Evaluation of Neuroinflammatory Contribution to Neurodegeneration in LRRK2 Drosophila Models

Pathological mutations in the LRRK2 gene are the major genetic cause of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Although several animal models with either LRRK2 down- or over-expression have been developed, the physiological function of LRRK2 remains elusive. LRRK2 is constitutively expressed in various tissues including neurons and glial cells, but importantly, it is expressed at low levels in dopaminergic neurons, further contributing to the cryptic function of LRRK2. Significant levels of LRRK2 protein and mRNA have been detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, lymph nodes, the spleen, and primary microglia, strongly suggesting the contribution of inflammatory cells to neuronal degeneration. In this research article, using Drosophila LRRK2 models, we were able to demonstrate a significant contribution of glial cells to the LRRK2 pathological phenotype. Furthermore, in Drosophila, neurodegeneration is associated with a significant and important increase in specific inflammatory peptides. Finally, levetiracetam, a compound widely used in human therapy to treat epilepsy, was able to rescue both neuronal degeneration and neuroinflammation.