Emerging evidence indicate considerable overlap in the pathological features of tauopathies and synucleopathies. Hyperphosphorylated tau, a toxic precursor of neurofibrillary tangles of Alzheimer's disease [PD] and other taupathies, is also found in certain synucleopathies, while conversely, a-synuclein [a-Syn], a presynaptic protein linked to Parkinson's disease, is found not only in synucleopathies but also in taupathies. We have shown that the parkinsonism-inducing neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine [MPTP], induces hyperphosphorylation of Tau [p-Tau], with phosphorylation at multiple sites, in the presence of a-Syn, a protein linked to PD. The requirement for a-Syn in p-tau formation by MPTP was mandatory, since in a-Syn null mice and in transfected cells not expressing a-Syn, MPTP failed to induce p-Tau. Our data also shows that p-GSK-Sp, a protein linked to AD and hyperphasphorylation is activated by MPTP. Importantly, we have data in human post mortem tissue from striata of PD and PD+dementia patients, which mirror changes in protein levels we have observed in the MPTP in vitro and in vivo models. These combined data suggest a convergent pathomechanism for taupathies and synucleopathies. In this grant, we will examine the mechanisms by which MPTP and a-Syn induce p-Tau formation in the MPTP mouse model of parkinsonism, using A53T transgenic mice and a-syn overexpressor mice, and human post mortem tissues. We will determine whether aggregates of a-Syn and its A30P/A53T mutant alter protein degradative pathways and have different kinectics of p-Tau formation. We will assess the underlying mechanisms of various kinases known to hyperphosphorylate Tau, including protein kinase A, p- ERK and p-GSK-3(3. In particular, using specific inhibitors of kinases, we will reverse the MPTP-mediated degeneration in mice, as a novel method to treat synucleopathies. Since the A53T of a-synuclein has a greater propensity to aggregate compared to wild-type a-Syn, we will elucidate the mechanisms of activation of p-Tau formation in the transgenic mouse overexpressing the human form of the mutant. Parallel studies will be conducted in human post mortem tissues of PD and PD with dementia patients, to measure the clinical relevance of our findings. From such studies, it will be possible to understand the overlapping pathology and mechanisms of tauopathies and synucleopathies, and to develop common targeted therapies.
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