# LRRK2, KIF5A and Parkinson disease

> **NIH NIH R01** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $416,337

## Abstract

Abstract:
Mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) cause a genetic form of Parkinson's disease (PD) with
pleomorphic pathology, and constitute one of the most common known causes of PD. LRRK2 is a large protein
whose normal functions are still largely unknown although it has kinase and GTPase activities. Most though
not all LRRK2 mutations alter GTPase or kinase activities. We have identified KIF5A (kinesin family member
5A) as a novel LRRK2 interactor in a yeast two-hybrid screen. KIF5A is a microtubule-associated force-
producing motor protein that drives intracellular organelle transport. Our preliminary studies suggest that KIF5A
alters LRRK2-induced neuronal degeneration and protein aggregation. Thus, investigation of the
KIF5A/LRRK2 interaction could provide novel insight into the mechanisms of LRRK2 PD pathogenesis. In this
proposal, we will test the hypothesis that the interaction of mutant LRRK2 with KIF5A impairs cellular transport
and contributes to neuronal degeneration resulting in PD pathology. Our proposed Aims are as follows: Aim 1.
We will further characterize the newly identified KIF5A and LRRK2 interaction using in vitro and in vivo models.
Aim 2. We will examine whether KIF5A protects against LRRK2-induced neuronal toxicity. Aim 3. We will
determine whether mutant LRRK2 alters KIF5A-mediated axon transport. Aim 4. We will investigate the roles
of LRRK2 and KIF5A interaction in relation to Lewy body pathology and cellular aggregation pathways. These
studies will provide new insights into LRRK2 functions and potential novel mechanisms underlying LRRK2-
linked protein aggregation and neurodegeneration, and may have broader implications for neurological
diseases related to impairment of cellular transport. Thus, these studies have the potential for significant
impact and benefit the population suffering from PD and other neurodegenerative diseases. The
understanding of transport-related pathogenesis may provide new targets for development of novel disease-
modifying therapeutic strategies.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9920786
- **Project number:** 5R01NS093383-05
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** WANLI W SMITH
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $416,337
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-08-01 → 2022-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9920786

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9920786, LRRK2, KIF5A and Parkinson disease (5R01NS093383-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9920786. Licensed CC0.

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