Heme oxygenase-1: The roles of both good and evil in neurodegenerative diseases

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) catabolizes heme, producing carbon monoxide (CO), ferrous iron (Fe2+), and biliverdin (BV).
• HO-1 was traditionally viewed for its protective anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-proliferative effects.
• Emerging evidence suggests HO-1 metabolites can induce oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, ferroptosis, and autophagy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the dual protective and toxic effects of HO-1.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of HO-1's actions.
• To explore HO-1's role in neurodegenerative diseases and potential therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of experimental studies on HO-1.
• Analysis of HO-1's metabolic products and their cellular effects.
• Synthesis of current knowledge on HO-1 in neurodegenerative disease models.

Main Results:

• HO-1 exhibits context-dependent functions, with both beneficial and detrimental impacts.
• HO-1 metabolites contribute to cellular damage through oxidative stress and altered cell death pathways.
• HO-1 plays a significant role in the pathogenesis and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive understanding of HO-1's dual nature is crucial for therapeutic development.
• Targeting HO-1 pathways may offer novel strategies for treating neurodegenerative disorders.
• Further research into HO-1 mechanisms could identify new therapeutic targets and biomarkers.