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Interaction among mitochondria, mitogen-activated protein kinases, and nuclear factor-kappaB in cellular models of

D S Cassarino1, E M Halvorsen, R H Swerdlow

  • 1Center for the Study of Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville 22908, USA.

Insights

Oxidative stress activates stress-activated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) pathways in neuroblastoma cells. Targeting these pathways may offer neuroprotection for Parkinson's disease.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Oxidative stress is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease (PD).
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role in the pathogenesis of PD.
  • Stress-activated signaling pathways are critical in cellular responses to stress.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the biphasic activation of stress-activated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in response to complex I inhibition.
  • To elucidate the role of mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) and electron transport chain (ETC) in these signaling pathways.
  • To explore the potential of targeting these pathways for neuroprotection in PD.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and Parkinson's disease (PD) cybrid cells.
  • Induced oxidative stress using 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+), a complex I inhibitor.
  • Assessed the activation of JNK, NF-kappaB, Raf-1, and MEKK-1 using biochemical assays.

Main Results:

  • Biphasic activation of JNK and NF-kappaB was observed.
  • Early JNK activation was ANT-dependent, while late-phase activation was ANT-independent.
  • NF-kappaB activation showed differential dependence on MEK and ETC integrity.
  • PD cybrid cells exhibited increased basal NF-kappaB activation.
  • Loss of Raf-1 and MEKK-1 cleavage/activation were linked to apoptosis.

Conclusions:

  • Mitochondria signal ETC impairment through MAPK pathways, inducing protective NF-kappaB responses.
  • PD mitochondrial genes can amplify these protective responses.
  • Therapeutic strategies targeting JNK and NF-kappaB may offer neuroprotection in PD.

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