Nature Research, Communications Biology, 1(2), 2019
DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0366-x
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AbstractMutations in the PARK2 gene are associated with early onset Parkinsonism. The Park2−/− mouse, however, does not exhibit neurodegeneration or other Parkinson’s disease (PD) phenotypes. Previously, we discovered that translation of Mcl-1, a pro-survival factor, is upregulated in the Park2−/− mouse, suggesting a compensatory mechanism during development. Here we generated the Park2−/−Mcl-1+/− mouse and show that by reducing Mcl-1 gene dosage by 50%, the Park2−/− genotype is sensitized, conferring both dopaminergic neuron loss and motor impairments. We propose that this murine model could be a useful tool for dissecting PD etiology and developing treatment strategies against this neurodegenerative disease.