Project 2: Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration in alpha-Synuclein Transgenic Mice. While the causes of Parkinson's disease (PD) is not known, genetic and biochemical abnormalities of alpha- synuclein are directly implicated in the pathogenesis PD and other alpha-synucleinopathies. Transgenic (Tg) mice expressing the A53T mutant human alpha-synuclein develop adult-onset disease with a progressive motoric dysfunction leading to death. The affected mice exhibit many of the features of human alpha- synucleinopathies, including aberrant aggregation of a-Syn and neurodegeneration in subcortical regions. Characterization of alpha-synucleinopathy in Tg mice reveal signs of oxidative stress, including mitochondrial abnormalities. Because both mitochondrial abnormalities and oxidative stress are implicated in the pathogenesis of PD and other a-synucleinopathies, we will examine the pathological relationships between oxidative stress and alpha-synucleinopathies in Hua-Syn Tg mice.
First (Aim 1), we will determine whether the disease in the Tg mice is associated with oxidative stress, particularly associated with mitochondrial abnormalities.
Second (Aims 2 and 3), we will test if oxidative stress act in concert with alpha-synuclein abnormalities exacerbate alpha-synuclein pathology and neurodegeneration. Finally, we hypothesize that oxidative stress causes activation of c-Abl and c-Abl activation directly participates in the disease. We will show that alpha-synuclein pathology is associated with c-Abl activation in mice and in human PD cases. We will show that lack of c-Abl function attenuates neurodegeneration in alpha-synuclein Tg mice. Finally, we will show that c-Abl phosphorylates alpha-synuclein and such alpha-synuclein is preferentially found associated with the aggregates. In addition, we will collaborate with Project 1 to determine if alpha- synuclein pathology leads to defects in parkin function and with Project 3 to determine linke between mutant LRRK2 and alpha-synuclein pathology in vivo. These studies will provide in vivo experimental tests of processes that are directly relevant to the pathogenesis of human alpha-synucleinopathies and may lead to new therapeutic approaches.

Public Health Relevance

Alpha-synuclein abnormalities are implicated as the events responsible for cell death in PD and other related diseases. Thus, understanding how alpha-synuclein abnormalities cause neuronal death in brain will provide better understanding about PD and may lead to therapeutic approaches that will target the underlying processes that are responsible for PD.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Specialized Center (P50)
Project #
5P50NS038377-15
Application #
8533014
Study Section
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Initial Review Group (NSD)
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2013-08-01
Budget End
2014-07-31
Support Year
15
Fiscal Year
2013
Total Cost
$341,621
Indirect Cost
$133,316
Name
Johns Hopkins University
Department
Type
DUNS #
001910777
City
Baltimore
State
MD
Country
United States
Zip Code
21218
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Hinkle, Jared T; Perepezko, Kate; Bakker, Catherine C et al. (2018) Domain-specific cognitive impairment in non-demented Parkinson's disease psychosis. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 33:e131-e139
Hinkle, Jared T; Perepezko, Kate; Mills, Kelly A et al. (2018) Dopamine transporter availability reflects gastrointestinal dysautonomia in early Parkinson disease. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 55:8-14
Kim, Donghoon; Hwang, Heehong; Choi, Seulah et al. (2018) D409H GBA1 mutation accelerates the progression of pathology in A53T ?-synuclein transgenic mouse model. Acta Neuropathol Commun 6:32
Kim, Sangjune; Yun, Seung Pil; Lee, Saebom et al. (2018) GBA1 deficiency negatively affects physiological ?-synuclein tetramers and related multimers. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 115:798-803
Kim, Donghoon; Yoo, Je Min; Hwang, Heehong et al. (2018) Graphene quantum dots prevent ?-synucleinopathy in Parkinson's disease. Nat Nanotechnol :
Hinkle, Jared T; Perepezko, Kate; Mari, Zoltan et al. (2018) Perceived Treatment Status of Fluctuations in Parkinson Disease Impacts Suicidality. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 26:700-710

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