VMAT2 dysfunction impairs vesicular dopamine uptake, driving its oxidation and α-synuclein pathology in DJ-1-linked Parkinson’s disease neurons

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by α-synuclein accumulation and dopaminergic neuron degeneration, with dopamine (DA) oxidation emerging as a key pathological driver. However, the mechanisms underlying this neurotoxic process remain unclear. Using PD patient-derived and CRISPR-engineered iPSC midbrain dopaminergic neurons lacking DJ-1, we identified defective sequestration of cytosolic DA into synaptic vesicles, which culminated in DA oxidation and α-synuclein accumulation. In-depth proteomics, state-of-the-art imaging, and ultrasensitive DA probes uncovered that decreased VMAT2 protein and function impaired vesicular DA uptake, resulting in reduced vesicle availability and abnormal vesicle morphology.

Furthermore, VMAT2 activity and vesicle endocytosis are processes dependent on ATP, which is notably reduced in DJ-1-deficient dopaminergic neurons. ATP supplementation restored vesicular function and alleviated DA-related pathologies in mutant dopaminergic neurons.

This study reveals an ATP-sensitive mechanism that regulates DA homeostasis through VMAT2 and vesicle dynamics in midbrain dopaminergic neurons, highlighting enhanced DA sequestration as a promising therapeutic strategy for PD.