RESUMEN

AIMS: We aimed to resolve the uncertainty as to whether betulin exerted neuroprotection on early brain injury (EBI) caused by subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and to investigate the related molecular mechanisms. METHODS: Bioinformatic analysis was performed to pre-study the differently expressed genes (DEGs) and the possible signaling pathways. Rat and cellular model of SAH were introduced in this study, and betulin, an activator of DJ-1 protein, was administered to reveal the effect. Gross assessment regarding mortality, neurofunctions, SAH grade, brain water content (BWC) along with multiple cellular and molecular studies in vivo or/and in vitro such as immunofluorescence (IF) staining, western blot (WB), reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, and flow cytometry (FCM) were all conducted after SAH induction to verify the protective effect and the relevant mechanisms of DJ-1 in diverse levels. In addition, MK2206 (selective inhibitor of Akt) and iRNADj-1 (interfering RNA to Dj-1) were utilized to confirm the mechanisms of the effect. RESULTS: The data from our study showed that DJ-1 protein was moderately expressed in neurons, microglia, and astrocytes; its level in brain tissue elevated and peaked at 24-72 h after SAH induction. Betulin could efficaciously induce the expression of DJ-1 which in turn activated Akt and Bcl-2, and anti-oxidative enzymes SOD2 and HO-1, functioning to reduce the activation of cleaved caspase-3 (c-Casp-3) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The induced DJ-1 could upregulate the expression of Nrf2. However, Akt seemed no direct effect on elevating the expression of Nrf2. DJ-1 alone could as well activate Akt-independent antiapoptotic pathway via suppressing the activation of caspase-8 (Casp-8). CONCLUSIONS: Betulin which was a potent agonist of DJ-1 had the ability to induce its expression in brain tissue. DJ-1 had neuroprotective effect on EBI through comprehensive mechanisms, including facilitating intrinsic and extrinsic antiapoptotic pathway, and reducing oxidative injury by upregulating the expression of redox proteins. Betulin as an inexpensive drug showed the potential for SAH treatment.

Asunto(s)

Apoptosis , Factor 2 Relacionado con NF-E2 , Neuronas , Estrés Oxidativo , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1 , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Transducción de Señal , Hemorragia Subaracnoidea , Triterpenos , Hemorragia Subaracnoidea/metabolismo , Hemorragia Subaracnoidea/tratamiento farmacológico , Hemorragia Subaracnoidea/patología , Animales , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/metabolismo , Factor 2 Relacionado con NF-E2/metabolismo , Ratas , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Transducción de Señal/fisiología , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Triterpenos/farmacología , Neuronas/efectos de los fármacos , Neuronas/metabolismo , Neuronas/patología , Masculino , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Estrés Oxidativo/fisiología , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt/metabolismo , Fármacos Neuroprotectores/farmacología , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Ácido Betulínico

RESUMEN

Cyclic 3-phosphosphoglyceric anhydride (cPGA), a side product of glycolysis, acylates cellular amines and thiols to form amides and thioesters, respectively. Since these acylation reactions are harmful, organisms rely on a protein, known as DJ-1 in humans, to inactivate cPGA. Inactivation of cPGA likely plays a significant role in cytoprotection by DJ-1, but further progress in this direction is hampered by the lack of quantitative assays to measure the cPGA hydrolase activity of DJ-1 in biological samples. Here we report an optimized procedure for preparation of cPGA which is then used as a substrate to quantify enzymatic activity of DJ-1. The end-point assay for cPGA hydrolase uses dilute cell lysates to hydrolyze cPGA for 0.5-3.5 min followed by conversion of the remaining cPGA into thioester for spectrophotometric quantitation. We illustrate the utility of this assay by showing that higher levels of cPGA hydrolase activity result in better protection from acylation by cPGA. Moreover, the decrease of cPGA hydrolase activity due to oxidation of the catalytic cysteine of DJ-1 under oxidative stress and its subsequent recovery can be monitored using the assay. This relatively simple assay allows functional characterization of DJ-1 in biological samples through quantitative assessment of its cPGA hydrolase activity.

Asunto(s)

Estrés Oxidativo , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1 , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/metabolismo , Humanos , Hidrolasas/metabolismo , Pruebas de Enzimas/métodos

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Specific microglia responses are thought to contribute to the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the phenotypic acquisition of microglial cells and their role during the underlying neuroinflammatory processes remain largely elusive. Here, according to the multiple-hit hypothesis, which stipulates that PD etiology is determined by a combination of genetics and various environmental risk factors, we investigate microglial transcriptional programs and morphological adaptations under PARK7/DJ-1 deficiency, a genetic cause of PD, during lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation. METHODS: Using a combination of single-cell RNA-sequencing, bulk RNA-sequencing, multicolor flow cytometry and immunofluorescence analyses, we comprehensively compared microglial cell phenotypic characteristics in PARK7/DJ-1 knock-out (KO) with wildtype littermate mice following 6- or 24-h intraperitoneal injection with LPS. For translational perspectives, we conducted corresponding analyses in human PARK7/DJ-1 mutant induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived microglia and murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). RESULTS: By excluding the contribution of other immune brain resident and peripheral cells, we show that microglia acutely isolated from PARK7/DJ-1 KO mice display a distinct phenotype, specially related to type II interferon and DNA damage response signaling, when compared with wildtype microglia, in response to LPS. We also detected discrete signatures in human PARK7/DJ-1 mutant iPSC-derived microglia and BMDMs from PARK7/DJ-1 KO mice. These specific transcriptional signatures were reflected at the morphological level, with microglia in LPS-treated PARK7/DJ-1 KO mice showing a less amoeboid cell shape compared to wildtype mice, both at 6 and 24 h after acute inflammation, as also observed in BMDMs. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our results show that, under inflammatory conditions, PARK7/DJ-1 deficiency skews microglia towards a distinct phenotype characterized by downregulation of genes involved in type II interferon signaling and a less prominent amoeboid morphology compared to wildtype microglia. These findings suggest that the underlying oxidative stress associated with the lack of PARK7/DJ-1 affects microglia neuroinflammatory responses, which may play a causative role in PD onset and progression.

Asunto(s)

Inflamación , Lipopolisacáridos , Ratones Noqueados , Microglía , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1 , Animales , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/deficiencia , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/genética , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/metabolismo , Microglía/metabolismo , Microglía/patología , Microglía/efectos de los fármacos , Ratones , Lipopolisacáridos/toxicidad , Lipopolisacáridos/farmacología , Inflamación/patología , Inflamación/inducido químicamente , Inflamación/metabolismo , Inflamación/genética , Humanos , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Enfermedades Neuroinflamatorias/patología , Enfermedades Neuroinflamatorias/metabolismo , Enfermedades Neuroinflamatorias/inducido químicamente , Enfermedades Neuroinflamatorias/genética

RESUMEN

Background: Andrographolide (Andro), an extract of Andrographis paniculate (Burm.f.) Wall. ex Nees (Acanthaceae), possesses diverse biologically active properties. However, the precise mechanisms and effects of Andro on pancreatic cancer (PC) remain unclear. Methods: The cytotoxic potential of Andro and underlying mechanism towards PC cells was investigated through in vitro experiments and a xenograft mouse model. PC cells were first subjected to varying concentrations of Andro. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) was assessed using flow cytometry and DCFH-DA staining. The apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry. Additionally, western blot was applied to evaluate the expression levels of cleaved-caspase-3, DJ-1, LC3-I, LC3-II, and p62. To further elucidate the involvement of ROS accumulation and autophagy, we employed N-acetylcysteine as a scavenger of ROS and 3-Methyladenine as an inhibitor of autophagy. Results: Andro demonstrated potent anti-proliferative effects on PC cells and induced apoptosis, both in vitro and in vivo. The cytotoxicity of Andro on PC cells was counteracted by DJ-1 overexpression. The reduction in DJ-1 expression caused by Andro led to ROS accumulation, subsequently inhibiting the growth of PC cells. Furthermore, Andro stimulated cytoprotective autophagy, thus weakening the antitumor effect. Pharmacological blockade of autophagy further enhanced the antitumor efficacy of Andro. Conclusion: Our study indicated that ROS accumulation induced by the DJ-1 reduction played a key role in Andro-mediated PC cell inhibition. Furthermore, the protective autophagy induced by the Andro in PC cells is a mechanism that needs to be addressed in future studies.

Asunto(s)

Apoptosis , Autofagia , Diterpenos , Neoplasias Pancreáticas , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1 , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Diterpenos/farmacología , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/patología , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/metabolismo , Autofagia/efectos de los fármacos , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/metabolismo , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/genética , Animales , Humanos , Ratones , Línea Celular Tumoral , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Ensayos Antitumor por Modelo de Xenoinjerto , Ratones Desnudos

RESUMEN

PARK7, also known as DJ-1, plays a critical role in protecting cells by functioning as a sensitive oxidation sensor and modulator of antioxidants. DJ-1 acts to maintain mitochondrial function and regulate transcription in response to different stressors. In this study, we showed that cell lines vary based on their antioxidation potential under basal conditions. The transcriptome of HEK293 cells was tested following knockdown (KD) of DJ-1 using siRNAs, which reduced the DJ-1 transcripts to only 12% of the original level. We compared the expression levels of 14k protein-coding transcripts and 4.2k non-coding RNAs relative to cells treated with non-specific siRNAs. Among the coding genes, approximately 200 upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) signified a coordinated antiviral innate immune response. Most genes were associated with the regulation of type 1 interferons (IFN) and the induction of inflammatory cytokines. About a quarter of these genes were also induced in cells treated with non-specific siRNAs that were used as a negative control. Beyond the antiviral-like response, 114 genes were specific to the KD of DJ-1 with enrichment in RNA metabolism and mitochondrial functions. A smaller set of downregulated genes (58 genes) was associated with dysregulation in membrane structure, cell viability, and mitophagy. We propose that the KD DJ-1 perturbation diminishes the protective potency against oxidative stress. Thus, it renders the cells labile and responsive to the dsRNA signal by activating a large number of genes, many of which drive apoptosis, cell death, and inflammatory signatures. The KD of DJ-1 highlights its potency in regulating genes associated with antiviral responses, RNA metabolism, and mitochondrial functions, apparently through alteration in STAT activity and downstream signaling. Given that DJ-1 also acts as an oncogene in metastatic cancers, targeting DJ-1 could be a promising therapeutic strategy where manipulation of the DJ-1 level may reduce cancer cell viability and enhance the efficacy of cancer treatments.

Asunto(s)

Técnicas de Silenciamiento del Gen , Inmunidad Innata , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1 , Humanos , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/genética , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/metabolismo , Inmunidad Innata/genética , Células HEK293 , Mitocondrias/metabolismo , Mitocondrias/genética , ARN Interferente Pequeño/genética , Transcriptoma , Regulación de la Expresión Génica , Perfilación de la Expresión Génica

RESUMEN

DJ-1, a causative gene for hereditary recessive Parkinsonism, is evolutionarily conserved across eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Structural analyses of DJ-1 and its homologs suggested the 106th Cys is a nucleophilic cysteine functioning as the catalytic center of hydratase or hydrolase activity. Indeed, DJ-1 and its homologs can convert highly electrophilic α-oxoaldehydes such as methylglyoxal into α-hydroxy acids as hydratase in vitro, and oxidation-dependent ester hydrolase (esterase) activity has also been reported for DJ-1. The mechanism underlying such plural activities, however, has not been fully characterized. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a series of biochemical assays assessing the enzymatic activity of DJ-1 and its homologs. We found no evidence for esterase activity in any of the Escherichia coli DJ-1 homologs. Furthermore, contrary to previous reports, we found that oxidation inactivated rather than facilitated DJ-1 esterase activity. The E. coli DJ-1 homolog HchA possesses phenylglyoxalase and methylglyoxalase activities but lacks esterase activity. Since evolutionary trace analysis identified the 186th H as a candidate residue involved in functional differentiation between HchA and DJ-1, we focused on H186 of HchA and found that an esterase activity was acquired by H186A mutation. Introduction of reverse mutations into the equivalent position in DJ-1 (A107H) selectively eliminated its esterase activity without compromising α-oxoaldehyde hydratase activity. The obtained results suggest that differences in the amino acid sequences near the active site contributed to acquisition of esterase activity in vitro and provide an important clue to the origin and significance of DJ-1 esterase activity.

Asunto(s)

Escherichia coli , Enfermedad de Parkinson , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1 , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/metabolismo , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/genética , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/química , Humanos , Escherichia coli/genética , Escherichia coli/metabolismo , Enfermedad de Parkinson/genética , Enfermedad de Parkinson/metabolismo , Esterasas/metabolismo , Esterasas/genética , Esterasas/química , Proteínas de Escherichia coli/metabolismo , Proteínas de Escherichia coli/genética , Proteínas de Escherichia coli/química , Evolución Molecular , Oxidación-Reducción

RESUMEN

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) leads to death within 2-5 yr. Currently, available drugs only slightly prolong survival. We present novel insights into the pathophysiology of Superoxide Dismutase 1 (SOD1)- and in particular Fused In Sarcoma (FUS)-ALS by revealing a supposedly central role of glycolic acid (GA) and D-lactic acid (DL)-both putative products of the Parkinson's disease associated glyoxylase DJ-1. Combined, not single, treatment with GA/DL restored axonal organelle phenotypes of mitochondria and lysosomes in FUS- and SOD1-ALS patient-derived motoneurons (MNs). This was not only accompanied by restoration of mitochondrial membrane potential but even dependent on it. Despite presenting an axonal transport deficiency as well, TDP43 patient-derived MNs did not share mitochondrial depolarization and did not respond to GA/DL treatment. GA and DL also restored cytoplasmic mislocalization of FUS and FUS recruitment to DNA damage sites, recently reported being upstream of the mitochondrial phenotypes in FUS-ALS. Whereas these data point towards the necessity of individualized (gene-) specific therapy stratification, it also suggests common therapeutic targets across different neurodegenerative diseases characterized by mitochondrial depolarization.

Asunto(s)

Esclerosis Amiotrófica Lateral , Glicolatos , Ácido Láctico , Mitocondrias , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1 , Proteína FUS de Unión a ARN , Superóxido Dismutasa-1 , Humanos , Esclerosis Amiotrófica Lateral/metabolismo , Esclerosis Amiotrófica Lateral/genética , Proteína FUS de Unión a ARN/metabolismo , Proteína FUS de Unión a ARN/genética , Glicolatos/metabolismo , Glicolatos/farmacología , Mitocondrias/metabolismo , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/metabolismo , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/genética , Ácido Láctico/metabolismo , Superóxido Dismutasa-1/metabolismo , Superóxido Dismutasa-1/genética , Potencial de la Membrana Mitocondrial , Neuronas Motoras/metabolismo , Lisosomas/metabolismo

RESUMEN

The integration of diverse chemical tools like small-molecule inhibitors, activity-based probes (ABPs), and proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) advances clinical drug discovery and facilitates the exploration of various biological facets of targeted proteins. Here, we report the development of such a chemical toolbox for the human Parkinson disease protein 7 (PARK7/DJ-1) implicated in Parkinson's disease and cancers. By combining structure-guided design, miniaturized library synthesis, and high-throughput screening, we identified two potent compounds, JYQ-164 and JYQ-173, inhibiting PARK7 in vitro and in cells by covalently and selectively targeting its critical residue, Cys106. Leveraging JYQ-173, we further developed a cell-permeable Bodipy probe, JYQ-196, for covalent labeling of PARK7 in living cells and a first-in-class PARK7 degrader JYQ-194 that selectively induces its proteasomal degradation in human cells. Our study provides a valuable toolbox to enhance the understanding of PARK7 biology in cellular contexts and opens new opportunities for therapeutic interventions.

Asunto(s)

Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1 , Proteolisis , Compuestos de Boro/farmacología , Compuestos de Boro/química , Compuestos de Boro/síntesis química , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/metabolismo , Proteolisis/efectos de los fármacos , Bibliotecas de Moléculas Pequeñas/farmacología , Bibliotecas de Moléculas Pequeñas/química , Bibliotecas de Moléculas Pequeñas/síntesis química , Relación Estructura-Actividad

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Ischemic postconditioning (IPostC) has been reported as a promising method for protecting against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MI/R) injury. Our previous study found that the infarct-limiting effect of IPostC is abolished in the heart of diabetes whose cardiac expression of DJ-1 (also called PARK7, Parkinsonism associated deglycase) is reduced. However, the role and in particular the underlying mechanism of DJ-1 in the loss of sensitivity to IPostC-induced cardioprotection in diabetic hearts remains unclear. METHODS: Streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic rats were subjected to MI/R injury by occluding the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and followed by reperfusion. IPostC was induced by three cycles of 10s of reperfusion and ischemia at the onset of reperfusion. AAV9-CMV-DJ-1, AAV9-CMV-C106S-DJ-1 or AAV9-DJ-1 siRNA were injected via tail vein to either over-express or knock-down DJ-1 three weeks before inducing MI/R. RESULTS: Diabetic rats subjected to MI/R exhibited larger infarct area, more severe oxidative injury concomitant with significantly reduced cardiac DJ-1 expression and increased PTEN expression as compared to non-diabetic rats. AAV9-mediated cardiac DJ-1 overexpression, but not the cardiac overexpression of DJ-1 mutant C106S, restored IPostC-induced cardioprotection and this effect was accompanied by increased cytoplasmic DJ-1 translocation toward nuclear and mitochondrial, reduced PTEN expression, and increased Nrf-2/HO-1 transcription. Our further study showed that AAV9-mediated targeted DJ-1 gene knockdown aggravated MI/R injury in diabetic hearts, and this exacerbation of MI/R injury was partially reversed by IPostC in the presence of PTEN inhibition or Nrf-2 activation. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that DJ-1 preserves the cardioprotective effect of IPostC against MI/R injury in diabetic rats through nuclear and mitochondrial DJ-1 translocation and that inhibition of cardiac PTEN and activation of Nrf-2/HO-1 may represent the major downstream mechanisms whereby DJ-1 preserves the cardioprotective effect of IPostC in diabetes.

Asunto(s)

Diabetes Mellitus Experimental , Poscondicionamiento Isquémico , Daño por Reperfusión Miocárdica , Fosfohidrolasa PTEN , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1 , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Animales , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/metabolismo , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/genética , Fosfohidrolasa PTEN/metabolismo , Fosfohidrolasa PTEN/genética , Diabetes Mellitus Experimental/metabolismo , Masculino , Ratas , Daño por Reperfusión Miocárdica/metabolismo , Daño por Reperfusión Miocárdica/patología , Daño por Reperfusión Miocárdica/genética , Factor 2 Relacionado con NF-E2/metabolismo , Factor 2 Relacionado con NF-E2/genética , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1/metabolismo , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1/complicaciones , Transporte de Proteínas , Estreptozocina , Infarto del Miocardio/metabolismo , Infarto del Miocardio/patología

RESUMEN

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is extremely prevalent among hospitalizations and presents a significant risk for the development of chronic kidney disease and increased mortality. Ischemia caused by shock, trauma, and transplant are common causes of AKI. To attenuate ischemic AKI therapeutically, we need a better understanding of the physiological and cellular mechanisms underlying damage. Instances of ischemia are most damaging in proximal tubule epithelial cells (PTECs) where hypoxic signaling cascades, and perhaps more rapidly, posttranslational modifications (PTMs), act in concert to change cellular metabolism. Here, we focus on the effects of the understudied PTM, lysine succinylation. We have previously shown a protective effect of protein hypersuccinylation on PTECs after depletion of the desuccinylase sirtuin5. General trends in the results suggested that hypersuccinylation led to upregulation of peroxisomal activity and was protective against kidney injury. Included in the list of changes was the Parkinson's-related deglycase Park7. There is little known about any links between peroxisome activity and Park7. In this study, we show in vitro and in vivo that Park7 has a crucial role in protection from AKI and upregulated peroxisome activity. These data in combination with published results of Park7's protective role in cardiovascular damage and chronic kidney disease lead us to hypothesize that succinylation of Park7 may ameliorate oxidative damage resulting from AKI and prevent disease progression. This novel mechanism provides a potential therapeutic mechanism that can be targeted.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Succinylation is an understudied posttranslational modification that has been shown to increase peroxisomal activity. Furthermore, increased peroxisomal activity has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and protect proximal tubules after acute kidney injury. Analysis of mass spectrometry succinylomic and proteomic data reveals a novel role for Parkinson's related Park7 in mediating Nrf2 antioxidant response after kidney injury. This novel protection pathway provides new insights for kidney injury prevention and development of novel therapeutics.

Asunto(s)

Lesión Renal Aguda , Túbulos Renales Proximales , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1 , Animales , Lesión Renal Aguda/metabolismo , Lesión Renal Aguda/prevención & control , Lesión Renal Aguda/patología , Túbulos Renales Proximales/metabolismo , Túbulos Renales Proximales/patología , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/metabolismo , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/genética , Procesamiento Proteico-Postraduccional , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Masculino , Sirtuinas/metabolismo , Factor 2 Relacionado con NF-E2/metabolismo , Transducción de Señal , Ratones , Estrés Oxidativo , Lisina/metabolismo

RESUMEN

Glycation is a posttranslational modification of proteins that contributes to the vast array of biological information that can be conveyed via a singular proteome. Understanding the role of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in human health and pathophysiology can be difficult, as the physiological effects of AGEs have been associated with multiple biological processes and disease state development, including acute myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, heart failure, and atherosclerosis, as well as tumor cell migration. The critical role of the glyoxalase system in the detoxification of methylglyoxal and other AGEs has been well established. Recently, evidence has emerged that DJ-1 displays antiglycative activity and may contribute to another mechanism of protection against protein glycation outside of the glyoxalase system. Identification of potential substrates of DJ-1 and determination of the pathways in which DJ-1 operates, is needed to fully understand the role of this protein in modulating biological homeostasis and the development of disease.

Asunto(s)

Productos Finales de Glicación Avanzada , Humanos , Animales , Productos Finales de Glicación Avanzada/metabolismo , Glicosilación , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/metabolismo

RESUMEN

Regulation of the oxidative stress response is crucial for the management and prognosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The copper chaperone Antioxidant 1 (Atox1) plays a crucial role in regulating intracellular copper ion balance and impacting the antioxidant capacity of mitochondria, as well as the oxidative stress state of cells. However, it remains unknown whether Atox1 is involved in modulating oxidative stress following TBI. Here, we investigated the regulatory role of Atox1 in oxidative stress on neurons both in vivo and in vitro, and elucidated the underlying mechanism through culturing hippocampal HT-22 cells with Atox1 mutation. The expression of Atox1 was significantly diminished following TBI, while mice with overexpressed Atox1 exhibited a more preserved hippocampal structure and reduced levels of oxidative stress post-TBI. Furthermore, the mice displayed notable impairments in learning and memory functions after TBI, which were ameliorated by the overexpression of Atox1. In the stretch injury model of HT-22 cells, overexpression of Atox1 mitigated oxidative stress by preserving the normal morphology and network connectivity of mitochondria, as well as facilitating the elimination of damaged mitochondria. Mechanistically, co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry revealed the binding of Atox1 to DJ-1. Knockdown of DJ-1 in HT-22 cells significantly impaired the antioxidant capacity of Atox1. Mutations in the copper-binding motif or sequestration of free copper led to a substantial decrease in the interaction between Atox1 and DJ-1, with overexpression of DJ-1 failing to restore the antioxidant capacity of Atox1 mutants. The findings suggest that DJ-1 mediates the ability of Atox1 to withstand oxidative stress. And targeting Atox1 could be a potential therapeutic approach for addressing post-traumatic neurological dysfunction.

Asunto(s)

Lesiones Traumáticas del Encéfalo , Proteínas Transportadoras de Cobre , Hipocampo , Mitofagia , Neuronas , Estrés Oxidativo , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1 , Animales , Lesiones Traumáticas del Encéfalo/metabolismo , Lesiones Traumáticas del Encéfalo/patología , Lesiones Traumáticas del Encéfalo/genética , Ratones , Hipocampo/metabolismo , Hipocampo/patología , Neuronas/metabolismo , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/metabolismo , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/genética , Proteínas Transportadoras de Cobre/metabolismo , Proteínas Transportadoras de Cobre/genética , Mitocondrias/metabolismo , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Chaperonas Moleculares/metabolismo , Chaperonas Moleculares/genética , Masculino , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Línea Celular , Humanos

RESUMEN

Diallyl disulfide (DADS), an organic component of allicin abstracted from garlic, possesses multi-target antitumor activity. DJ-1 performs a vital function in promoting AKT aberrant activation via down-regulating phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) in tumors. It is unknown the involvement of DJ-1 in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of gastric cancer (GC) cells. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether diallyl disulfide (DADS) intervenes in the role of DJ-1 in GC. Based on the identification that the correlation between high DJ-1 and low PTEN expression in GC was implicated in clinical progression, we illuminated that down-regulation of DJ-1 by DADS aided in an increase in PTEN expression and a decrease in phosphorylated AKT levels, which was in line with the results manifested in the DJ-1 knockdown and overexpressed cells, concurrently inhibiting proliferation, EMT, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, the antagonistic effects of DADS on DJ-1 were observed in in vivo experiments. Additionally, DADS mitigated the DJ-1-associated drug resistance. The current study revealed that DJ-1 is one of potential targets for DADS, which hopefully provides a promising strategy for prevention and adjuvant chemotherapy of GC.

Asunto(s)

Compuestos Alílicos , Proliferación Celular , Disulfuros , Resistencia a Antineoplásicos , Transición Epitelial-Mesenquimal , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1 , Neoplasias Gástricas , Disulfuros/farmacología , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/metabolismo , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/genética , Neoplasias Gástricas/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias Gástricas/patología , Transición Epitelial-Mesenquimal/efectos de los fármacos , Compuestos Alílicos/farmacología , Humanos , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Resistencia a Antineoplásicos/efectos de los fármacos , Línea Celular Tumoral , Animales , Fosfohidrolasa PTEN/metabolismo , Fosfohidrolasa PTEN/genética , Movimiento Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Ratones , Ratones Desnudos , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C

RESUMEN

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) are the world's leading causes of blindness. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and vascular endothelial cell exposed to oxidative stress is the major cause of AMD and DR. DJ-1, an important endogenous antioxidant, its overexpression is considered as a promising antioxidant treatment for AMD and DR. Here, we modified the tetrahedral frame nucleic acids (tFNAs) with DJ-1 saRNAs as a delivery system, and synthesized a novel nanocomplex (tFNAs-DJ-1 saRNAs). In vitro studies show that tFNAs-DJ-1 saRNAs can efficiently transfer DJ-1 saRNAs to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and ARPE-19s, and significantly increased their cellular DJ-1 level. Reactive oxygen species expression in H2O2-treated HUVECs and ARPE-19s were decreased, cell viability was enhanced and cell apoptosis were inhibited when tFNAs-DJ-1 saRNAs were delivered. Moreover, tFNAs-DJ-1 saRNAs preserved mitochondrial structure and function under oxidative stress conditions. In the aspect of molecular mechanism, tFNAs-DJ-1 saRNAs activated Erk and Nrf2 pathway, which might contribute to its protective effects against oxidative stress damage. To conclude, this study shows the successfully establishment of a simple but effective delivery system of DJ-1 saRNAs associated with antioxidant effects in AMD and DR, which may be a promising agent for future treatment in oxidative stress-related retinal disorders.

Asunto(s)

Antioxidantes , Células Endoteliales de la Vena Umbilical Humana , Estrés Oxidativo , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1 , Humanos , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/metabolismo , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/genética , Antioxidantes/farmacología , Antioxidantes/química , Epitelio Pigmentado de la Retina/metabolismo , Epitelio Pigmentado de la Retina/efectos de los fármacos , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Factor 2 Relacionado con NF-E2/metabolismo , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Retina/metabolismo , Retina/efectos de los fármacos , Ácidos Nucleicos/farmacología , Ácidos Nucleicos/metabolismo , Línea Celular

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: GBA1 mutations are the most common genetic risk factor for development of Parkinson's disease (PD). The loss of catalytic activity in GBA1, as well as the reduction of the GBA1 protein in certain cellular compartment, may increase disease progression. However, the mechanisms underlying cellular dysfunction caused by GBA1 deficiency are still mostly unknown. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we focus on the genetic interaction between GBA1 deficiency and PD-causing genes, such as DJ-1, in mitochondrial dysfunction. METHODS: GBA1 knockout (KO) SH-SY5Y cells were used to assess DJ-1 functions against oxidative stress in vitro. The levels of cellular reactive oxygen species were monitored with MitoSOX reagent. The expression of the PARK7 gene was analyzed using the quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). To understand the mechanism underlying DJ-1 upregulation in GBA1 KO cells, we assess ROS levels, antioxidant protein, and cell viability in GBA1 KO cells with treatment of ROS inhibitor N-acetyl-cysteine or miglustat, which is an inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthase. Dopaminergic degeneration was assessed from Gba1 L444P heterozygous mice mated with Park7 knockout mice. RESULTS: We find that DJ-1 is significantly upregulated in GBA1 KO cells. Elevated levels of DJ-1 are attributed to the transcriptional expression of PARK7 mRNA, but not the inhibition of DJ-1 protein degradation. Because DJ-1 expression is highly linked to oxidative stress, we observe cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in GBA1 KO cells. Moreover, several antioxidant gene expressions and protein levels are increased in GBA1 KO cells. To this end, GBA1 KO cells are more susceptible to H2O2-induced cell death. Importantly, there is a significant reduction in dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain from Gba1 L444P heterozygous mice mated with Park7 knockout mice, followed by mild motor dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our results suggest that DJ-1 upregulation due to GBA1 deficiency has a protective role against oxidative stress. It may be supposed that mutations or malfunctions in the DJ-1 protein may have disadvantages in the survival of dopaminergic neurons in the brains of patients harboring GBA1 mutations.

Asunto(s)

Antioxidantes , Neuroblastoma , Enfermedad de Parkinson , Humanos , Ratones , Animales , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Peróxido de Hidrógeno , Estrés Oxidativo , Muerte Celular/fisiología , Ratones Noqueados , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/genética , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/metabolismo

RESUMEN

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is an important pathological basis for degenerative spinal diseases and is involved in mitophagy dysfunction. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying mitophagy regulation in IDD remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify the role of DJ-1 in regulating mitophagy during IDD pathogenesis. Here, we showed that the mitochondrial localization of DJ-1 in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) first increased and then decreased in response to oxidative stress. Subsequently, loss- and gain-of-function experiments revealed that overexpression of DJ-1 in NPCs inhibited oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, whereas knockdown of DJ-1 had the opposite effect. Mechanistically, mitochondrial translocation of DJ-1 promoted the recruitment of hexokinase 2 (HK2) to damaged mitochondria by activating Akt and subsequently Parkin-dependent mitophagy to inhibit oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in NPCs. However, silencing Parkin, reducing mitochondrial recruitment of HK2, or inhibiting Akt activation suppressed DJ-1-mediated mitophagy. Furthermore, overexpression of DJ-1 ameliorated IDD in rats through HK2-mediated mitophagy. Taken together, these findings indicate that DJ-1 promotes HK2-mediated mitophagy under oxidative stress conditions to inhibit mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in NPCs and could be a therapeutic target for IDD.

Asunto(s)

Degeneración del Disco Intervertebral , Mitofagia , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1 , Animales , Ratas , Apoptosis , Hexoquinasa/genética , Hexoquinasa/farmacología , Hexoquinasa/uso terapéutico , Degeneración del Disco Intervertebral/genética , Degeneración del Disco Intervertebral/metabolismo , Mitofagia/genética , Mitofagia/fisiología , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt , Ubiquitina-Proteína Ligasas/genética , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/metabolismo

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Liver fibrosis can progress to cirrhosis and hepatic carcinoma without treatment. CircDCBLD2 was found to be downregulated in liver fibrosis. However, the precise underlying mechanism requires further investigation. METHODS: qRT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry assays were used to detect the related molecule levels. HE, Masson's trichrome, and Sirius Red staining were used to assess the pathological changes in mice's liver tissues. Flow cytometric analysis and commercial kit were used to assess the levels of lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS), malonaldehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and iron. Cell viability was assessed by MTT. Immunoprecipitation was used to study the ubiquitination of PARK7. Mitophagy was determined by immunostaining and confocal imaging. RIP and Co-IP assays were used to assess the interactions of circDCBLD2/HuR, HuR/STUB1, and STUB1/PARK7. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence staining were used to assess the co-localization of circDCBLD2 and HuR. RESULTS: CircDCBLD2 was downregulated, whereas PARK7 was upregulated in liver fibrosis. Ferroptosis activators increased circDCBLD2 while decreasing PARK7 in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and mice with liver fibrosis. CircDCBLD2 overexpression reduced cell viability and GSH, PARK7, and GPX4 expression in erastin-treated HSCs while increasing MDA and iron levels, whereas circDCBLD2 knockdown had the opposite effect. CircDCBLD2 overexpression increased STUB1-mediated PARK7 ubiquitination by promoting HuR-STUB1 binding and thus increasing STUB1 mRNA stability. PARK7 overexpression or HuR knockdown reversed the effects of circDCBLD2 overexpression on HSC activation and ferroptosis. CircDCBLD2 reduced liver fibrosis in mice by inhibiting PARK7. CONCLUSION: CircDCBLD2 overexpression increased PARK7 ubiquitination degradation by upregulating STUB1 through its interaction with HuR, inhibiting HSC activation and promoting HSC ferroptosis, ultimately enhancing liver fibrosis.

Asunto(s)

Ferroptosis , Neoplasias Hepáticas , Animales , Ratones , Células Estrelladas Hepáticas/metabolismo , Hibridación Fluorescente in Situ , Hierro/metabolismo , Hierro/farmacología , Cirrosis Hepática/patología , Neoplasias Hepáticas/patología , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/genética , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/metabolismo , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/farmacología , Ubiquitinación

RESUMEN

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological disorder that affects dopaminergic neurons. The lack of understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of PD pathology makes treating it a challenge. Several pieces of evidence support the protective role of enriched environment (EE) and exercise on dopaminergic neurons. The specific aspect(s) of neuroprotection after exposure to EE have not been identified. Therefore, we have investigated the protective role of EE on dopamine dysregulation and subsequent downregulation of DJ1 protein using in vitro and in vivo models of PD. Our study for the first time demonstrated that DJ1 expression has a direct correlation with dopamine downregulation in PD models and exposure to EE has a significant impact on improving the behavioral changes in PD mice. This research provides evidence that exercise in EE has a positive effect on PD without interfering with the current line of therapy.

Asunto(s)

Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Enfermedad de Parkinson , Animales , Enfermedad de Parkinson/patología , Neurotoxinas/toxicidad , Ambiente , Masculino , Dopamina/metabolismo , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/metabolismo , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/genética , Ratones , Neuronas Dopaminérgicas/metabolismo , Neuronas Dopaminérgicas/patología , Neuronas Dopaminérgicas/efectos de los fármacos , Conducta Animal , Recuperación de la Función/efectos de los fármacos

RESUMEN

DJ-1, also known as Parkinson's disease protein 7 (Park7), is a multifunctional protein that regulates oxidative stress and mitochondrial function. Dysfunction of DJ-1 is implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with an increased risk of PD. Here we show that homocysteine thiolactone (HTL), a reactive thioester of homocysteine (Hcy), covalently modifies DJ-1 on the lysine 182 (K182) residue in an age-dependent manner. The N-homocysteinylation (N-hcy) of DJ-1 abolishes its neuroprotective effect against oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, exacerbating cell toxicity. Blocking the N-hcy of DJ-1 restores its protective effect. These results indicate that the N-hcy of DJ-1 abolishes its neuroprotective effect and promotes the progression of PD. Inhibiting the N-hcy of DJ-1 may exert neuroprotective effect against PD.

Asunto(s)

Homocisteína , Enfermedad de Parkinson , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1 , Humanos , Línea Celular Tumoral , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/química , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/metabolismo , Homocisteína/análogos & derivados , Homocisteína/metabolismo , Enfermedad de Parkinson/metabolismo , Enfermedad de Parkinson/patología , Envejecimiento , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Encéfalo/patología , Oxidación-Reducción , Mitocondrias/metabolismo , Metionina/administración & dosificación , 1-Metil-4-fenil-1,2,3,6-Tetrahidropiridina , Hiperhomocisteinemia/tratamiento farmacológico , Hiperhomocisteinemia/metabolismo , Lisina/metabolismo

RESUMEN

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common movement disorder associated with the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Mutations in the PD-associated gene PARK7 alter the structure and function of the encoded protein DJ-1, and the resulting autosomal recessively inherited disease increases the risk of developing PD. DJ-1 was first discovered in 1997 as an oncogene and was associated with early-onset PD in 2003. Mutations in DJ-1 account for approximately 1% of all recessively inherited early-onset PD occurrences, and the functions of the protein have been studied extensively. In healthy subjects, DJ-1 acts as an antioxidant and oxidative stress sensor in several neuroprotective mechanisms. It is also involved in mitochondrial homeostasis, regulation of apoptosis, chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA), and dopamine homeostasis by regulating various signaling pathways, transcription factors, and molecular chaperone functions. While DJ-1 protects neurons against damaging reactive oxygen species, neurotoxins, and mutant α-synuclein, mutations in the protein may lead to inefficient neuroprotection and the progression of PD. As current therapies treat only the symptoms of PD, the development of therapies that directly inhibit oxidative stress-induced neuronal cell death is critical. DJ-1 has been proposed as a potential therapeutic target, while oxidized DJ-1 could operate as a biomarker for PD. In this paper, we review the role of DJ-1 in the pathogenesis of PD by highlighting some of its key neuroprotective functions and the consequences of its dysfunction.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedad de Parkinson , Humanos , Enfermedad de Parkinson/metabolismo , Estrés Oxidativo/genética , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Neuronas Dopaminérgicas/metabolismo , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/genética , Proteína Desglicasa DJ-1/metabolismo