Related Experiment Video For cadmium

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In Vitro and In Vivo Detection of Mitophagy in Human Cells, C. Elegans, and Mice

In Vitro and In Vivo Detection of Mitophagy in Human Cells, C. Elegans, and Mice

Published on: November 22, 2017

MCU Upregulation Overactivates Mitophagy by Promoting VDAC1 Dimerization and Ubiquitination in the Hepatotoxicity of

Cong Liu^1,2, Hui-Juan Li³, Wei-Xia Duan^1,2

¹Chongqing Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment for Occupational Diseases and Poisoning, Chongqing, 400060, P. R. China.

Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)

|January 16, 2023

Abstract:

Cadmium (Cd) is a high-risk pathogenic toxin for hepatic diseases. Excessive mitophagy is a hallmark in Cd-induced hepatotoxicity. However, the underlying mechanism remains obscure. Mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) is a key regulator for mitochondrial and cellular homeostasis. Here, Cd exposure upregulated MCU expression and increased mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake are found. MCU inhibition through siRNA or by Ru360 significantly attenuates Cd-induced excessive mitophagy, thereby rescues mitochondrial dysfunction and increases hepatocyte viability. Heterozygous MCU knockout mice exhibit improved liver function, ameliorated pathological damage, less mitochondrial fragmentation, and mitophagy after Cd exposure. Mechanistically, Cd upregulates MCU expression through phosphorylation activation of cAMP-response element binding protein at Ser133(CREB^S133 ) and subsequent binding of MCU promoter at the TGAGGTCT, ACGTCA, and CTCCGTGATGTA regions, leading to increased MCU gene transcription. The upregulated MCU intensively interacts with voltage-dependent anion-selective channel protein 1 (VDAC1), enhances its dimerization and ubiquitination, resulting in excessive mitophagy. This study reveals a novel mechanism, through which Cd upregulates MCU to enhance mitophagy and hepatotoxicity.

Keywords:

cadmium hepatotoxicity mitochondrial calcium uniporter mitophagy voltage-dependent anion-selective channel protein 1

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