Pathological α-synuclein elicits granulovacuolar degeneration independent of tau
BackgroundPathologic heterogeneity is a hallmark of Lewy body dementia (LBD), yet the impact of Lewy pathology on co-pathologies is poorly understood. Lewy pathology, containing -synuclein, is often associated with regional tau pathology burden in LBD. Similarly, granulovacuolar degeneration bodies (GVBs) have been associated with tau pathology in Alzheimers disease. Interestingly, GVBs have been detected in a broad range of neurodegenerative conditions including both -synucleinopathies and tauopathies. Despite the frequent co-occurrence, little is known about the relationship between -synuclein, tau, and granulovacuolar degeneration.

MethodsWe developed a mouse model of limbic-predominant -synucleinopathy by stereotactic injection of -synuclein pre-formed fibrils (PFFs) into the basal forebrain. This model was used to investigate the relationship of -synuclein pathology with tau and GVB formation.

ResultsOur model displayed widespread -synuclein pathology with a limbic predominant distribution. Aberrantly phosphorylated tau accumulated in a subset of -synuclein inclusion-bearing neurons, often colocalized with lysosomes. Many of these same neurons also contained CHMP2b- and CK1{delta}-positive granules, established markers of GVBs, which suggests a link between tau accumulation and GVB formation. Despite this observation, GVBs were also detected in tau-deficient mice following PFF-injection, suggesting that pathological -synuclein alone is sufficient to elicit GVB formation.

ConclusionsOur findings support that -synuclein pathology can independently elicit granulovacuolar degeneration. The frequent co-accumulation of tau and GVBs suggests a parallel mechanism of cellular dysfunction. The ability of -synuclein pathology to drive GVB formation in the absence of tau highlights the broader relevance of this process to neurodegeneration with relevance to the pathobiology of LBD.