GSK-3β inhibition protects human nucleus pulposus cell against oxidative stress-inducing apoptosis through

Kai Zhu1,2,3, Song Guo4, Guoyi Han2

  • 1Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No.150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, People's Republic of China.

Molecular Biology Reports
|February 18, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Inhibiting GSK-3β with SB216763 protects nucleus pulposus cells from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. This strategy preserves mitochondrial function and may slow intervertebral disc degeneration.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Regenerative Medicine

Background:

  • Oxidative stress contributes to nucleus pulposus (NP) degeneration by triggering cell apoptosis.
  • The precise molecular mechanisms of this process are not fully understood.
  • Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) is implicated in oxidative stress-induced apoptosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether inhibiting GSK-3β protects human NP cells against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis.
  • To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of GSK-3β inhibition's protective effects.

Main Methods:

  • Human NP cells (NPCs) were treated with the GSK-3β specific inhibitor SB216763.
  • Apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptosis-related proteins were assessed using flow cytometry and Western blot.
  • Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) was employed to study the interaction between GSK-3β and Bcl-2.

Main Results:

  • SB216763 demonstrated a protective effect against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in human NPCs.
  • The inhibitor preserved mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibited caspase 3/7 activity.
  • GSK-3β inhibition was shown to affect the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.

Conclusions:

  • GSK-3β inhibitor SB216763 protects NPCs by maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential, inhibiting GSK-3β and Bcl-2 interaction, and reducing cytochrome c release and caspase-3 activation.
  • This suggests that inhibiting GSK-3β may be a viable therapeutic approach for intervertebral disc degeneration.