CRBN modulates synuclein fibrillation via degradation of DNAJB1 in mouse model of Parkinson disease

Cereblon (CRBN) is a substrate recruiter for CRL4^CRBN E3 ubiquitin ligase system playing a plethora of pivotal roles for biological systems. Here, we identified DNAJB1 (DJ1) as endogenous substrate of CRBN and report how CRBN influences the aggregation and toxicity of alpha-synuclein (α-SYN) via modulation of DJ1. CRBN interferes with molecular activities of DJ1 in vitro, in cells, and in vivo resulting in a reduced disaggregation of α-SYN fibrils, increased formation of preformed fibrils (PFFs) of α-SYN, and high susceptibility of mice to MPTP and PFF-induced neurotoxicity. Depletion of Crbn improves the behavioral and biochemical responses of mice towards neurotoxic insult. Finally, we designed a peptide inhibitor to inhibit the recruitment of DJ1 to CRBN for ubiquitination, resulting in an enhanced supply of DJ1 to counteract the toxicity of aggregated α-SYN. Our data has important implications for development of CRBN-targeting therapies that could prevent or delay progression of neurodegenerative synucleinopathy.