ZIP14 is degraded in response to manganese exposure

Khristy J Thompson1, Marianne Wessling-Resnick2

  • 1Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. kthompso@hsph.harvard.edu.

Insights

Manganese (Mn) uptake by liver cells decreases with Mn exposure due to reduced ZIP14 transporter levels. This response protects cells but may impair manganese clearance.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Cell Biology
  • Trace Element Metabolism

Background:

  • Manganese (Mn) is essential for development and brain function.
  • Hepatobiliary clearance regulates circulating Mn levels, preventing toxicity.
  • Understanding Mn uptake mechanisms in hepatocytes is crucial for managing Mn homeostasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanisms of Mn uptake in polarized human HepaRG cells.
  • To characterize the role of the Mn transporter ZIP14 in hepatocyte Mn uptake.
  • To determine the cellular response to Mn exposure regarding ZIP14 expression and function.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized polarized human HepaRG cells.
  • Employed Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence microscopy.
  • Performed 54Mn uptake assays and treated cells with Mn and bafilomycin A1.

Main Results:

  • ZIP14 transporter was identified on the basolateral surface of HepaRG cells.
  • Mn uptake was time- and temperature-dependent but reduced by Mn exposure.
  • Mn exposure decreased ZIP14 protein levels, blocked by bafilomycin A1, indicating lysosomal degradation.
  • Downregulation of Golgi proteins (TMEM165, GPP130) and induction of ER stress marker BiP were observed.

Conclusions:

  • Mn exposure reduces ZIP14 protein levels, limiting Mn uptake as a cytoprotective mechanism.
  • This adaptive response suggests that high Mn levels could impair first-pass hepatic clearance.
  • Further research is needed to understand the implications for Mn toxicity and homeostasis.