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Modeling Neuronal Death and Degeneration in Mouse Primary Cerebellar Granule Neurons
Published on: November 7, 2017
Interplay between lysosomal, mitochondrial and death receptor pathways during manganese-induced apoptosis in glial
R M Gorojod1, A Alaimo1, S Porte Alcon1
1CONICET- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Química Biológica, Laboratorio de Disfunción Celular en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas y Nanomedicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Abstract:
Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace metal which plays a critical role in brain physiology by acting as a cofactor for several enzymes. However, upon overexposure, Mn preferentially accumulates within the basal ganglia leading to the development of a Parkinsonism known as Manganism. Data from our group have proved that Mn induces oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis in astrocytoma C6 cells. In the present study we described how cathepsins impact on different steps of each apoptotic cascade. Evidence obtained demonstrated that Mn generates lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) and cathepsin release. Both cathepsins B (Ca-074 Me) and D (Pepstatin A) inhibitors as well as Bafilomycin A1 prevented caspases-3, -7, -8 and -9 activation, FasL upregulation, Bid cleavage, Δφm disruption and cytochrome c release. Results from in vivo studies showed that intrastriatal Mn injection increased cathepsin D levels from corpus striatum and substantia nigra pars compacta. Our results point to LMP and lysosomal cathepsins as key mediators in the apoptotic process triggered by Mn. These findings highlight the relevance of targeting the lysosomal pathway for Manganism therapy.
Insights
Manganese (Mn) overexposure triggers cell death by damaging lysosomes and releasing cathepsins, key players in apoptosis. Targeting this lysosomal pathway offers a potential therapeutic strategy for Manganism, a Parkinsonism linked to Mn toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Manganese (Mn) is vital for brain function but toxic in excess, causing Manganism, a Parkinsonian syndrome.
- Previous studies indicated Mn induces oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis in C6 astrocytoma cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of cathepsins in manganese-induced apoptosis.
- To elucidate the impact of lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) and cathepsin release in Mn toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized cathepsin B and D inhibitors (Ca-074 Me, Pepstatin A) and Bafilomycin A1 in cell culture models.
- Administered intrastriatal Mn injections in vivo to assess cathepsin D levels in specific brain regions.
Main Results:
- Manganese exposure caused lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) and subsequent cathepsin release.
- Inhibitors of cathepsins B and D, and Bafilomycin A1, blocked Mn-induced caspase activation, FasL upregulation, Bid cleavage, mitochondrial membrane potential disruption, and cytochrome c release.
- In vivo studies confirmed increased cathepsin D levels in the corpus striatum and substantia nigra pars compacta following Mn injection.
Conclusions:
- Lysosomal membrane permeabilization and cathepsin release are critical mediators of manganese-induced apoptosis.
- Targeting the lysosomal pathway presents a promising therapeutic avenue for Manganism.
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