RNA sequencing reveals MMP2 and TGFB1 downregulation in LRRK2 G2019S Parkinson's iPSC-derived astrocytes

Neurobiol Dis. 2019 Sep:129:56-66. doi: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.05.006. Epub 2019 May 11.

Abstract

Non-neuronal cell types such as astrocytes can contribute to Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology. The G2019S mutation in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is one of the most common known causes of familial PD. To characterize its effect on astrocytes, we developed a protocol to produce midbrain-patterned astrocytes from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from PD LRRK2 G2019S patients and healthy controls. RNA sequencing analysis revealed the downregulation of genes involved in the extracellular matrix in PD cases. In particular, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1), which has been shown to inhibit microglial inflammatory response in a rat model of PD, and matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2), which has been shown to degrade α-synuclein aggregates, were found to be down-regulated in LRRK2 G2019S astrocytes. Our findings suggest that midbrain astrocytes carrying the LRRK2 G2019S mutation may have reduced neuroprotective capacity and may contribute to the development of PD pathology.

Keywords: Astrocytes; Induced pluripotent stem cells; LRRK2; Neurodegeneration; Parkinson's disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Astrocytes / metabolism*
  • Down-Regulation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Leucine-Rich Repeat Serine-Threonine Protein Kinase-2 / genetics
  • Male
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / biosynthesis*
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutation
  • Parkinson Disease / genetics
  • Parkinson Disease / metabolism*
  • Sequence Analysis, RNA
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / biosynthesis*

Substances

  • TGFB1 protein, human
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1
  • LRRK2 protein, human
  • Leucine-Rich Repeat Serine-Threonine Protein Kinase-2
  • MMP2 protein, human
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 2