CalDAG-GEFI acts as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for LRRK2 to regulate LRRK2 function and neurodegeneration

Mutations in LRRK2 are the most common genetic cause of Parkinson's disease (PD). LRRK2 protein contains two enzymatic domains: a GTPase (Roc-COR) and a kinase domain. Disease-causing mutations are found in both domains. Now, studies have focused largely on LRRK2 kinase activity, while attention to its GTPase function is limited. LRRK2 is a guanine nucleotide-binding protein, but the mechanism of direct regulation of its GTPase activity remains unclear and its physiological GEF is not known. Here, we identified CalDAG-GEFI (CDGI) as a physiological GEF for LRRK2. CDGI interacts with LRRK2 and increases its GDP to GTP exchange activity. CDGI modulates LRRK2 cellular functions and LRRK2-induced neurodegeneration in both LRRK2 Drosophila and mouse models. Together, this study identified the physiological GEF for LRRK2 and provides strong evidence that LRRK2 GTPase is regulated by GAPs and GEFs. The LRRK2 GTPase, GAP, or GEF activities have the potential to serve as therapeutic targets, which is distinct from the direct LRRK2 kinase inhibition.