iScience (Nov 2023)

LRRK2 G2019S promotes astrocytic inflammation induced by oligomeric α-synuclein through NF-κB pathway

  • Kai-Jie He,
  • Jin-Bao Zhang,
  • Jun-Yi Liu,
  • Feng-Lun Zhao,
  • Xiao-Yu Yao,
  • Yu-Ting Tang,
  • Jin-Ru Zhang,
  • Xiao-Yu Cheng,
  • Li-Fang Hu,
  • Fen Wang,
  • Chun-Feng Liu

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 26, no. 11
p. 108130

Abstract

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Summary: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by the irreversible loss of dopaminergic neurons and the accumulation of α-synuclein in Lewy bodies. The oligomeric α-synuclein (O-αS) is the most toxic form of α-synuclein species, and it has been reported to be a robust inflammatory mediator. Mutations in Leucine-Rich Repeat Kinase 2 (LRRK2) are also genetically linked to PD and neuroinflammation. However, how O-αS and LRRK2 interact in glial cells remains unclear. Here, we reported that LRRK2 G2019S mutation, which is one of the most frequent causes of familial PD, enhanced the effects of O-αS on astrocytes both in vivo and in vitro. Meanwhile, inhibition of LRRK2 kinase activity could relieve the inflammatory effects of both LRRK2 G2019S and O-αS. We also demonstrated that nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway might be involved in the neuroinflammatory responses. These findings revealed that inhibition of LRRK2 kinase activity may be a viable strategy for suppressing neuroinflammation in PD.

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