Loss of autophagy in dopaminergic neurons causes Lewy pathology and motor dysfunction in aged mice

Sci Rep. 2018 Feb 12;8(1):2813. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-21325-w.

Abstract

Inactivation of constitutive autophagy results in the formation of cytoplasmic inclusions in neurons, but the relationship between impaired autophagy and Lewy bodies (LBs) as well as the in vivo process of formation remains unknown. Synuclein, a component of LBs, is the defining characteristic of Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we characterize dopamine (DA) neuron-specific autophagy-deficient mice and provide in vivo evidence for LB formation. Synuclein deposition is preceded by p62 and resulted in the formation of inclusions containing synuclein and p62. The number and size of these inclusions were gradually increased in neurites rather than soma with aging. These inclusions may facilitate peripheral failures. As a result, DA neuron loss and motor dysfunction including the hindlimb defect were observed in 120-week-old mice. P62 aggregates derived from an autophagic defect might serve as "seeds" and can potentially be cause of LB formation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autophagy / physiology
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Dopaminergic Neurons / physiology*
  • Inclusion Bodies / metabolism
  • Lewy Bodies / metabolism
  • Lewy Bodies / pathology*
  • Mice
  • Motor Skills Disorders / physiopathology
  • Neurites / metabolism
  • Parkinson Disease / pathology
  • Synucleins / metabolism
  • Transcription Factor TFIIH
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • Gtf2h1 protein, mouse
  • Synucleins
  • Transcription Factors
  • Transcription Factor TFIIH