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Rab29-dependent asymmetrical activation of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2

Output Details

Preprint September 7, 2022

Published December 21, 2022

Gain-of-function mutations in LRRK2, which encodes the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), are the most common genetic cause of late-onset Parkinson’s disease. LRRK2 is recruited to membrane organelles and activated by Rab29, a Rab guanosine triphosphatase encoded in the PARK16 locus. We present cryo–electron microscopy structures of Rab29–LRRK2 complexes in three oligomeric states, providing key snapshots during LRRK2 recruitment and activation. Rab29 induces an unexpected tetrameric assembly of LRRK2, formed by two kinase-active central protomers and two kinase-inactive peripheral protomers. The central protomers resemble the active-like state trapped by the type I kinase inhibitor DNL201, a compound that underwent a phase 1 clinical trial. Our work reveals the structural mechanism of LRRK2 spatial regulation and provides insights into LRRK2 inhibitor design for Parkinson’s disease treatment.
Identifier (DOI)
10.1126/science.adi9926
Tags
  • LRRK2
  • Original Research
  • Rab29
  • Structural biology
  • Structure & Function

Meet the Authors

  • User avatar fallback logo

    Hanwen Zhu

    External Collaborator

  • Francesca Tonelli, PhD

    Key Personnel: Team Alessi

    University of Dundee

  • User avatar fallback logo

    Martin Turk

    External Collaborator

  • User avatar fallback logo

    Alan Prescott

    External Collaborator

  • Dario Alessi, PhD

    Lead PI (Core Leadership): Team Alessi

    University of Dundee

  • User avatar fallback logo

    Ji Sun

    External Collaborator

Aligning Science Across Parkinson's
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