ASICs mediate the modulatory effect by paeoniflorin on α-synuclein autophagic degradation

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are ligand-gated cation channels that respond to acidic stimuli. They are expressed throughout the mammalian nervous system. Complex subunit combinations and lack of specific blockers of native receptors result in the difficulty of resolving the functions of ASICs. In this study, we showed that rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC12 cells) functionally express ASICs with the activity of endogenous proton-gated conductance. PF is the principal active ingredient extracted from the root of Paeoniae alba, a Chinese herb commonly used to treat neurodegenerative disorders, especially PD. It was found that PF significantly up regulated the expression of LC3-II, which is specifically associated with autophagic vacuole membranes. PF also reduced the MPP(+) and acidosis-induced accumulation of α-synuclein, the major component of Lewy bodies. Moreover, PF was highly efficacious in modulating ASICs activity and protein expression. In addition, the data showed that PF was able to protect PC12 cells against MPP(+) and acidosis-induced cytotoxicity. In summary, these findings demonstrate for the first time that PF could enhance the autophagic degradation of α-synuclein by regulating the expression and activity of ASICs and thus produces protective effects against cytotoxicity. It also offers the experimental evidence for the potential role of ASICs in the pathogenesis of PD.