broadway, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Adamantios Mamais
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Shalini Padmanabhan
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY, 10120, USA
| | - Inga Peter
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1425 Madison Ave, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Hardy Rideout
- Centre for Clinical, Experimental Surgery, and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Avner Thaler
- Movement Disorders Unit and Laboratory of Early Markers of Neurodegeneration, Neurological Institute, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Faculty of medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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Miller GK, Kuruvilla S, Jacob B, LaFranco-Scheuch L, Bakthavatchalu V, Flor J, Flor K, Ziegler J, Reichard C, Manfre P, Firner S, McNutt T, Quay D, Bellum S, Doto G, Ciaccio PJ, Pearson K, Valentine J, Fuller P, Fell M, Tsuchiya T, Williamson T, Wollenberg G. Effects of LRRK2 Inhibitors in Nonhuman Primates. Toxicol Pathol 2023; 51:232-245. [PMID: 37916535 DOI: 10.1177/01926233231205895] [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: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Toxicology studies in nonhuman primates were conducted to evaluate selective, brain penetrant inhibitors of LRRK2. GNE 7915 was limited to 7-day administration in cynomolgus monkeys at 65 mg/kg/day or limited to 14 days in rhesus at 22.5 mg/kg b.i.d. due to physical signs. Compound 25 demonstrated acceptable tolerability at 50 and 225 mg/kg b.i.d. for 7 days in rhesus monkeys. MK-1468 was tolerated during 7-day administration at 100, 200 or 800 mg/kg/day or for 30-day administration at 30, 100, or 500 mg/kg b.i.d. in rhesus monkeys. The lungs revealed hypertrophy of type 2 pneumocytes, with accumulation of intra-alveolar macrophages. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed increased lamellar structures within hypertrophic type 2 pneumocytes. Hypertrophy and hyperplasia of type 2 pneumocytes with accumulation of intra-alveolar macrophages admixed with neutrophils were prominent at peripheral lungs of animals receiving compound 25 or MK-1468. Affected type 2 pneumocytes were immuno-positive for pro-surfactant C, but negative for CD11c, a marker for intra-alveolar macrophages. Accumulation of collagen within alveolar walls, confirmed by histochemical trichrome stain, accompanied changes described for compound 25 and MK-1468. Following a 12-week treatment-free interval, animals previously receiving MK-1468 for 30 days exhibited remodeling of alveolar structure and interstitial components that did not demonstrate reversibility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jason Flor
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Diane Quay
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Greg Doto
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Matt Fell
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA
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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.
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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
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8
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Kluss JH, Lewis PA, Greggio E. Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2): an update on the potential therapeutic target for Parkinson's disease. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:537-546. [PMID: 35642531 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2082937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
AREAS COVERED In this review, we will provide an update on the current status of drugs and other technologies that have emerged in recent years and provide an overview of their efficacy in ameliorating LRRK2 kinase activity and overall safety in animal models and humans. EXPERT OPINION The growth of both target discovery and innovative drug design has sparked a lot of excitement for the future of how we treat Parkinson's disease. Given the immense focus on LRRK2 as a therapeutic target, it is expected within the next decade to determine its therapeutic properties, or lack thereof, for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian H Kluss
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, UK.,Cell Biology and Gene Expression Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Patrick A Lewis
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, UK.,Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK.,Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Elisa Greggio
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Centro Studi per la Neurodegenerazione (CESNE), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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9
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Nanobodies as allosteric modulators of Parkinson's disease-associated LRRK2. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2112712119. [PMID: 35217606 PMCID: PMC8892280 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2112712119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second-most common neurodegenerative disorder. Mutations leading to overactivation of LRRK2 are a leading cause of familial PD, and this protein is therefore considered as an appealing target for drug design. Here, we describe the discovery and characterization of a diverse set of LRRK2-targeting nanobodies. A subset of these nanobodies inhibit LRRK2 via a mechanism that differs from the commonly used LRRK2 kinase inhibitors. Importantly, some of these nanobodies selectively inhibit certain LRRK2 activities (Rab phosphorylation) while leaving other activities (autophosphorylation) unaffected. We anticipate that these nanobodies will find multiple applications as research tools and will open up opportunities for the development of new PD diagnostics and therapeutics in parallel to other currently pursued strategies. Mutations in the gene coding for leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are a leading cause of the inherited form of Parkinson’s disease (PD), while LRRK2 overactivation is also associated with the more common idiopathic form of PD. LRRK2 is a large multidomain protein, including a GTPase as well as a Ser/Thr protein kinase domain. Common, disease-causing mutations increase LRRK2 kinase activity, presenting LRRK2 as an attractive target for drug discovery. Currently, drug development has mainly focused on ATP-competitive kinase inhibitors. Here, we report the identification and characterization of a variety of nanobodies that bind to different LRRK2 domains and inhibit or activate LRRK2 in cells and in in vitro. Importantly, nanobodies were identified that inhibit LRRK2 kinase activity while binding to a site that is topographically distinct from the active site and thus act through an allosteric inhibitory mechanism that does not involve binding to the ATP pocket or even to the kinase domain. Moreover, while certain nanobodies completely inhibit the LRRK2 kinase activity, we also identified nanobodies that specifically inhibit the phosphorylation of Rab protein substrates. Finally, in contrast to current type I kinase inhibitors, the studied kinase-inhibitory nanobodies did not induce LRRK2 microtubule association. These comprehensively characterized nanobodies represent versatile tools to study the LRRK2 function and mechanism and can pave the way toward novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for PD.
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LRRK2 and idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Trends Neurosci 2022; 45:224-236. [PMID: 34991886 PMCID: PMC8854345 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The etiology of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (iPD) is multifactorial, and both genetics and environmental exposures are risk factors. While mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase-2 (LRRK2) that are associated with increased kinase activity are the most common cause of autosomal dominant PD, the role of LRRK2 in iPD, independent of mutations, remains uncertain. In this review, we discuss how the architecture of LRRK2 influences kinase activation and how enhanced LRRK2 substrate phosphorylation might contribute to pathogenesis. We describe how oxidative stress and endolysosomal dysfunction, both of which occur in iPD, can activate non-mutated LRRK2 to a similar degree as pathogenic mutations. Similarly, environmental toxicants that are linked epidemiologically to iPD risk can also activate LRRK2. In aggregate, current evidence suggests an important role for LRRK2 in iPD.
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Discovery of G2019S-Selective Leucine Rich Repeat Protein Kinase 2 inhibitors with in vivo efficacy. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 229:114080. [PMID: 34992038 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.114080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the Leucine Rich Repeat Protein Kinase 2 gene (LRRK2) are the most common genetic causes of Parkinson's Disease (PD). The G2019S mutation is the most common inherited LRRK2 mutation, occurs in the kinase domain, and results in increased kinase activity. We report the discovery and development of compound 38, an indazole-based, G2019S-selective (>2000-fold vs. WT) LRRK2 inhibitor capable of entering rodent brain (Kp = 0.5) and selectively inhibiting G2019S-LRRK2. The compounds disclosed herein present a starting point for further development of brain penetrant G2019S selective inhibitors that hopefully reduce lung phenotype side-effects and pave the way to providing a precision medicine for people with PD who carry the G2019S mutation.
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LRRK2 signaling in neurodegeneration: two decades of progress. Essays Biochem 2021; 65:859-872. [PMID: 34897411 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20210013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a complex GTPase/kinase orchestrating cytoskeletal dynamics and multiple steps of the endolysosomal pathway through interaction with a host of partners and phosphorylation of a subset of Rab GTPases. Mutations in LRRK2 cause late-onset Parkinson's disease (PD) and common variants in the locus containing LRRK2 have been associated with sporadic PD, progressive supranuclear palsy as well as a number of inflammatory diseases. This review encompasses the major discoveries in the field of LRRK2 pathobiology, from the initial gene cloning to the latest progress in LRRK2 inhibition as a promising therapeutic approach to fight neurodegeneration.
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Kluss JH, Mazza MC, Li Y, Manzoni C, Lewis PA, Cookson MR, Mamais A. Preclinical modeling of chronic inhibition of the Parkinson's disease associated kinase LRRK2 reveals altered function of the endolysosomal system in vivo. Mol Neurodegener 2021; 16:17. [PMID: 33741046 PMCID: PMC7977595 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-021-00441-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common mutation in the Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 gene (LRRK2), G2019S, causes familial Parkinson's Disease (PD) and renders the encoded protein kinase hyperactive. While targeting LRRK2 activity is currently being tested in clinical trials as a therapeutic avenue for PD, to date, the molecular effects of chronic LRRK2 inhibition have not yet been examined in vivo. We evaluated the utility of newly available phospho-antibodies for Rab substrates and LRRK2 autophosphorylation to examine the pharmacodynamic response to treatment with the potent and specific LRRK2 inhibitor, MLi-2, in brain and peripheral tissue in G2019S LRRK2 knock-in mice. We report higher sensitivity of LRRK2 autophosphorylation to MLi-2 treatment and slower recovery in washout conditions compared to Rab GTPases phosphorylation, and we identify pS106 Rab12 as a robust readout of downstream LRRK2 activity across tissues. The downstream effects of long-term chronic LRRK2 inhibition in vivo were evaluated in G2019S LRRK2 knock-in mice by phospho- and total proteomic analyses following an in-diet administration of MLi-2 for 10 weeks. We observed significant alterations in endolysosomal and trafficking pathways in the kidney that were sensitive to MLi-2 treatment and were validated biochemically. Furthermore, a subtle but distinct biochemical signature affecting mitochondrial proteins was observed in brain tissue in the same animals that, again, was reverted by kinase inhibition. Proteomic analysis in the lung did not detect any major pathway of dysregulation that would be indicative of pulmonary impairment. This is the first study to examine the molecular underpinnings of chronic LRRK2 inhibition in a preclinical in vivo PD model and highlights cellular processes that may be influenced by therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring LRRK2 physiological activity in PD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian H Kluss
- Cell Biology and Gene Expression Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights Campus, Reading, UK
| | - Melissa Conti Mazza
- Cell Biology and Gene Expression Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Proteomic Core Facility, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Claudia Manzoni
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights Campus, Reading, UK.,UCL School of Pharmacy, Brunswick Square, London, UK
| | - Patrick A Lewis
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights Campus, Reading, UK.,Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London, UK.,Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Mark R Cookson
- Cell Biology and Gene Expression Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Adamantios Mamais
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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