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Updated: May 29, 2026
06:58
Evaluation of LC3-II Release via Extracellular Vesicles in Relation to the Accumulation of Intracellular LC3-positive Vesicles
Published on: October 18, 2024
Iron overload inhibits neuronal extracellular vesicles secretion via SNARE dysfunction
Xiaoting Wang1, Yang Li2, Xiaoqing Mi3
1School of Basic Medicine, Institute of Brain Science and Disease, School of Nursing, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China; Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Central Laboratory, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China.
Neurochemistry International
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Iron overload in the brain reduces neuron-derived extracellular vesicle (EV) secretion. This finding suggests a novel mechanism impacting EV release in neurological conditions and aging.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Iron deposition in the brain is linked to neurodegenerative diseases and aging.
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, are key in cell communication.
- Neuron-derived EVs show potential as plasma biomarkers for neurological disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of neuronal iron overload on EV secretion.
- To explore the mechanisms by which iron affects EV release.
Main Methods:
- Utilized L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) to label neuron-derived EVs.
- Studied EV concentration in plasma of mice with brain iron deposition.
- Investigated iron's effect on EV secretion in PC12 cells treated with ferric ammonium citrate.
- Assessed the influence of iron overload on cell proliferation, exosomal trafficking, and lysosomal pathways.
Main Results:
- Observed a significant reduction in L1CAM-positive EVs in mice with brain iron deposition.
- Confirmed reduced EV secretion in iron-treated PC12 cells.
- Found that iron overload inhibits exosome secretion independently of cell proliferation, trafficking, or lysosomal pathways.
- Identified potential disruption of SNARE complex function as the mechanism.
Conclusions:
- Neuronal iron overload inhibits the secretion of neuron-derived EVs in vitro and in vivo.
- SNARE complex dysfunction is a likely mechanism underlying iron-induced inhibition of EV secretion.
- Aging is associated with increased abundance of neuron-derived EVs in plasma.
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