scholarly journals Allosteric modulation of the GTPase activity of a bacterial LRRK2 homolog by conformation-specific Nanobodies

2020 ◽  
Vol 477 (7) ◽  
pp. 1203-1218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaux Leemans ◽  
Christian Galicia ◽  
Egon Deyaert ◽  
Elise Daems ◽  
Linda Krause ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Turnover Rate ◽  
Kinase Activity ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Bound State ◽  
Allosteric Modulation ◽  
Gtpase Activity ◽  
Gtp Hydrolysis ◽  
Lrrk2 Kinase ◽  
Dimeric Form ◽  
Novel Strategy

Mutations in the Parkinson's disease (PD)-associated protein leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) commonly lead to a reduction of GTPase activity and increase in kinase activity. Therefore, strategies for drug development have mainly been focusing on the design of LRRK2 kinase inhibitors. We recently showed that the central RocCOR domains (Roc: Ras of complex proteins; COR: C-terminal of Roc) of a bacterial LRRK2 homolog cycle between a dimeric and monomeric form concomitant with GTP binding and hydrolysis. PD-associated mutations can slow down GTP hydrolysis by stabilizing the protein in its dimeric form. Here, we report the identification of two Nanobodies (NbRoco1 and NbRoco2) that bind the bacterial Roco protein (CtRoco) in a conformation-specific way, with a preference for the GTP-bound state. NbRoco1 considerably increases the GTP turnover rate of CtRoco and reverts the decrease in GTPase activity caused by a PD-analogous mutation. We show that NbRoco1 exerts its effect by allosterically interfering with the CtRoco dimer–monomer cycle through the destabilization of the dimeric form. Hence, we provide the first proof of principle that allosteric modulation of the RocCOR dimer–monomer cycle can alter its GTPase activity, which might present a potential novel strategy to overcome the effect of LRRK2 PD mutations.

scholarly journals Allosteric inhibition of LRRK2, where are we now

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 2185-2194
Author(s):  
Ahmed Soliman ◽  
Fatma Nihan Cankara ◽  
Arjan Kortholt
Keyword(s):  
Recent Progress ◽  
Kinase Activity ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
High Selectivity ◽  
Gtpase Activity ◽  
Leucine Rich Repeat ◽  
Allosteric Inhibitors ◽  
Lrrk2 Kinase ◽  
Lrrk2 Kinase Activity

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. In recent years, it has been shown that leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) has a crucial function in both familial and sporadic forms of PD. LRRK2 pathogenic mutations are thought to result in an increase in LRRK2 kinase activity. Thus, inhibiting LRRK2 kinase activity has become a main therapeutic target. Many compounds capable of inhibiting LRRK2 kinase activity with high selectivity and brain availability have been described. However, the safety of long-term use of these ATP-competitive LRRK2 kinase inhibitors has been challenged by several studies. Therefore, alternative ways of targeting LRRK2 activity will have a great benefit. In this review, we discuss the recent progress in the development of allosteric inhibitors of LRRK2, mainly via interfering with GTPase activity, and propose potential new intra and interprotein interactions targets that can lead to open doors toward new therapeutics.

scholarly journals Crystal structure of the WD40 domain dimer of LRRK2

2019 ◽  
Vol 116 (5) ◽  
pp. 1579-1584 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pengfei Zhang ◽  
Ying Fan ◽  
Heng Ru ◽  
Li Wang ◽  
Venkat Giri Magupalli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crystal Structure ◽  
Kinase Activity ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Human Genetics ◽  
Kinase Domain ◽  
Rab Gtpases ◽  
Kinase Activation ◽  
Surface Patches ◽  
Wd40 Domain ◽  
Lrrk2 Kinase

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a large multidomain protein with both a Ras of complex (ROC) domain and a kinase domain (KD) and, therefore, exhibits both GTPase and kinase activities. Human genetics studies have linked LRRK2 as a major genetic contributor to familial and sporadic Parkinson’s disease (PD), a neurodegenerative movement disorder that inflicts millions worldwide. The C-terminal region of LRRK2 is a Trp-Asp-40 (WD40) domain with poorly defined biological functions but has been implicated in microtubule interaction. Here, we present the crystal structure of the WD40 domain of human LRRK2 at 2.6-Å resolution, which reveals a seven-bladed WD40 fold. The structure displays a dimeric assembly in the crystal, which we further confirm by measurements in solution. We find that structure-based and PD-associated disease mutations in the WD40 domain including the common G2385R polymorphism mainly compromise dimer formation. Assessment of full-length LRRK2 kinase activity by measuring phosphorylation of Rab10, a member of the family of Rab GTPases known to be important kinase substrates of LRRK2, shows enhancement of kinase activity by several dimerization-defective mutants including G2385R, although dimerization impairment does not always result in kinase activation. Furthermore, mapping of phylogenetically conserved residues onto the WD40 domain structure reveals surface patches that may be important for additional functions of LRRK2. Collectively, our analyses provide insights for understanding the structures and functions of LRRK2 and suggest the potential utility of LRRK2 kinase inhibitors in treating PD patients with WD40 domain mutations.

scholarly journals A High-Throughput Screen to Identify LRRK2 Kinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease Using RapidFire Mass Spectrometry

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Leveridge ◽  
Lee Collier ◽  
Colin Edge ◽  
Phil Hardwicke ◽  
Bill Leavens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
High Throughput ◽  
Kinase Activity ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Kinase Domain ◽  
Label Free ◽  
Lrrk2 Kinase ◽  
Lrrk2 Kinase Activity

LRRK2 is a large multidomain protein containing two functional enzymatic domains: a GTPase domain and a protein kinase domain. Dominant coding mutations in the LRRK2 protein are associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Among such pathogenic mutations, Gly2019Ser mutation in the LRRK2 kinase domain is the most frequent cause of familial PD in Caucasians and is also found in some apparently sporadic PD cases. This mutation results in 2- to 3-fold elevated LRRK2 kinase activity compared with wild type, providing a clear clinical hypothesis for the application of kinase inhibitors in the treatment of this disease. To date, reported screening assays for LRRK2 have been based on detection of labeled adenosine triphosphate and adenosine diphosphate or on antibody-based detection of phosphorylation events. While these assays do offer a high-throughput method of monitoring LRRK2 kinase activity, they are prone to interference from autofluorescent compounds and nonspecific events. Here we describe a label-free assay for LRRK2 kinase activity using the RapidFire mass spectrometry system. This assay format was found to be highly robust and enabled a screen of 100,000 lead-like small molecules. The assay successfully identified a number of known LRRK2 chemotypes that met stringent physicochemical criteria.

scholarly journals LRRK2 Kinase Activity Does Not Alter Cell-Autonomous Tau Pathology Development in Primary Neurons

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Michael X. Henderson ◽  
Lakshmi Changolkar ◽  
John Q. Trojanowski ◽  
Virginia M.Y. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Kinase Activity ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Lewy Bodies ◽  
Primary Neurons ◽  
Tau Pathology ◽  
Therapeutic Development ◽  
Lrrk2 Kinase ◽  
A Minor ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Lrrk2 Kinase Activity

Background: Mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are the most common cause of familial Parkinson’s disease (PD) and are also associated with genetic risk in idiopathic PD. Mutations in LRRK2, including the most common p.G2019S lead to elevated kinase activity, making LRRK2 kinase inhibitors prime targets for therapeutic development. However, the role of LRRK2 kinase activity in PD pathogenesis has remained unclear. While essentially all LRRK2-PD patients exhibit dopaminergic neuron loss, many of these patients to not have α-synuclein Lewy bodies in their brains. So, what is the neuropathological substrate of LRRK2-PD? Tau has emerged as a possible candidate due to the presence of tau pathology in the majority of LRRK2 mutation carriers and reports of hyperphosphorylated tau in LRRK2 animal models. Objective: In the current study, we aim to address whether a mutation in LRRK2 changes the cell-autonomous seeding of tau pathology in primary neurons. We also aim to assess whether LRRK2 kinase inhibitors are able to modulate tau pathology. Methods/Results: Treatment of primary neurons with LRRK2 kinase inhibitors leads to prolonged kinase inhibition but does not alter tau pathology induction. The lack of an effect of LRRK2 kinase activity was further confirmed in primary neurons expressing LRRK2G2019S and with two different forms of pathogenic tau. In no case was there more than a minor change in tau pathology induction. Conclusion: Together, our results indicate that LRRK2 kinase activity is not playing a major role in the induction of tau pathology in individual neurons. Understanding the impact of LRRK2 kinase inhibitors on pathology generation is important as kinase inhibitors move forward in clinical trials.

scholarly journals RIT2 reduces LRRK2 kinase activity and protects against alpha-synuclein neuropathology

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Obergasteiger ◽  
Anne-Marie Castonguay ◽  
Giulia Frapporti ◽  
Evy Lobbestael ◽  
Veerle Baekelandt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Substantia Nigra ◽  
Dopaminergic Neurons ◽  
Kinase Activity ◽  
Alpha Synuclein ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Lrrk2 Kinase ◽  
Novel Strategy ◽  
Lrrk2 Kinase Activity

AbstractIn Parkinson’s disease (PD) misfolded alpha-synuclein (aSyn) accumulates in the substantia nigra, where dopaminergic neurons are progressively lost. The mechanisms underlying aSyn pathology are still unclear but hypothesized to involve the autophagy lysosome pathways (ALP). LRRK2 mutations are a major cause of familial and sporadic PD, hyperactivate kinase activity and its pharmacological inhibition reduces pS129-aSyn inclusions. We observed selective downregulation of the novel PD risk factor RIT2 in G2019S-LRRK2 expressing cells. Here we studied whether RIT2 could modulate LRRK2 kinase activity. RIT2 overexpression in G2019S-LRRK2 cells rescued ALP abnormalities and diminished aSyn inclusions. In vivo, viral mediated overexpression of RIT2 operated neuroprotection against AAV-A53T-aSyn. Furthermore, RIT2 overexpression prevented the A53T-aSyn-dependent increase of LRRK2 kinase activity in vivo. Our data indicate that RIT2 inhibits overactive LRRK2 to ameliorate ALP impairment and counteract aSyn aggregation and related deficits. Targeting RIT2 could represent a novel strategy to combat neuropathology in familial and idiopathic PD.

scholarly journals Nanobodies as allosteric modulators of Parkinson′s disease-associated LRRK2

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ranjan K. Singh ◽  
Ahmed Soliman ◽  
Giambattista Guaitoli ◽  
Eliza Störmer ◽  
Felix von Zweydorf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Kinase Activity ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Kinase Domain ◽  
Common Disease ◽  
Type I ◽  
Rab Protein ◽  
Lrrk2 Kinase ◽  
Inhibitory Drug ◽  
Lrrk2 Kinase Activity

Mutations in the gene coding for Leucine-Rich Repeat Kinase 2 (LRRK2) are a leading cause of the inherited form of Parkinson′s disease (PD), while LRRK2 overactivation is also associated with the more common idiopathic form of PD. LRRK2 is a large multi-domain protein, including a GTPase as well as a Ser/Thr protein kinase domain. Common disease-causing mutations increase LRRK2 kinase activity, presenting LRRK2 as an attractive target for inhibitory drug design. Currently, drug development has mainly focused on ATP-competitive kinase inhibitors. Here, we report the identification and characterization of a variety of Nanobodies that bind to different LRRK2 domains and inhibit or activate LRRK2 activity in cells and in vitro. Importantly, diverse groups of Nanobodies were identified that inhibit LRRK2 kinase activity through a mechanism that does not involve binding to the ATP pocket or even to the kinase domain. Moreover, while certain Nanobodies completely inhibit the LRRK2 kinase activity, we also identified Nanobodies that specifically inhibit the phosphorylation of Rab protein substrates. Finally, in contrast to current type-I kinase inhibitors, the studied kinase-inhibitory Nanobodies did not induce LRRK2 microtubule association. These comprehensively characterized Nanobodies represent versatile tools to study the LRRK2 function and mechanism, and can pave the way toward novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for PD.

scholarly journals G2385R and I2020T Mutations Increase LRRK2 GTPase Activity

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong Hwan Ho ◽  
Jihoon Jang ◽  
Eun-hye Joe ◽  
Ilhong Son ◽  
Hyemyung Seo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Kinase Activity ◽  
Asian Population ◽  
Kinase Assay ◽  
Gtpase Activity ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
G2019s Mutation ◽  
Lrrk2 Kinase ◽  
Familial Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Lrrk2 Kinase Activity

The LRRK2 mutation is a major causal mutation in familial Parkinson’s disease. Although LRRK2 contains functional GTPase and kinase domains and their activities are altered by pathogenic mutations, most studies focused on LRRK2 kinase activity because the most prevalent mutant, G2019S, enhances kinase activity. However, the G2019S mutation is extremely rare in the Asian population. Instead, the G2385R mutation was reported as a major risk factor in the Asian population. Similar to other LRRK2 studies, G2385R studies have also focused on kinase activity. Here, we investigated GTPase activities of G2385R with other LRRK2 mutants, such as G2019S, R1441C, and I2020T, as well as wild type (WT). Our results suggest that both I2020T and G2385R contain GTPase activities stronger than that of WT. A kinase assay using the commercial recombinant proteins showed that I2020T harbored stronger activity, whereas G2385R had weaker activity than that of WT, as reported previously. This is the first report of LRRK2 I2020T and G2385R GTPase activities and shows that most of the LRRK2 mutations that are pathogenic or a risk factor altered either kinase or GTPase activity, suggesting that their physiological consequences are caused by altered enzyme activities.

scholarly journals Control by Potassium of the Size Distribution of Escherichia coli FtsZ Polymers Is Independent of GTPase Activity

2013 ◽  
Vol 288 (38) ◽  
pp. 27358-27365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rubén Ahijado-Guzmán ◽  
Carlos Alfonso ◽  
Belén Reija ◽  
Estefanía Salvarelli ◽  
Jesús Mingorance ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Size Distribution ◽  
Turnover Rate ◽  
Potassium Concentration ◽  
Critical Concentration ◽  
Hydrolysis Rate ◽  
Gtpase Activity ◽  
Narrow Size Distribution ◽  
Gtp Hydrolysis ◽  
Inherent Feature ◽  
Z Ring

The influence of potassium content (at neutral pH and millimolar Mg2+) on the size distribution of FtsZ polymers formed in the presence of constantly replenished GTP under steady-state conditions was studied by a combination of biophysical methods. The size of the GTP-FtsZ polymers decreased with lower potassium concentration, in contrast with the increase in the mass of the GDP-FtsZ oligomers, whereas no effect was observed on FtsZ GTPase activity and critical concentration of polymerization. Remarkably, the concerted formation of a narrow size distribution of GTP-FtsZ polymers previously observed at high salt concentration was maintained in all KCl concentrations tested. Polymers induced with guanosine 5′-(α,β-methylene)triphosphate, a slowly hydrolyzable analog of GTP, became larger and polydisperse as the potassium concentration was decreased. Our results suggest that the potassium dependence of the GTP-FtsZ polymer size may be related to changes in the subunit turnover rate that are independent of the GTP hydrolysis rate. The formation of a narrow size distribution of FtsZ polymers under very different solution conditions indicates that it is an inherent feature of FtsZ, not observed in other filament-forming proteins, with potential implications in the structural organization of the functional Z-ring.

scholarly journals Mitochondrial DNA damage as a potential biomarker of LRRK2 kinase activity in LRRK2 Parkinson’s disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C. P. Gonzalez-Hunt ◽  
E. A. Thacker ◽  
C. M. Toste ◽  
S. Boularand ◽  
S. Deprets ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Damage ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Mitochondrial Dna ◽  
Kinase Activity ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Mtdna Damage ◽  
Mitochondrial Dna Damage ◽  
Lrrk2 G2019s ◽  
Lrrk2 Kinase ◽  
Lrrk2 Kinase Activity

Abstract Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and LRRK2 kinase inhibitors are currently being tested in early phase clinical trials. In order to ensure the highest chance of success, a biomarker-guided entry into clinical trials is key. LRRK2 phosphorylation, and phosphorylation of the LRRK2 substrate Rab10, have been proposed as target engagement biomarkers for LRRK2 kinase inhibition. However, a pharmacodynamic biomarker to demonstrate that a biological response has occurred is lacking. We previously discovered that the LRRK2 G2019S mutation causes mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage and is LRRK2 kinase activity-dependent. Here, we have explored the possibility that measurement of mtDNA damage is a “surrogate” for LRRK2 kinase activity and consequently of kinase inhibitor activity. Mitochondrial DNA damage was robustly increased in PD patient-derived immune cells with LRRK2 G2019S mutations as compared with controls. Following treatment with multiple classes of LRRK2 kinase inhibitors, a full reversal of mtDNA damage to healthy control levels was observed and correlated with measures of LRRK2 dephosphorylation. Taken together, assessment of mtDNA damage levels may be a sensitive measure of altered kinase activity and provide an extended profile of LRRK2 kinase modulation in clinical studies.

scholarly journals LRRK2 kinase inhibitors induce a reversible effect in the lungs of non-human primates with no measurable pulmonary deficits

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco A.S. Baptista ◽  
Kalpana Merchant ◽  
Ted Barrett ◽  
Diane K. Bryce ◽  
Michael Ellis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Kinase Activity ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Clinical Investigation ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Histopathological Changes ◽  
Lrrk2 Kinase ◽  
Target Effect

AbstractPutative gain-of-function mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), resulting in increased kinase activity and cellular toxicity, are a leading genetic cause of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Hence, there is strong interest in developing LRRK2 kinase inhibitors as a disease-modifying therapy. Published reports that repeat dosing with two LRRK2 kinase inhibitors (GNE-7915 and GNE-0877) induce histopathological changes in the lung of non-human primates Fuji et al. 2015 (1) raised concerns about potential safety liability of LRRK2 kinase inhibitors. In the present study, we sought to determine whether previously observed effects in the lung: (a) represent on-target pharmacology, but with the potential for margin of safety, (b) are reversible upon drug withdrawal, and (c) are associated with pulmonary function deficits. To this end, we evaluated the histopathological effects, toxicokinetics and target inhibition of three structurally diverse LRRK2 kinase inhibitors, GNE-7915 (30 mg/kg, BID, as a positive control), MLi-2 (15 and 50 mg/kg, QD) and PFE-360 (3 and 6 mg/kg, QD) following 2 weeks of dosing in non-human primates. Subsets of animals dosed with GNE-7915 or MLi-2 were evaluated after 2-week dose-free periods. All three LRRK2 kinase inhibitors induced mild cytoplasmic vacuolation of type II pneumocytes, as reported previously, confirming an on-target effect of these compounds. Interestingly, despite lower doses of both PFE-360 and MLi-2 producing nearly complete inhibition of LRRK2 kinase activity in the brain as assessed by levels of pS935-LRRK2, histopathological changes in lung were absent in animals treated with low-dose PFE-360 and observed only sporadically in the low-dose MLi-2 group. The lung effect was fully reversible at 2 weeks post-dosing of GNE-7915. In a second study of identical dosing with MLi-2 and GNE-7915, no deficits were observed in a battery of translational pulmonary functional tests. In aggregate, these results do not preclude the development of LRRK2 kinase inhibitors for clinical investigation in Parkinson’s disease.

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