Research ReportBrain transcriptomic profiling in idiopathic and LRRK2-associated Parkinson's disease

LRRK2 mutations are the most common genetic cause of Parkinson's disease (PD). We performed a whole-genome RNA profiling of locus coeruleus post-mortem tissue, a histopathologically affected brain tissue in PD, from idiopathic PD (IPD) and LRRK2-associated PD patients. The differentially expressed genes found in IPD and LRRK2-associated PD are involved in the gene ontology terms of synaptic transmission and neuron projection. In addition, differentially expressed genes in the IPD group are associated with immune system related pathways. Specifically, the study performed highlights the presence of differential expression of genes located in the chromosome 6p21.3 belonging to the class II HLA. Our findings support the hypothesis of a potential role of neuroinflammation and the involvement of the HLA genetic area in IPD pathogenesis. Future studies are necessary to shed light on the relation of immune system related pathways in the etiopathogenesis of PD.

► Locus coeruleus of idiopathic PD patients show an altered expression pattern. ► Synaptic transmission and immune pathways are altered in PD. ► LRRK2-associated PD shows lower expression changes than idiopathic PD.