Rab proteins and alpha-Synuclein toxicity in Neurodegenerative Disease

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Project Summary/Abstract The objective of the proposed research is to elucidate the role of Rab proteins in ¿-synuclein toxicity. Alpha- synuclein (¿Syn) is a principal component of Lewy bodies found pathologically in Parkinson disease (PD) and related disorders, such as dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Abnormal folding, aggregation, and deposition of ¿Syn are believed to be central to development of neuronal dysfunction and degeneration. Recent data in yeast indicate that overexpression of ¿Syn interferes with intracellular trafficking and results in abnormal vesicle accumulation, clustering, and toxicity. Rab proteins are members of the Ras super-family of small GTP-binding proteins and have critical functions in intracellular trafficking, membrane transport, and even neurotransmitter release. Overexpression of Rab proteins in several PD models, including yeast, worms, and flies, as well as rodent primary neurons, rescues ¿Syn toxicity. Moreover, Rab proteins show increased binding to ¿Syn in several neurodegenerative disorders, including DLB, MSA, and possibly also PD. Oligomeric forms of mutant ¿Syn likewise appear to have increased Rab binding. Our own preliminary data confirm Rab proteins' protective role, and show that they also reduce the amount of oligomeric forms of ¿Syn present in cell models of ¿Syn toxicity. Together, these findings support the hypothesis that accumulation of ¿Syn interferes with normal Rab function, leading to toxicity via disruption of intracellular trafficking. Alternatively, specific Rab proteins may normally protect against formation and accumulation of toxic ¿Syn species, but are overwhelmed by overexpression in model systems and pathological conditions, such as PD. Enhancing Rab function may thus provide a new therapeutic opportunity for PD and related neurodegenerative disorders. The proposed experiments will therefore discern the mechanisms whereby Rab overexpression confers protection against ¿Syn. My long-term goal is to develop a career aimed at understanding and ultimately finding novel therapies for PD and related neurodegenerative disorders through basic and translational research. The proposed research and career development plan, under the supervision of Dr. Bradley Hyman, will help achieve my immediate goals to obtain up-to-date molecular and genetic skills and to learn state-of-the-art imaging techniques to complement my strong neuroanatomical background. Additional expertise in viral manipulation and CNS gene delivery methods from Drs. Xandra Breakefield and Miguel Esteves will also forward my goal of eventually becoming a gene therapy expert and translating my work into potential patient therapies. Developing these research skills, along with my continued clinical training and experience are critical to becoming a successful, independent clinician-scientist committed to translational neuroscience.