The majority of alpha-synuclein (alpha S) deposited in Lewy bodies, the pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD), is phosphorylated at serine 129 (Ser 129). Ser 129 phosphorylation of alpha S has been demonstrated to enhance the alpha S toxicity to dopaminergic neurons in a Drosophila model of PD. Phosphorylation of alpha S at Set 129 seems to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of PD. Here, we assessed the contribution of ubiquitously expressing members of the G-protein-coupled receptor kinase family (GRK2, GRK3, GRK5, and GRK6) to Ser 129 phosphorylation of alpha S in HEK293 cells. To selectively reduce the endogenous expression of each member of the GRK family in cells, we used small interfering RNAs. Knockdown of GRK3 or GRK6 significantly decreased Ser129 phosphorylation of alpha S: however, knockdown of GRK2 or GRK5 did not decrease alpha S phosphorylation. The results indicate that endogenous GRK3 and GRK6 but not GRK2 or GRK5, contribute to Ser129 phosphorylation of alpha S in HEK293 cells. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.