Figure 1.

Modulation of 4E-BP phosphorylation status by PD-associated proteins. 4E-BP phosphorylation levels are regulated by the mTOR kinase, which acts downstream of Akt. In its hypophosphorylated state, 4E-BP binds to the transcription factor eIF-4E and inhibits the subsequent transcription of survival factors. Upon phosphorylation, 4E-BP dissociates from eIF-4E and permits transcription. Recently, the active LRRK2 kinase was shown to phosphorylate 4E-BP, whereas loss of either PINK1 or Parkin function was shown to result in hypophosphorylated 4E-BP.