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Published on: January 7, 2019
A LRRK2 GTP Binding Inhibitor, 68, Reduces LPS-Induced Signaling Events and TNF-α Release in Human Lymphoblasts
Tianxia Li1,2, Bo Ning1, Lingbo Kong1,2
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
Abstract:
Mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase-2 (LRRK2) gene cause autosomal-dominant Parkinson's disease (PD) and contribute to sporadic PD. Common genetic variation in LRRK2 modifies susceptibility to immunological disorders including Crohn's disease and leprosy. Previous studies have reported that LRRK2 is expressed in B lymphocytes and macrophages, suggesting a role for LRRK2 in immunological functions. In this study, we characterized the LRRK2 protein expression and phosphorylation using human lymphoblasts. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a proinflammatory agent, induced the increase of LRRK2 expression and kinase activities in human lymphoblasts in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, LPS activated the Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway, increased TRAF6/LRRK2 interaction, and elevated the phosphorylation levels of MAPK (JNK1/2, p38, and ERK1/2) and IkBα. Treatment with LRRK2 inhibitor 68 reduced LPS-induced TRAF6/LRRK2 interaction and MAPK and IkBα phosphorylation, thereby reducing TNF-α secretion. These results indicate that LRRK2 is actively involved in proinflammatory responses in human lymphoblasts, and inhibition of GTP binding by 68 results in an anti-inflammation effect against proinflammatory stimuli. These findings not only provide novel insights into the mechanisms of LRRK2-linked immune and inflammatory responses in B-cell-like lymphoblasts, but also suggest that 68 may also have potential therapeutic value for LRRK2-linked immunological disorders.
Insights
Leucine-rich repeat kinase-2 (LRRK2) plays a role in inflammation. Inhibiting LRRK2 reduces inflammatory responses in human lymphoblasts, suggesting therapeutic potential for LRRK2-associated immune disorders.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase-2 (LRRK2) gene are linked to Parkinson's disease and influence susceptibility to immunological disorders.
- LRRK2 expression in B lymphocytes and macrophages suggests a role in immune function.
- The study investigates LRRK2's role in inflammatory responses within human lymphoblasts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize LRRK2 protein expression and phosphorylation in human lymphoblasts.
- To investigate the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on LRRK2 activity and associated signaling pathways.
- To evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of an LRRK2 inhibitor.
Main Methods:
- Human lymphoblasts were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
- LRRK2 expression, kinase activity, and phosphorylation were analyzed.
- Interactions between TRAF6 and LRRK2, and phosphorylation of MAPK and IkBα were assessed.
- The effect of LRRK2 inhibitor 68 on LPS-induced responses was examined.
Main Results:
- LPS increased LRRK2 expression and kinase activity in a time-dependent manner.
- LPS activated the Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathway, increasing TRAF6/LRRK2 interaction and MAPK/IkBα phosphorylation.
- LRRK2 inhibitor 68 reduced LPS-induced TRAF6/LRRK2 interaction and phosphorylation, decreasing TNF-α secretion.
Conclusions:
- LRRK2 is actively involved in proinflammatory responses in human lymphoblasts.
- Inhibition of LRRK2 by compound 68 demonstrates an anti-inflammatory effect.
- These findings highlight LRRK2's role in immune responses and suggest therapeutic potential for LRRK2 inhibitor 68 in immunological disorders.
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