Endocytic iron trafficking and mitochondria in Parkinson’s disease

Melatonin alleviates ferroptosis triggered by cadmium via regulating ferritinophagy and iron metabolism in spermatogonia

Melatonin (Mel), a classical antioxidant, has the potential to mediate ferroptosis. Cadmium (Cd) poses a substantial threat to the male reproductive system, as it can induce testicular injury by triggering ferroptosis. The study aimed to explore the protective role and mechanism of Mel in Cd-induced ferroptosis in spermatogonia (spg). Our results demonstrated that Cd disrupted the mitochondrial ultrastructure and induced more autophagosomes in spg. Exposure to Cd resulted in a reduction of the mitochondrial membrane potential of the cells. The transcriptomics analysis revealed significant differences in gene expression associated with ferroptosis and autophagy. Mel could reverse the changes caused by Cd in the genes mentioned above. Furthermore, Cd increased cellular iron content and elevated reactive oxygen species levels, which induced oxidative stress in spg. Mel pretreatment reduced iron accumulation and oxidative damage caused by Cd exposure. Additional studies demonstrated that Cd exposure activated NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy in spg. Mel pretreatment, as anticipated, inhibited the increased the mRNA and protein expression of ATG5, LC3B, and NCOA4 caused by Cd, ameliorated Cd-caused iron overload and oxidative stress, and protected spg from ferroptosis. Our study provides a therapeutic basis for the use of Mel to treat Cd-induced testicular injury.

The role of ferroptosis in acute kidney injury: mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most common and severe clinical renal syndromes with high morbidity and mortality. Ferroptosis is a form of programmed cell death (PCD), is characterized by iron overload, reactive oxygen species accumulation, and lipid peroxidation. As ferroptosis has been increasingly studied in recent years, it is closely associated with the pathophysiological process of AKI and provides a target for the treatment of AKI. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the regulatory mechanisms of ferroptosis, summarizes its role in various AKI models, and explores its interaction with other forms of cell death, it also presents research on ferroptosis in AKI progression to other diseases. Additionally, the review highlights methods for detecting and assessing AKI through the lens of ferroptosis and describes potential inhibitors of ferroptosis for AKI treatment. Finally, the review presents a perspective on the future of clinical AKI treatment, aiming to stimulate further research on ferroptosis in AKI.

Gastrodin attenuates high fructose-induced sweet taste preference decrease by inhibiting hippocampal neural stem cell ferroptosis

INTRODUCTION

High fructose intake has been implicated as a risk factor for behavioral disorders, potentially through cell ferroptosis induction in the central nervous system. Neural stem cells (NSCs) are crucial for maintaining hippocampal neurogenesis to resist behavioral alterations. Gastrodin, derived from the traditional Chinese herb Gastrodia elata, has neuroprotective effect.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanism by which high fructose induces sweet taste preference and assesses the impact of gastrodin on hippocampal NSC ferroptosis.

METHODS

Mice and cultured NSCs were treated with high fructose and/or gastrodin, respectively. NSC ferroptosis was evaluated by assay of lipid peroxidation and DNA double-strand breaks. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq), Western blotting, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) were employed to explore the potential mechanism underlying high fructose-induced NSC ferroptosis and the modulation of gastrodin. Simultaneously, specific gene expression was regulated by lentivirus injection into the hippocampus of mice.

RESULTS

Our data showed that gastrodin mitigated sweet taste preference decline and hippocampal NSC ferroptosis in high fructose-fed mice, being consistent with reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and iron accumulation in hippocampal NSC mitochondria. Mechanistically, we identified CDGSH iron-sulfur domain 1 (CISD1) as a mediator of NSC ferroptosis, with its expression being augmented by high fructose. Overexpression of Zic family member 2 (ZIC2) increased the transcription of Cisd1 gene. Additionally, overexpression of Zic2 with lentiviral vectors in hippocampus showed the decreased sweet taste preference in mice, consistently up-regulated CISD1 protein expression and reduced hippocampal NSC number. Gastrodin downregulated ZIC2 expression to inhibit CISD1 transcription in its attenuation of high fructose-induced NSC ferroptosis and sweet taste preference decrease.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, high fructose can drive hippocampal NSC ferroptosis by upregulating ZIC2 and CISD1 expression, thereby contributing to the decline in sweet taste preference. Gastrodin emerges as a promising agent for mitigating NSC ferroptosis and improving sweet taste preference.

Dopamine‑iron homeostasis interaction rescues mitochondrial fitness in Parkinson's disease

Imbalances of iron and dopamine metabolism along with mitochondrial dysfunction have been linked to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). We have previously suggested a direct link between iron homeostasis and dopamine metabolism, as dopamine can increase cellular uptake of iron into macrophages thereby promoting oxidative stress responses. In this study, we investigated the interplay between iron, dopamine, and mitochondrial activity in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived dopaminergic neurons differentiated from a healthy control and a PD patient with a mutation in the α-synuclein (SNCA) gene. In SH-SY5Y cells, dopamine treatment resulted in increased expression of the transmembrane iron transporters transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1), ferroportin (FPN), and mitoferrin2 (MFRN2) and intracellular iron accumulation, suggesting that dopamine may promote iron uptake. Furthermore, dopamine supplementation led to reduced mitochondrial fitness including decreased mitochondrial respiration, increased cytochrome c control efficiency, reduced mtDNA copy number and citrate synthase activity, increased oxidative stress and impaired aconitase activity. In dopaminergic neurons derived from a healthy control individual, dopamine showed comparable effects as observed in SH-SY5Y cells. The hiPSC-derived PD neurons harboring an endogenous SNCA mutation demonstrated altered mitochondrial iron homeostasis, reduced mitochondrial capacity along with increased oxidative stress and alterations of tricarboxylic acid cycle linked metabolic pathways compared with control neurons. Importantly, dopamine treatment of PD neurons promoted a rescue effect by increasing mitochondrial respiration, activating antioxidant stress response, and normalizing altered metabolite levels linked to mitochondrial function. These observations provide evidence that dopamine affects iron homeostasis, intracellular stress responses and mitochondrial function in healthy cells, while dopamine supplementation can restore the disturbed regulatory network in PD cells.

Mitochondrial iron deficiency triggers cytosolic iron overload in PKAN hiPS-derived astrocytes

Disease models of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) offer the possibility to explore the relationship between iron dyshomeostasis and neurodegeneration. We analyzed hiPS-derived astrocytes from PANK2-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN), an NBIA disease characterized by progressive neurodegeneration and high iron accumulation in the globus pallidus. Previous data indicated that PKAN astrocytes exhibit alterations in iron metabolism, general impairment of constitutive endosomal trafficking, mitochondrial dysfunction and acquired neurotoxic features. Here, we performed a more in-depth analysis of the interactions between endocytic vesicles and mitochondria via superresolution microscopy experiments. A significantly lower number of transferrin-enriched vesicles were in contact with mitochondria in PKAN cells than in control cells, confirming the impaired intracellular fate of cargo endosomes. The investigation of cytosolic and mitochondrial iron parameters indicated that mitochondrial iron availability was substantially lower in PKAN cells compared to that in the controls. In addition, PKAN astrocytes exhibited defects in tubulin acetylation/phosphorylation, which might be responsible for unregulated vesicular dynamics and inappropriate iron delivery to mitochondria. Thus, the impairment of iron incorporation into these organelles seems to be the cause of cell iron delocalization, resulting in cytosolic iron overload and mitochondrial iron deficiency, triggering mitochondrial dysfunction. Overall, the data elucidate the mechanism of iron accumulation in CoA deficiency, highlighting the importance of mitochondrial iron deficiency in the pathogenesis of disease.

HMGB1 Mediates Inflammation-Induced DMT1 Increase and Dopaminergic Neurodegeneration in the Early Stage of Parkinsonism

Both neuroinflammation and iron accumulation play roles in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, whether inflammation induces iron dyshomeostasis in dopaminergic neurons at an early stage of PD, at which no quantifiable dopaminergic neuron loss can be observed, is still unknown. As for the inflammation mediators, although several cytokines have been reported to increase in PD, the functions of these cytokines in the SN are double-edged and controversial. In this study, whether inflammation could induce iron dyshomeostasis in dopaminergic neurons through high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) in the early stage of PD is explored. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a toxin that primarily activates glia cells, and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), the neurotoxin that firstly impacts dopaminergic neurons, were utilized to mimic PD in rats. We found a common and exceedingly early over-production of HMGB1, followed by an increase of divalent metal transporter 1 with iron responsive element (DMT1+) in the dopaminergic neurons before quantifiable neuronal loss. HMGB1 neutralizing antibody suppressed inflammation in the SN, DMT1+ elevation in dopaminergic neurons, and dopaminergic neuronal loss in both LPS and 6-OHDA administration- induced PD models. On the contrary, interleukin-1β inhibitor diacerein failed to suppress these outcomes induced by 6-OHDA. Our findings not only demonstrate that inflammation could be one of the causes of DMT1+ increase in dopaminergic neurons, but also highlight HMGB1 as a pivotal early mediator of inflammation-induced iron increase and subsequent neurodegeneration, thereby HMGB1 could serve as a potential target for early-stage PD treatment.

An Alternative Mechanism of Subcellular Iron Uptake Deficiency in Cardiomyocytes

BACKGROUND

Systemic defects in intestinal iron absorption, circulation, and retention cause iron deficiency in 50% of patients with heart failure. Defective subcellular iron uptake mechanisms that are independent of systemic absorption are incompletely understood. The main intracellular route for iron uptake in cardiomyocytes is clathrin-mediated endocytosis.

METHODS

We investigated subcellular iron uptake mechanisms in patient-derived and CRISPR/Cas-edited induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes as well as patient-derived heart tissue. We used an integrated platform of DIA-MA (mass spectrometry data-independent acquisition)-based proteomics and signaling pathway interrogation. We employed a genetic induced pluripotent stem cell model of 2 inherited mutations (TnT [troponin T]-R141W and TPM1 [tropomyosin 1]-L185F) that lead to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a frequent cause of heart failure, to study the underlying molecular dysfunctions of DCM mutations.

RESULTS

We identified a druggable molecular pathomechanism of impaired subcellular iron deficiency that is independent of systemic iron metabolism. Clathrin-mediated endocytosis defects as well as impaired endosome distribution and cargo transfer were identified as a basis for subcellular iron deficiency in DCM-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. The clathrin-mediated endocytosis defects were also confirmed in the hearts of patients with DCM with end-stage heart failure. Correction of the TPM1-L185F mutation in DCM patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells, treatment with a peptide, Rho activator II, or iron supplementation rescued the molecular disease pathway and recovered contractility. Phenocopying the effects of the TPM1-L185F mutation into WT induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes could be ameliorated by iron supplementation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that impaired endocytosis and cargo transport resulting in subcellular iron deficiency could be a relevant pathomechanism for patients with DCM carrying inherited mutations. Insight into this molecular mechanism may contribute to the development of treatment strategies and risk management in heart failure.

Multifunctional Metallothioneins as a Target for Neuroprotection in Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by motor symptoms based on a loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons and by non-motor symptoms which precede motor symptoms. Neurodegeneration accompanied by an accumulation of α-synuclein is thought to propagate from the enteric nervous system to the central nervous system. The pathogenesis in sporadic PD remains unknown. However, many reports indicate various etiological factors, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, α-synuclein toxicity and mitochondrial impairment, drive neurodegeneration. Exposure to heavy metals contributes to these etiopathogenesis and increases the risk of developing PD. Metallothioneins (MTs) are cysteine-rich metal-binding proteins; MTs chelate metals and inhibit metal-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition, MTs possess antioxidative properties by scavenging free radicals and exert anti-inflammatory effects by suppression of microglial activation. Furthermore, MTs recently received attention as a potential target for attenuating metal-induced α-synuclein aggregation. In this article, we summarize MTs expression in the central and enteric nervous system, and review protective functions of MTs against etiopathogenesis in PD. We also discuss neuroprotective strategies for the prevention of central dopaminergic and enteric neurodegeneration by targeting MTs. This review highlights multifunctional MTs as a target for the development of disease-modifying drugs for PD.

Mechanical nanosurgery of chemoresistant glioblastoma using magnetically controlled carbon nanotubes

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain cancer. Despite multimodal treatment including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, median patient survival has remained at ~15 months for decades. This situation demands an outside-the-box treatment approach. Using magnetic carbon nanotubes (mCNTs) and precision magnetic field control, we report a mechanical approach to treat chemoresistant GBM. We show that GBM cells internalize mCNTs, the mobilization of which by rotating magnetic field results in cell death. Spatiotemporally controlled mobilization of intratumorally delivered mCNTs suppresses GBM growth in vivo. Functionalization of mCNTs with anti-CD44 antibody, which recognizes GBM cell surface-enriched antigen CD44, increases mCNT recognition of cancer cells, prolongs mCNT enrichment within the tumor, and enhances therapeutic efficacy. Using mouse models of GBM with upfront or therapy-induced resistance to temozolomide, we show that mCNT treatment is effective in treating chemoresistant GBM. Together, we establish mCNT-based mechanical nanosurgery as a treatment option for GBM.

Sulforaphane triggers iron overload-mediated ferroptosis in gastric carcinoma cells by activating the PI3K/IRP2/DMT1 pathway

OBJECTIVE

Increasing evidence indicates that prolonged exposure to sulforaphane (SFN) can improve malignancies. However, the role of iron in SFN-triggered death in gastric carcinoma cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Thus, the current study explored the effects of SFN on iron overload-mediated ferroptosis and the PI3K/IRP2/DMT1 pathway in gastric carcinoma cells.

METHODS

We utilized the MGC-803 cell line to assess whether SFN affected iron metabolism and whether this effect contributed to cell death. Pharmacological inhibition of iron metabolism also was performed to determine the molecular mechanism underlying SFN-triggered iron overload and the disturbance in iron metabolism.

RESULTS

Our data revealed that SFN treatment altered iron homeostasis and led to iron overload in vitro. Interestingly, SFN-stimulated cell death resulted from ferroptosis, a recently identified iron-dependent form of regulated cell death. Furthermore, an iron chelator, deferiprone, ameliorated the SFN-triggered mitochondrial dysfunction and reduced the iron overload. In addition, we found that the SFN-triggered iron overload was regulated by the PI3K/IRP2/DMT1 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

We discovered that disturbance in iron metabolism might be involved in the SFN-triggered cell death in gastric carcinoma cells. Blockade of the PI3K/IRP2/DMT1 axis could provide a feedback effect on SFN-induced ferroptosis to protect tumor cells from growth.

Baicalein Attenuates Brain Iron Accumulation through Protecting Aconitase 1 from Oxidative Stress in Rotenone-Induced Parkinson's Disease in Rats

Aconitase 1 (ACO1) links oxidative stress and iron accumulation in Parkinson's disease (PD). ACO1 loses its aconitase activity and turns into iron regulatory protein 1 (IRP1) upon oxidative stress. IRP1 plays an important role in the accumulation of intracellular iron. Baicalein is a flavonoid isolated from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis. The present results show that baicalein could bind to ACO1 and protect its isoform from the oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Furthermore, baicalein promoted aconitase activity and inhibited IRP1 activation in rotenone-induced PD models. Additionally, baicalein decreased the hydroxyl radicals generated by iron. In conclusion, baicalein attenuated iron accumulation and iron-induced oxidative stress in the brain of PD rats by protecting ACO1.

A Comprehensive Review on Beneficial Effects of Catechins on Secondary Mitochondrial Diseases

Mitochondria are the main sites for oxidative phosphorylation and synthesis of adenosine triphosphate in cells, and are known as cellular power factories. The phrase "secondary mitochondrial diseases" essentially refers to any abnormal mitochondrial function other than primary mitochondrial diseases, i.e., the process caused by the genes encoding the electron transport chain (ETC) proteins directly or impacting the production of the machinery needed for ETC. Mitochondrial diseases can cause adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis disorder, an increase in oxygen free radicals, and intracellular redox imbalance. It can also induce apoptosis and, eventually, multi-system damage, which leads to neurodegenerative disease. The catechin compounds rich in tea have attracted much attention due to their effective antioxidant activity. Catechins, especially acetylated catechins such as epicatechin gallate (ECG) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), are able to protect mitochondria from reactive oxygen species. This review focuses on the role of catechins in regulating cell homeostasis, in which catechins act as a free radical scavenger and metal ion chelator, their protective mechanism on mitochondria, and the protective effect of catechins on mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). This review highlights catechins and their effects on mitochondrial functional metabolic networks: regulating mitochondrial function and biogenesis, improving insulin resistance, regulating intracellular calcium homeostasis, and regulating epigenetic processes. Finally, the indirect beneficial effects of catechins on mitochondrial diseases are also illustrated by the warburg and the apoptosis effect. Some possible mechanisms are shown graphically. In addition, the bioavailability of catechins and peracetylated-catechins, free radical scavenging activity, mitochondrial activation ability of the high-molecular-weight polyphenol, and the mitochondrial activation factor were also discussed.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Parkinson’s Disease: From Mechanistic Insights to Therapy

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative movement disorders worldwide. There are currently no cures or preventative treatments for PD. Emerging evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction is closely associated with pathogenesis of sporadic and familial PD. Because dopaminergic neurons have high energy demand, cells affected by PD exhibit mitochondrial dysfunction that promotes the disease-defining the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). The mitochondrion has a particularly important role as the cellular “powerhouse” of dopaminergic neurons. Therefore, mitochondria have become a promising therapeutic target for PD treatments. This review aims to describe mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathology of PD, outline the genes associated with familial PD and the factors related to sporadic PD, summarize current knowledge on mitochondrial quality control in PD, and give an overview of therapeutic strategies for targeting mitochondria in neuroprotective interventions in PD.

Mammalian AKT, the Emerging Roles on Mitochondrial Function in Diseases

Mitochondrial dysfunction may play a crucial role in various diseases due to its roles in the regulation of energy production and cellular metabolism. Serine/threonine kinase (AKT) is a highly recognized antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-proliferation, and endocrine modulatory molecule. Interestingly, increasing studies have revealed that AKT can modulate mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, redox states, dynamic balance, autophagy, and metabolism. AKT thus plays multifaceted roles in mitochondrial function and is involved in the modulation of mitochondria-related diseases. This paper reviews the protective effects of AKT and its potential mechanisms of action in relation to mitochondrial function in various diseases.

Targeting ferroptosis in acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major public health problem with high incidence and mortality. As a form of programmed cell death (PCD), ferroptosis could be considered as a process of iron accumulation and enhanced lipid peroxidation. Recently, the fundamental roles of ferroptosis in AKI have attracted much attention. The network mechanism of ferroptosis in AKI and its roles in the AKI to chronic kidney disease (CKD) transition is complicated and multifactorial. Strategies targeting ferroptosis show great potential. Here, we review the research progress on ferroptosis and its participation in AKI. We hope that this work will provide clues for further studies of ferroptosis in AKI.

Mechanisms of Metal-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Neurological Disorders

Metals are actively involved in multiple catalytic physiological activities. However, metal overload may result in neurotoxicity as it increases formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and elevates oxidative stress in the nervous system. Mitochondria are a key target of metal-induced toxicity, given their role in energy production. As the brain consumes a large amount of energy, mitochondrial dysfunction and the subsequent decrease in levels of ATP may significantly disrupt brain function, resulting in neuronal cell death and ensuing neurological disorders. Here, we address contemporary studies on metal-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and its impact on the nervous system.

The role of transferrins and iron-related proteins in brain iron transport: applications to neurological diseases

Iron transport in the central nervous system (CNS) is a highly regulated process in which several important proteins participate to ensure this important metal reaches its sites of action. However, iron accumulation has been shown to be a common factor in different neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Sanfilippo syndrome. This review is divided into four parts. The first part describes brain iron transport in homeostasis, mentioning the main proteins involved, whereas the second part contrasts the consequences of iron dysregulation, elaborating on its role in the aforementioned neurodegenerative diseases. The third part details the functions of the main proteins involved in brain iron homeostasis and their role in neurodegeneration. In the fourth part, in order to highlight the importance of transport proteins, the focus is set on human serum transferrin, the main iron transport protein. This final part describes perspectives about the mechanisms and chemical properties of human transferrin for the development of potential targeted drug delivery systems across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) or enhancers for the treatment of neurological diseases.

Brain Hepcidin Suppresses Major Pathologies in Experimental Parkinsonism

Despite intensive research on Parkinson disease (PD) for decades, this common neurodegenerative disease remains incurable. We hypothesize that abnormal iron accumulation is a common thread underlying the emergence of the hallmarks of PD, namely mitochondrial dysfunction and α-synuclein accumulation. We investigated the powerful action of the main iron regulator hepcidin in the brain. In both the rotenone and 6-hydroxydopamine models of PD, overexpression of hepcidin by means of a virus-based strategy prevented dopamine neuronal loss and suppressed major pathologies of Parkinsonism as well as motor deficits. Hepcidin protected rotenone-induced mitochondrial deficits by reducing cellular and mitochondrial iron accumulation. In addition, hepcidin decreased α-synuclein accumulation and promoted clearance of α-synuclein through decreasing iron content that leads to activation of autophagy. Our results not only pinpoint a critical role of iron-overload in the pathogenesis of PD but also demonstrate that targeting brain iron levels through hepcidin is a promising therapeutic direction.

An update on cellular and molecular determinants of Parkinson's disease with emphasis on the role of the retromer complex

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a highly prevalent neurodegenerative condition. The disease involves the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons located in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Among late-onset, familial forms of Parkinson are cases with mutations in the PARK17 locus encoding the vacuolar protein sorting 35 (Vps35), a subunit of the retromer complex. The retromer complex is composed of a heterotrimeric protein core (Vps26-Vps35-Vps29). The best-known role of retromer is the retrieval of cargoes from endosomes to the Golgi complex or the plasma membrane. However, recent literature indicates that retromer performs roles associated with lysosomal and mitochondrial functions and degradative pathways such as autophagy. A common point mutation affecting the retromer subunit Vps35 is D620N, which has been linked to the alterations in the aforementioned cellular processes as well as with neurodegeneration. Here, we review the main aspects of the malfunction of the retromer complex and its implications for PD pathology. Besides, we highlight several controversies still awaiting clarification.