Modulation of tau tubulin kinases (TTBK1 and TTBK2) impacts ciliogenesis

Summary

Tau tubulin kinase 1 and 2 (TTBK1/2) are highly homologous kinases that are expressed and mediate disease-relevant pathways predominantly in the brain. Distinct roles for TTBK1 and TTBK2 have been delineated. While efforts have been devoted to characterizing the impact of TTBK1 inhibition in diseases like Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, TTBK2 inhibition has been less explored. TTBK2 serves a critical function during cilia assembly. Given the biological importance of these kinases, we designed a targeted library from which we identified several chemical tools that engage TTBK1 and TTBK2 in cells and inhibit their downstream signaling. Indolyl pyrimidinamine 10 significantly reduced the expression of primary cilia on the surface of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Furthermore, analog 10 phenocopies TTBK2 knockout in iPSCs, confirming a role for TTBK2 in ciliogenesis. © 2023. The Author(s).

Authors Bashore FM, Marquez AB, Chaikuad A, Howell S, Dunn AS, Beltran AA, Smith JL, Drewry DH, Beltran AS, Axtman AD
Journal Scientific reports
Publication Date 2023 Apr 14;13(1):6118
PubMed 37059819
PubMed Central PMC10104807
DOI 10.1038/s41598-023-32854-4

Research Projects

Cell Lines