LRRK2 kinase regulates α-synuclein propagation via RAB35 phosphorylation

Propagation of α-synuclein aggregates has been suggested as a contributing factor in Parkinson’s disease (PD) progression. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying α-synuclein aggregation are not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate in cell culture, nematode, and rodent models of PD that leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), a PD-linked kinase, modulates α-synuclein propagation in a kinase activity-dependent manner. The PD-linked G2019S mutation in LRRK2, which increases kinase activity, enhances propagation efficiency. Furthermore, we show that the role of LRRK2 in α-synuclein propagation is mediated by RAB35 phosphorylation. Constitutive activation of RAB35 overrides the reduced α-synuclein propagation phenotype in lrk-1 mutant C. elegans . Finally, in a mouse model of synucleinopathy, administration of an LRRK2 kinase inhibitor reduced α-synuclein aggregation via enhanced interaction of α-synuclein with the lysosomal degradation pathway. These results suggest that LRRK2-mediated RAB35 phosphorylation is a potential therapeutic target for modifying disease progression. Mutations in LRRK2 kinase are associated with Parkinson’s disease. Here the authors show that LRRK2 modulates propagation of α-synuclein, using rodent and C. elegans models, and show that this is dependent on phosphorylation of one of its substrates, RAB35.