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Published on: June 9, 2023
αB-crystallin/sHSP protects cytochrome c and mitochondrial function against oxidative stress in lens and retinal
Rebecca S McGreal1, Wanda Lee Kantorow, Daniel C Chauss
1Biomedical Sciences Department, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA.
Background:
αB-crystallin/sHSP protects cells against oxidative stress damage. Here, we mechanistically examined its ability to preserve mitochondrial function in lens and retinal cells and protect cytochrome c under oxidative stress conditions.
Methods:
αB-crystallin/sHSP was localized in human lens (HLE-B3) and retinal (ARPE-19) cells. αB-crystallin/sHSP was stably over-expressed and its ability to preserve mitochondrial membrane potential under oxidative stress conditions was monitored. Interactions between αB-crystallin/sHSP and cytochrome c were examined by fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) and by co-immune precipitation. The ability of αB-crystallin/sHSP to protect cytochrome c against methionine-80 oxidation was monitored.
Results:
αB-crystallin/sHSP is present in the mitochondria of lens and retinal cells and is translocated to the mitochondria under oxidative conditions. αB-crystallin/sHSP specifically interacts with cytochrome c in vitro and in vivo and its overexpression preserves mitochondrial membrane potential under oxidative stress conditions. αB-crystallin/sHSP directly protects cytochrome c against oxidation.
General Significance:
These data demonstrate that αB-crystallin/sHSP maintains lens and retinal cells under oxidative stress conditions at least in part by preserving mitochondrial function and by protecting cytochrome c against oxidation. Since oxidative stress and loss of mitochondrial function are associated with eye lens cataract and age-related macular degeneration, loss of these αB-crystallin/sHSP functions likely plays a key role in the development of these diseases. αB-crystallin/sHSP is expressed throughout the body and its ability to maintain mitochondrial function is likely important for the prevention of multiple degenerative diseases.
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