Biology subjects

Wawro, P. S.

Publications and source records attributed to Wawro, P. S..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2023

Localization of PPM1H phosphatase tunes Parkinsons disease-linked LRRK2 kinase-mediated Rab GTPase phosphorylation and ciliogenesis

PPM1H phosphatase reverses Parkinsons disease-associated, LRRK2-mediated Rab GTPase phosphorylation. We show here that PPM1H relies on an N-terminal amphipathic helix for Golgi localization. The amphipathic helix enables PPM1H to bind to liposomes in vitro, and small, highly curved liposomes stimulate PPM1H activity. We artificially anchored PPM1H to the Golgi, mitochondria, or mother centriole. Our data show that regulation of Rab10 GTPase phosphorylation requires PPM1H access to Rab10 at or near the mother centriole. Moreover, poor co-localization of Rab12 explains in part why it is a poor substrate for PPM1H in cells but not in vitro. These data support a model in which localization drives PPM1H substrate selection and centriolar PPM1H is critical for regulation of Rab GTPase-regulated ciliogenesis. Moreover, Golgi localized PPM1H maintains active Rab GTPases on the Golgi to carry out their non-ciliogenesis-related functions in membrane trafficking. Significance StatementPathogenic, hyperactive LRRK2 kinase is strongly linked to Parkinsons disease and LRRK2 phosphorylates a subset of Rab GTPases that are master regulators of membrane trafficking. PPM1H phosphatase specifically dephosphorylates Rab8A and Rab10, the major LRRK2 substrates. Here we provide novel cell biological and biochemical insight related to the localization and activation of PPM1H phosphatase. Understanding how PPM1H modulates LRRK2 activity is of fundamental interest and also important, as activators of PPM1H may eventually benefit Parkinsons disease patients.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2020

Pathogenic LRRK2 regulates ciliation probability upstream of Tau Tubulin kinase 2

Mutations that activate LRRK2 protein kinase cause Parkinsons disease. We have shown previously that Rab10 phosphorylation by LRRK2 enhances its binding to RILPL1 and together, these proteins block cilia formation in a variety of cell types including patient derived iPS cells. We have used live cell fluorescence microscopy to identify, more precisely, the effect of LRRK2 kinase activity on both the formation of cilia triggered by serum starvation and loss of cilia seen upon serum re-addition. LRRK2 activity decreases the overall probability of ciliation without changing the rates of cilia formation in R1441C LRRK2 MEF cells. Cilia loss in these cells is accompanied by ciliary decapitation. Kinase activity does not change the timing or frequency of decapitation or the rate of cilia loss, but increases the percent of cilia that are lost upon serum addition. LRRK2 activity, or overexpression of RILPL1 protein, blocks release of CP110 from the mother centriole, a step normally required for early ciliogenesis. In both cases, failure of CP110 uncapping was due to failure to recruit TTBK2, a kinase needed for CP110 release. In contrast, recruitment of EHD1, another step important for ciliogenesis, appears unaltered. These experiments provide critical detail to our understanding of the cellular consequences of pathogenic LRRK2 mutation, and indicate that LRRK2 blocks ciliogenesis upstream of TTBK2 and enhances the deciliation process in response to serum addition. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTMutations that activate LRRK2 protein kinase cause Parkinsons disease. LRRK2 phosphorylates a subset of Rab GTPases, in particular Rab8 and Rab10. Phosphorylated Rabs bind preferentially to a distinct set of effectors and block in primary ciliation in multiple cell types. We show here that the cilia blockade is upstream of the recruitment of TTBK2 kinase to the mother centriole, a step required for the release of CP110 and subsequent cilia formation. This study provides fundamental information related to how pathogenic LRRK2 interferes with normal cell physiology.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2019

PPM1H phosphatase counteracts LRRK2 signaling by selectively dephosphorylating Rab proteins

Mutations that activate LRRK2 protein kinase cause Parkinsons disease. LRRK2 phosphorylates a subset of Rab GTPases within their Switch-II motif controlling interaction with effectors. An siRNA screen of all protein phosphatases revealed that a poorly studied protein phosphatase, PPM1H, counteracts LRRK2 signaling by specifically dephosphorylating Rab proteins. PPM1H knock out increased endogenous Rab phosphorylation and inhibited Rab dephosphorylation. Overexpression of PPM1H suppressed LRRK2-mediated Rab phosphorylation. PPM1H also efficiently and directly dephosphorylated Rab8A in biochemical studies. A \"substrate-trapping\" PPM1H mutant (Asp288Ala) binds with high affinity to endogenous, LRRK2-phosphorylated Rab proteins, thereby blocking dephosphorylation seen upon addition of LRRK2 inhibitors. PPM1H is localized to the Golgi and its knockdown suppresses primary cilia formation, similar to pathogenic LRRK2. Thus, PPM1H acts as a key modulator of LRRK2 signaling by controlling dephosphorylation of Rab proteins. PPM1H activity enhancers could offer a new therapeutic approach to prevent or treat Parkinsons disease.

biochemistry↗