GST P1, a novel downstream regulator of LRRK2, G2019S-induced neuronal cell death

Front Biosci (Elite Ed). 2012 Jun 1;4(7):2365-77. doi: 10.2741/e548.

Abstract

The enhanced neurotoxicity of the Parkinson's disease-associated LRRK2 mutant, G2019S, than its wild-type counter-part has recently been reported. Overexpression of LRRK2 (G2019S) in cultured neural cells results in caspase-3-dependent apoptosis via a yet undefined signaling pathway. Elucidation of the mechanism underlying LRRK2 (G2019S) neurotoxicity may offer new insights into the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. In this study, we identified glutathione s-transferase P1 (GSTP1) as a selective target whose expression is negatively regulated at the transcriptional levels via promoter hyper-methylation by LRRK2 (G2019S). Overexpression of LRRK2 (G2019S) in the human neuronal cell line SH-SY5Y markedly suppressed the expression of GSTP1 prior to any manifestation of cell death. Moreover, shRNA-mediated knockdown of endogenous GSTP1 expression exacerbated LRRK2 (G2019S) neurotoxicity, whereas overexpression of GSTP1 protected against LRRK2 (G2019S)-induced caspase-3 activation and neuronal apoptosis. In conclusion, the results suggest a previously undefined signaling mechanism underlying the neurotoxic effect of LRRK2 (G2019S), in which LRRK2 (G2019S) triggers oxidative stress in cells and, in turn, results in caspase-dependent apoptosis at least in part by suppressing the expression of GSTP1.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Base Sequence
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cell Death*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • DNA Primers
  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
  • Glutathione Transferase / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Leucine-Rich Repeat Serine-Threonine Protein Kinase-2
  • Neurons / cytology*
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism*
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization
  • Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • Glutathione Transferase
  • LRRK2 protein, human
  • Leucine-Rich Repeat Serine-Threonine Protein Kinase-2
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases