Yuanxi Zhang

Targeting Specific Kinase Substrates Rescues Increased Colitis Severity Induced by the Crohn's Disease-Linked LRRK2-N2081D Variant

This study investigates how the LRRK2-N2081D variant increases Crohn's disease risk by showing it causes more severe colitis and distinct RAB substrate phosphorylation compared to LRRK2-G2019S.

RAB12-LRRK2 Complex Suppresses Primary Ciliogenesis and Regulates Centrosome Homeostasis in Astrocytes

This study identifies RAB12 as a LRRK2 substrate in mouse brains, shows its role in suppressing ciliogenesis and regulating centrosome homeostasis in astrocytes, and demonstrates that disrupting RAB12 mitigates PD-linked LRRK2 mutation effects.

Rit2 loss in dopaminergic neurons drives a Parkinsonian phenotype

This study shows that Rit2 loss in dopamine neurons causes PD-like symptoms in mice, with sex-specific differences in disease progression and response to treatment.

Microglia Clear Neuron-released α-Synuclein via Selective Autophagy and Prevent Neurodegeneration

This study identifies a novel neuroprotective mechanism where microglia clear neuron-released α-synuclein via TLR4-NF-κB-p62 mediated selective autophagy, preventing neurodegeneration.

Haploinsufficiency of Parkinsonism Gene SYNJ1 Contributes to Dopamine neuron Vulnerability in Aged Mice

This study shows that reduced SYNJ1 expression with age contributes to dopamine neuron vulnerability and Parkinson's disease pathogenesis in mice.