Auxilin Underlies Progressive Locomotor Deficits and Dopaminergic Neuron Loss in a Drosophila Model of Parkinson’s Disease

Highlights

• Reduced aux expression causes reduced locomotion and longevity in flies

• Reduced aux expression causes age-dependent DA neuron loss at the PPM1/2 cluster

• Reduced aux expression enhances and accelerates α-Syn-mediated DA neuron loss

• aux expression in DA neurons alters paraquat sensitivity in flies

Summary

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder that exhibits motor and non-motor symptoms, as well as pathological hallmarks, including dopaminergic (DA) neuron death and formation of α-synuclein (α-Syn) Lewy bodies. Cyclin-G-associated kinase (GAK), a PD susceptibility gene identified through genome-wide association studies (GWAS), is a ubiquitous serine/threonine kinase involved in clathrin uncoating, though its PD-related function remains elusive. Here, we implicate the Drosophila GAK homolog, auxilin (aux), in a broad spectrum of parkinsonian-like symptoms. Downregulating aux expression leads to progressive loss of climbing ability, decreased lifespan, and age-dependent DA neuron death similar to α-Syn overexpression. Reduced aux expression further enhances and accelerates α-Syn-mediated DA neuron loss. Flies with reduced aux expression are more sensitive to the toxin paraquat, suggesting that genetic and environmental factors intertwine. Taken together, these findings decipher a pivotal role for GAK/aux and suggest mechanisms underlying PD.