Proteasome Mediates Dopaminergic Neuronal Degeneration, and Its Inhibition Causes α-Synuclein Inclusions

Parkinson’s disease is characterized by dopaminergic neuronal death and the presence of Lewy bodies. α-Synuclein is a major component of Lewy bodies, but the process of its accumulation and its relationship to dopaminergic neuronal death has not been resolved. Although the pathogenesis has not been clarified, mitochondrial complex I is suppressed, and caspase-3 is activated in the affected midbrain. Here we report that a combination of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) or rotenone and proteasome inhibition causes the appearance of α-synuclein-positive inclusion bodies. Unexpectedly, however, proteasome inhibition blocked MPP+- or rotenone-induced dopaminergic neuronal death. MPP+ elevated proteasome activity, dephosphorylated mitogen-activating protein kinase (MAPK), and activated caspase-3. Proteasome inhibition reversed the MAPK dephosphorylation and blocked caspase-3 activation; the neuroprotection was blocked by a p42 and p44 MAPK kinase inhibitor. Thus, the proteasome plays an important role in both inclusion body formation and dopaminergic neuronal death but these processes form opposite sides on the proteasome regulation in this model.