Microglia induce neurotoxicity via intraneuronal Zn(2+) release and a K(+) current surge

Microglial reprogramming by Hv1 antagonism protects neurons from inflammatory and glutamate toxicity

Although the precise mechanisms determining the neurotoxic or neuroprotective activation phenotypes in microglia remain poorly characterized, metabolic changes in these cells appear critical for these processes. As cellular metabolism can be tightly regulated by changes in intracellular pH, we tested whether pharmacological targeting of the microglial voltage-gated proton channel 1 (Hv1), an important regulator of intracellular pH, is critical for activated microglial reprogramming. Using a mouse microglial cell line and mouse primary microglia cultures, either alone, or co-cultured with rat cerebrocortical neurons, we characterized in detail the microglial activation profile in the absence and presence of Hv1 inhibition. We observed that activated microglia neurotoxicity was mainly attributable to the release of tumor necrosis factor alpha, reactive oxygen species, and zinc. Strikingly, pharmacological inhibition of Hv1 largely abrogated inflammatory neurotoxicity not only by reducing the production of cytotoxic mediators but also by promoting neurotrophic molecule production and restraining excessive phagocytic activity. Importantly, the Hv1-sensitive change from a pro-inflammatory to a neuroprotective phenotype was associated with metabolic reprogramming, particularly via a boost in NADH availability and a reduction in lactate. Most critically, Hv1 antagonism not only reduced inflammatory neurotoxicity but also promoted microglia-dependent neuroprotection against a separate excitotoxic injury. Our results strongly suggest that Hv1 blockers may provide an important therapeutic tool against a wide range of inflammatory neurodegenerative disorders.

Effects of Marginal Zn Excess and Thiamine Deficiency on Microglial N9 Cell Metabolism and Their Interactions with Septal SN56 Cholinergic Cells

Mild thiamine deficiency aggravates Zn accumulation in cholinergic neurons. It leads to the augmentation of Zn toxicity by its interaction with the enzymes of energy metabolism. Within this study, we tested the effect of Zn on microglial cells cultivated in a thiamine-deficient medium, containing 0.003 mmol/L of thiamine vs. 0.009 mmol/L in a control medium. In such conditions, a subtoxic 0.10 mmol/L Zn concentration caused non-significant alterations in the survival and energy metabolism of N9 microglial cells. Both activities of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and the acetyl-CoA level were not decreased in these culture conditions. Amprolium augmented thiamine pyrophosphate deficits in N9 cells. This led to an increase in the intracellular accumulation of free Zn and partially aggravated its toxicity. There was differential sensitivity of neuronal and glial cells to thiamine-deficiency-Zn-evoked toxicity. The co-culture of neuronal SN56 with microglial N9 cells reduced the thiamine-deficiency-Zn-evoked inhibition of acetyl-CoA metabolism and restored the viability of the former. The differential sensitivity of SN56 and N9 cells to borderline thiamine deficiency combined with marginal Zn excess may result from the strong inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase in neuronal cells and no inhibition of this enzyme in the glial ones. Therefore, ThDP supplementation can make any brain cell more resistant to Zn excess.

Mechanistic Impact of Zinc Deficiency in Human Development

Zinc (Zn) deficiency in humans is an emerging global health issue affecting approximately two billion people across the globe. The situation prevails due to the intake of Zn deficient grains and vegetables worldwide. Clinical identification of Zn deficiency in humans remains problematic because the symptoms do not appear until impair the vital organs, such as the gastrointestinal track, central nervous system, immune system, skeletal, and nervous system. Lower Zn body levels are also responsible for multiple physiological disorders, such as apoptosis, organs destruction, DNA injuries, and oxidative damage to the cellular components through reactive oxygen species (ROS). The oxidative damage causes chronic inflammation lead toward several chronic diseases, such as heart diseases, cancers, alcohol-related malady, muscular contraction, and neuro-pathogenesis. The present review focused on the physiological and growth-related changes in humans under Zn deficient conditions, mechanisms adopted by the human body under Zn deficiency for the proper functioning of the body systems, and the importance of nutritional and nutraceutical approaches to overcome Zn deficiency in humans and concluded that the biofortified food is the best source of Zn as compared to the chemical supplementation to avoid their negative impacts on human.

Nobiletin attenuates inflammation via modulating proinflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokine expressions in an autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse model

The aim of this study is to investigate the potential preventive and therapeutic effects of nobiletin by evaluating the expression of cytokines associated with inflammatory reactions in an autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse model. A total of 60 male C57BL/6 mice aged between 8 and 10 weeks were used. Mice were divided into six groups (n = 10 mice per group): control, EAE, low-prophylaxis, high-prophylaxis, low-treatment and high-treatment. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) and pertussis toxin. Nobiletin was administered in low (25 mg/kg) and high (50 mg/kg) doses, intraperitoneally. The prophylactic and therapeutic effects of nobiletin on brain tissue and spinal cord were evaluated by expression of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFNγ), IL-6, IL-10 and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) using immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Prophylactic and therapeutic use of nobiletin inhibited EAE-induced increase of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 activities to alleviate inflammatory response in brain and spinal cord. Moreover, nobiletin supplement dramatically increased the IL-10, TGF-β and IFNγ expressions in prophylaxis and treatment groups compared with the EAE group in the brain and spinal cord. The results obtained from this study show that prophylactic and therapeutic nobiletin modulates expressions of proinflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokines in brain and spinal cord dose-dependent manner in EAE model. These data demonstrates that nobiletin has a potential to attenuate inflammation in EAE mouse model. These experimental findings need to be supported by clinical studies.

Zinc Signaling in the Mammary Gland: For Better and for Worse

Zinc (Zn²⁺) plays an essential role in epithelial physiology. Among its many effects, most prominent is its action to accelerate cell proliferation, thereby modulating wound healing. It also mediates affects in the gastrointestinal system, in the testes, and in secretory organs, including the pancreas, salivary, and prostate glands. On the cellular level, Zn²⁺ is involved in protein folding, DNA, and RNA synthesis, and in the function of numerous enzymes. In the mammary gland, Zn²⁺ accumulation in maternal milk is essential for supporting infant growth during the neonatal period. Importantly, Zn²⁺ signaling also has direct roles in controlling mammary gland development or, alternatively, involution. During breast cancer progression, accumulation or redistribution of Zn²⁺ occurs in the mammary gland, with aberrant Zn²⁺ signaling observed in the malignant cells. Here, we review the current understanding of the role of in Zn²⁺ the mammary gland, and the proteins controlling cellular Zn²⁺ homeostasis and signaling, including Zn²⁺ transporters and the Gq-coupled Zn²⁺ sensing receptor, ZnR/GPR39. Significant advances in our understanding of Zn²⁺ signaling in the normal mammary gland as well as in the context of breast cancer provides new avenues for identification of specific targets for breast cancer therapy.

Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels as Regulators of Cell Death

Ion channels allow the flux of specific ions across biological membranes, thereby determining ion homeostasis within the cells. Voltage-gated potassium-selective ion channels crucially contribute to the setting of the plasma membrane potential, to volume regulation and to the physiologically relevant modulation of intracellular potassium concentration. In turn, these factors affect cell cycle progression, proliferation and apoptosis. The present review summarizes our current knowledge about the involvement of various voltage-gated channels of the Kv family in the above processes and discusses the possibility of their pharmacological targeting in the context of cancer with special emphasis on Kv1.1, Kv1.3, Kv1.5, Kv2.1, Kv10.1, and Kv11.1.

The aging brain: impact of heavy metal neurotoxicity

The aging process is accompanied by critical changes in cellular and molecular functions, which upset the homeostatic balance in the central nervous system. Accumulation of metals renders the brain susceptible to neurotoxic insults by mechanisms such as mitochondrial dysfunction, neuronal calcium-ion dyshomeostasis, buildup of damaged molecules, compromised DNA repair, reduction in neurogenesis, and impaired energy metabolism. These hallmarks have been identified to be responsible for neuronal injuries, resulting in several neurological disorders. Various studies have shown solid associations between metal accumulation, abnormal protein expressions, and pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This review highlights metals (such as manganese, zinc, iron, copper, and nickel) for their accumulation, and consequences in the development of neurological disorders, in relation to the aging brain.

The Redox Biology of Excitotoxic Processes: The NMDA Receptor, TOPA Quinone, and the Oxidative Liberation of Intracellular Zinc

This special issue of Frontiers in Neuroscience-Neurodegeneration celebrates the 50th anniversary of John Olney's seminal work introducing the concept of excitotoxicity as a mechanism for neuronal cell death. Since that time, fundamental research on the pathophysiological activation of glutamate receptors has played a central role in our understanding of excitotoxic cellular signaling pathways, leading to the discovery of many potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of acute or chronic/progressive neurodegenerative disorders. Importantly, excitotoxic signaling processes have been found repeatedly to be closely intertwined with oxidative cellular cascades. With this in mind, this review looks back at long-standing collaborative efforts by the authors linking cellular redox status and glutamate neurotoxicity, focusing first on the discovery of the redox modulatory site of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, followed by the study of the oxidative conversion of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) to the non-NMDA receptor agonist and neurotoxin 2,4,5-trihydroxyphenylalanine (TOPA) quinone. Finally, we summarize our work linking oxidative injury to the liberation of zinc from intracellular metal binding proteins, leading to the uncovering of a signaling mechanism connecting excitotoxicity with zinc-activated cell death-signaling cascades.

Sublethal treatment with plasma-activated medium induces senescence-like growth arrest of A549 cells: involvement of intracellular mobile zinc

Plasma-activated medium (PAM) is a solution produced by exposing a liquid medium to non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTAPP). A number of reactive molecules, such as reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species, are contained in PAM. Therefore, exposure to high doses of PAM results in cell death. We previously demonstrated that intracellular zinc (Zn²⁺) serves as an important mediator in PAM-induced cell death; however, the effects of sublethal treatment with PAM on cell functions are not fully understood. In the present study, we found that sublethal PAM treatment suppressed cell proliferation and induced senescence-like changes in lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. Cell cycle analysis revealed that PAM induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. PAM increased the level of intracellular free Zn²⁺ and the Zn²⁺ chelator TPEN counteracted PAM-induced growth suppression, suggesting that Zn²⁺ functions in PAM-induced growth suppression. In addition, sublethal treatment with PAM induced phosphorylation of ATM kinase, accumulation of p53 protein, and expression of p21 and GADD45A, which are known p53 target genes, in a Zn²⁺-dependent manner. These results suggest that the induction of growth arrest and cellular senescence by sublethal PAM treatment is mediated by Zn²⁺-dependent activation of the ATM/p53 pathway.

Spinal cord injury: pathophysiology, treatment strategies, associated challenges, and future implications

Axonal regeneration and formation of tripartite (axo-glial) junctions at damaged sites is a prerequisite for early repair of injured spinal cord. Transplantation of stem cells at such sites of damage which can generate both neuronal and glial population has gained impact in terms of recuperation upon infliction with spinal cord injury. In spite of the fact that a copious number of pre-clinical studies using different stem/progenitor cells have shown promising results at acute and subacute stages, at the chronic stages of injury their recovery rates have shown a drastic decline. Therefore, developing novel therapeutic strategies are the need of the hour in order to assuage secondary morbidity and effectuate improvement of the spinal cord injury (SCI)-afflicted patients' quality of life. The present review aims at providing an overview of the current treatment strategies and also gives an insight into the potential cell-based therapies for the treatment of SCI.

Molecular Neuroprotection Induced by Zinc-Dependent Expression of Hepatitis C-Derived Protein NS5A Targeting Kv2.1 Potassium Channels

We present the design of an innovative molecular neuroprotective strategy and provide proof-of-concept for its implementation, relying on the injury-mediated activation of an ectopic gene construct. As oxidative injury leads to the intracellular liberation of zinc, we hypothesize that tapping onto the zinc-activated metal regulatory element (MRE) transcription factor 1 system to drive expression of the Kv2.1-targeted hepatitis C protein NS5A (hepatitis C nonstructural protein 5A) will provide neuroprotection by preventing cell death-enabling cellular potassium loss in rat cortical neurons in vitro. Indeed, using biochemical and morphologic assays, we demonstrate rapid expression of MRE-driven products in neurons. Further, we report that MRE-driven NS5A expression, induced by a slowly evolving excitotoxic stimulus, functionally blocks injurious, enhanced Kv2.1 potassium whole-cell currents and improves neuronal viability. We suggest this form of "on-demand" neuroprotection could provide the basis for a tenable therapeutic strategy to prevent neuronal cell death in neurodegeneration.

Microglial priming in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease of central nervous system (CNS). Nowadays, increasing evidence suggests that immune system plays a significant role in the mechanisms of AD's onset and progression. Microglia, the main participator in the immune system of CNS, is always regarded as a protector of our brain in a healthy state and also has a beneficial role in maintaining the homeostasis of CNS microenvironment. However, chronic and sustained stimulation can push microglia into the state termed priming. Primed microglia can induce the production of amyloid β (Aβ), tau pathology, neuroinflammation and reduce the release of neurotrophic factors, resulting in loss of normal neurons in quantity and function that has immense relationship with AD. The therapeutic strategies mainly aimed at modulating the microenvironment and microglial activity in CNS to delay progression and alleviate pathogenesis of AD. Overall, in this review, we highlight the mechanism of microglial priming, and discuss the profound relationship between microglial priming and AD. Besides, we also pay attention to the therapeutic strategies targeting at microglial priming.

Apocynin Alleviates Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Through Regulating the Level of Zinc and Metallothionen

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the protective effects of apocynin on renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury (RI/RI) in rats. Rats preconditioned with apocynin were subjected to renal I/R. Zinc levels in serum and renal tissues, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine (Scr) were detected. We further measured the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD); the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α; and the expression of metallothionein (MT) in the renal tissues. Results indicated that the levels of MDA, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and MT in the kidney tissue and serum BUN and Scr levels in RI/RI group were significantly higher than those in sham-operated group, while the levels of serum Zn and kidney Zn and SOD were reduced in RI/RI group. Apocynin treatment further decreased the levels of MDA, IL-6, TNF-α, and serum BUN and Scr, whereas it significantly increased the levels of Zn, SOD, IL-4, IL-10, and MT in the kidney tissue and serum Zn. These findings suggest that apocynin might play a protective role against RI/RI in rats through regulating zinc level and MT expression involving in oxidative stress.

Targeting a Potassium Channel/Syntaxin Interaction Ameliorates Cell Death in Ischemic Stroke

The voltage-gated K⁺ channel Kv2.1 has been intimately linked with neuronal apoptosis. After ischemic, oxidative, or inflammatory insults, Kv2.1 mediates a pronounced, delayed enhancement of K⁺ efflux, generating an optimal intracellular environment for caspase and nuclease activity, key components of programmed cell death. This apoptosis-enabling mechanism is initiated via Zn²⁺-dependent dual phosphorylation of Kv2.1, increasing the interaction between the channel's intracellular C-terminus domain and the SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor activating protein receptor) protein syntaxin 1A. Subsequently, an upregulation of de novo channel insertion into the plasma membrane leads to the critical enhancement of K⁺ efflux in damaged neurons. Here, we investigated whether a strategy designed to interfere with the cell death-facilitating properties of Kv2.1, specifically its interaction with syntaxin 1A, could lead to neuroprotection following ischemic injury in vivo The minimal syntaxin 1A-binding sequence of Kv2.1 C terminus (C1aB) was first identified via a far-Western peptide screen and used to create a protherapeutic product by conjugating C1aB to a cell-penetrating domain. The resulting peptide (TAT-C1aB) suppressed enhanced whole-cell K⁺ currents produced by a mutated form of Kv2.1 mimicking apoptosis in a mammalian expression system, and protected cortical neurons from slow excitotoxic injury in vitro, without influencing NMDA-induced intracellular calcium responses. Importantly, intraperitoneal administration of TAT-C1aB in mice following transient middle cerebral artery occlusion significantly reduced ischemic stroke damage and improved neurological outcome. These results provide strong evidence that targeting the proapoptotic function of Kv2.1 is an effective and highly promising neuroprotective strategy.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Kv2.1 is a critical regulator of apoptosis in central neurons. It has not been determined, however, whether the cell death-enabling function of this K⁺ channel can be selectively targeted to improve neuronal survival following injury in vivo The experiments presented here demonstrate that the cell death-specific role of Kv2.1 can be uniquely modulated to provide neuroprotection in an animal model of acute ischemic stroke. We thus reveal a novel therapeutic strategy for neurological disorders that are accompanied by Kv2.1-facilitated forms of cell death.

Disruption of KV2.1 somato-dendritic clusters prevents the apoptogenic increase of potassium currents

As the predominant mediator of the delayed rectifier current, K_V2.1 is an important regulator of neuronal excitability. K_V2.1, however, also plays a well-established role in apoptotic cell death. Apoptogenic stimuli induce syntaxin-dependent trafficking of K_V2.1, resulting in an augmented delayed rectifier current that acts as a conduit for K⁺ efflux required for pro-apoptotic protease/nuclease activation. Recent evidence suggests that K_V2.1 somato-dendritic clusters regulate the formation of endoplasmic reticulum-plasma membrane junctions that function as scaffolding sites for plasma membrane trafficking of ion channels, including K_V2.1. However, it is unknown whether K_V2.1 somato-dendritic clusters are required for apoptogenic trafficking of K_V2.1. By overexpression of a protein derived from the C-terminus of the cognate channel K_V2.2 (K_V2.2CT), we induced calcineurin-independent disruption of K_V2.1 somato-dendritic clusters in rat cortical neurons, without altering the electrophysiological properties of the channel. We observed that K_V2.2CT-expressing neurons are less susceptible to oxidative stress-induced cell death. Critically, expression of K_V2.2CT effectively blocked the increased current density of the delayed rectifier current associated with oxidative injury, supporting a vital role of K_V2.1-somato-dendritic clusters in apoptogenic increases in K_V2.1-mediated currents.

Fluorescence detection of intracellular cadmium with Leadmium Green

Leadmium Green is a commercially available, small molecule, fluorescent probe advertised as a detector of free intracellular cadmium (Cd(2+)) and lead (Pb(2+)). Leadmium Green has been used in various paradigms, such as tracking Cd(2+) sequestration in plant cells, heavy metal export in protozoa, and Pb(2+) absorption by vascular endothelial cells. However very little information is available regarding its affinity and selectivity for Cd(2+), Pb(2+), and other metals. We evaluated the in vitro selectivity of Leadmium Green using spectrofluorimetry. Consistent with manufacturer's claims, Leadmium Green was sensitive to Cd(2+) (KD ~600 nM) and also Pb(2+) (KD ~9.0 nM) in a concentration-dependent manner, and furthermore proved insensitive to Ca(2+), Co(2+), Mn(2+) and Ni(2+). Leadmium Green also responded to Zn(2+) with a KD of ~82 nM. Using fluorescence microscopy, we evaluated Leadmium Green in live mouse hippocampal HT22 cells. We demonstrated that Leadmium Green detected ionophore-mediated acute elevations of Cd(2+) or Zn(2+) in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the maximum fluorescence produced by ionophore-delivered Zn(2+) was much less than that produced by Cd(2+). When tested in a model of oxidant-induced liberation of endogenous Zn(2+), Leadmium Green responded weakly. We conclude that Leadmium Green is an effective probe for monitoring intracellular Cd(2+), particularly in models where Cd(2+) accumulates rapidly, and when concomitant fluctuations of intracellular Zn(2+) are minimal.

Zinc regulates expression of IL-23 p19 mRNA via activation of eIF2α/ATF4 axis in HAPI cells

Zinc (Zn(2+)) is considered to be one of the factors aggravating brain damage after cerebral ischemia. Since Zn(2+) activates microglia, immune cells in the brain, this metal is proposed to modulate neuroinflammatory responses in the post-ischemic brain. Interleukin (IL)-23 is a heterodimeric cytokine composed of the p19 subunit unique to IL-23 and the p40 subunit common to IL-12. IL-23 has been shown to play a critical role in the progression of ischemic brain injury. However, whether Zn(2+) participates in the expression of IL-23 in microglia remains unknown. In this study, we examined the effect of Zn(2+) on IL-23 p19 mRNA expression using rat immortalized microglia HAPI cells. Exposure to Zn(2+) dose- and time-dependently induced the expression of IL-23 p19 mRNA in HAPI cells. Inhibitors of MAPK and NF-κB pathways failed to suppress this induction. Interestingly, we found that Zn(2+) stimulated the phosphorylation of eIF2α and promoted the nuclear accumulation of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4). Treatment with salubrinal, an eIF2α dephosphorylation inhibitor, enhanced Zn(2+)-induced ATF4 accumulation and IL-23 p19 mRNA expression. In addition, reporter assay using the IL-23 p19 promoter region revealed that ATF4 directly transactivated IL-23 p19 promoter and that dominant-negative ATF4 suppressed Zn(2+)-induced activation of IL-23 p19 promoter. Taken together, these findings suggest that Zn(2+) up-regulates expression of the IL-23 p19 gene via the eIF2α/ATF4 axis in HAPI cells.

Regulation of Pro-Apoptotic Phosphorylation of Kv2.1 K+ Channels

Caspase activity during apoptosis is inhibited by physiological concentrations of intracellular K⁺. To enable apoptosis in injured cortical and hippocampal neurons, cellular loss of this cation is facilitated by the insertion of Kv2.1 K⁺ channels into the plasma membrane via a Zn²⁺/CaMKII/SNARE-dependent process. Pro-apoptotic membrane insertion of Kv2.1 requires the dual phosphorylation of the channel by Src and p38 at cytoplasmic N- and C-terminal residues Y124 and S800, respectively. In this study, we investigate if these phosphorylation sites are mutually co-regulated, and whether putative N- and C-terminal interactions, possibly enabled by Kv2.1 intracellular cysteine residues C73 and C710, influence the phosphorylation process itself. Studies were performed with recombinant wild type and mutant Kv2.1 expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Using immunoprecipitated Kv2.1 protein and phospho-specific antibodies, we found that an intact Y124 is required for p38 phosphorylation of S800, and, importantly, that Src phosphorylation of Y124 facilitates the action of the p38 at the S800 residue. Moreover, the actions of Src on Kv2.1 are substantially decreased in the non-phosphorylatable S800A channel mutant. We also observed that mutations of either C73 or C710 residues decreased the p38 phosphorylation at S800 without influencing the actions of Src on tyrosine phosphorylation of Kv2.1. Surprisingly, however, apoptotic K⁺ currents were suppressed only in cells expressing the Kv2.1(C73A) mutant but not in those transfected with Kv2.1(C710A), suggesting a possible structural alteration in the C-terminal mutant that facilitates membrane insertion. These results show that intracellular N-terminal domains critically regulate phosphorylation of the C-terminal of Kv2.1, and vice versa, suggesting possible new avenues for modifying the apoptotic insertion of these channels during neurodegenerative processes.

Glia and zinc in ageing and Alzheimer's disease: a mechanism for cognitive decline?

Normal ageing is characterized by cognitive decline across a range of neurological functions, which are further impaired in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recently, alterations in zinc (Zn) concentrations, particularly at the synapse, have emerged as a potential mechanism underlying the cognitive changes that occur in both ageing and AD. Zn is now accepted as a potent neuromodulator, affecting a variety of signaling pathways at the synapse that are critical to normal cognition. While the focus has principally been on the neuron: Zn interaction, there is a growing literature suggesting that glia may also play a modulatory role in maintaining both Zn ion homeostasis and the normal function of the synapse. Indeed, zinc transporters (ZnT’s) have been demonstrated in glial cells where Zn has also been shown to have a role in signaling. Furthermore, there is increasing evidence that the pathogenesis of AD critically involves glial cells (such as astrocytes), which have been reported to contribute to amyloid-beta (Aβ) neurotoxicity. This review discusses the current evidence supporting a complex interplay of glia, Zn dyshomeostasis and synaptic function in ageing and AD.

Syntaxin-binding domain of Kv2.1 is essential for the expression of apoptotic K+ currents

Intracellular signalling cascades triggered by oxidative injury can lead to upregulation of Kv2.1 K(+) channels at the plasma membrane of dying neurons. Membrane incorporation of new channels is necessary for enhanced K(+) efflux and a consequent reduction of intracellular K(+) that facilitates apoptosis. We showed previously that the observed increase in K(+) currents is a soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE)-mediated process, and that the SNARE protein syntaxin binds directly to Kv2.1 channels. In the present study, we tested whether disrupting the interaction of Kv2.1 and syntaxin promoted the survival of cortical neurons following injury. Syntaxin is known to bind to Kv2.1 in a domain comprising amino acids 411-522 of the channel's cytoplasmic C terminus (C1a). Here we show that this domain is required for the apoptotic K(+) current enhancement. Moreover, expression of an isolated, Kv2.1-derived C1a peptide is sufficient to suppress the injury-induced increase in currents by interfering with Kv2.1/syntaxin binding. By subdividing the C1a peptide, we were able to localize the syntaxin binding site on Kv2.1 to the most plasma membrane-distal residues of C1a. Importantly, expression of this peptide segment in neurons prevented the apoptotic K(+) current enhancement and cell death following an oxidative insult, without greatly impairing baseline K(+) currents or normal electrical profiles of neurons. These results establish that binding of syntaxin to Kv2.1 is crucial for the manifestation of oxidant-induced apoptosis, and thereby reveal a potential new direction for therapeutic intervention in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

The role of intracellular zinc release in aging, oxidative stress, and Alzheimer's disease

Brain aging is marked by structural, chemical, and genetic changes leading to cognitive decline and impaired neural functioning. Further, aging itself is also a risk factor for a number of neurodegenerative disorders, most notably Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Many of the pathological changes associated with aging and aging-related disorders have been attributed in part to increased and unregulated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the brain. ROS are produced as a physiological byproduct of various cellular processes, and are normally detoxified by enzymes and antioxidants to help maintain neuronal homeostasis. However, cellular injury can cause excessive ROS production, triggering a state of oxidative stress that can lead to neuronal cell death. ROS and intracellular zinc are intimately related, as ROS production can lead to oxidation of proteins that normally bind the metal, thereby causing the liberation of zinc in cytoplasmic compartments. Similarly, not only can zinc impair mitochondrial function, leading to excess ROS production, but it can also activate a variety of extra-mitochondrial ROS-generating signaling cascades. As such, numerous accounts of oxidative neuronal injury by ROS-producing sources appear to also require zinc. We suggest that zinc deregulation is a common, perhaps ubiquitous component of injurious oxidative processes in neurons. This review summarizes current findings on zinc dyshomeostasis-driven signaling cascades in oxidative stress and age-related neurodegeneration, with a focus on AD, in order to highlight the critical role of the intracellular liberation of the metal during oxidative neuronal injury.

Enhancement of TWIK-related acid-sensitive potassium channel 3 (TASK3) two-pore domain potassium channel activity by tumor necrosis factor α

TASK3 two-pore domain potassium (K2P) channels are responsible for native leak K channels in many cell types which regulate cell resting membrane potential and excitability. In addition, TASK3 channels contribute to the regulation of cellular potassium homeostasis. Because TASK3 channels are important for cell viability, having putative roles in both neuronal apoptosis and oncogenesis, we sought to determine their behavior under inflammatory conditions by investigating the effect of TNFα on TASK3 channel current. TASK3 channels were expressed in tsA-201 cells, and the current through them was measured using whole cell voltage clamp recordings. We show that THP-1 human myeloid leukemia monocytes, co-cultured with hTASK3-transfected tsA-201 cells, can be activated by the specific Toll-like receptor 7/8 activator, R848, to release TNFα that subsequently enhances hTASK3 current. Both hTASK3 and mTASK3 channel activity is increased by incubation with recombinant TNFα (10 ng/ml for 2-15 h), but other K2P channels (hTASK1, hTASK2, hTREK1, and hTRESK) are unaffected. This enhancement by TNFα is not due to alterations in levels of channel expression at the membrane but rather to an alteration in channel gating. The enhancement by TNFα can be blocked by extracellular acidification but persists for mutated TASK3 (H98A) channels that are no longer acid-sensitive even in an acidic extracellular environment. TNFα action on TASK3 channels is mediated through the intracellular C terminus of the channel. Furthermore, it occurs through the ASK1 pathway and is JNK- and p38-dependent. In combination, TNFα activation and TASK3 channel activity can promote cellular apoptosis.

Voltage-gated potassium channels at the crossroads of neuronal function, ischemic tolerance, and neurodegeneration

Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels are widely expressed in the central and peripheral nervous system and are crucial mediators of neuronal excitability. Importantly, these channels also actively participate in cellular and molecular signaling pathways that regulate the life and death of neurons. Injury-mediated increased K(+) efflux through Kv2.1 channels promotes neuronal apoptosis, contributing to widespread neuronal loss in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and stroke. In contrast, some forms of neuronal activity can dramatically alter Kv2.1 channel phosphorylation levels and influence their localization. These changes are normally accompanied by modifications in channel voltage dependence, which may be neuroprotective within the context of ischemic injury. Kv1 and Kv7 channel dysfunction leads to neuronal hyperexcitability that critically contributes to the pathophysiology of human clinical disorders such as episodic ataxia and epilepsy. This review summarizes the neurotoxic, neuroprotective, and neuroregulatory roles of Kv channels and highlights the consequences of Kv channel dysfunction on neuronal physiology. The studies described in this review thus underscore the importance of normal Kv channel function in neurons and emphasize the therapeutic potential of targeting Kv channels in the treatment of a wide range of neurological diseases.

Amyloid β peptide-mediated neurotoxicity is attenuated by the proliferating microglia more potently than by the quiescent phenotype

Background

The specific role of microglia on Aβ-mediated neurotoxicity is difficult to assign in vivo due to their complicated environment in the brain. Therefore, most of the current microglia-related studies employed the isolated microglia. However, the previous in vitro studies have suggested either beneficial or destructive function in microglia. Therefore, to investigate the phenotypes of the isolated microglia which exert activity of neuroprotective or destructive is required.

Results

The present study investigates the phenotypes of isolated microglia on protecting neuron against Aβ-mediated neurotoxicity. Primary microglia were isolated from the mixed glia culture, and were further cultured to distinct phenotypes, designated as proliferating amoeboid microglia (PAM) and differentiated process-bearing microglia (DPM). Their inflammatory phenotypes, response to amyloid β (Aβ), and the beneficial or destructive effects on neurons were investigated. DPM may induce both direct neurotoxicity without exogenous stimulation and indirect neurotoxicity after Aβ activation. On the other hand, PAM attenuates Aβ-mediated neurotoxicity through Aβ phagocytosis and/or Aβ degradation.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the proliferating microglia, but not the differentiated microglia, protect neurons against Aβ-mediated neurotoxicity. This discovery may be helpful on the therapeutic investigation of Alzheimer’s disease.

Convergent Ca2+ and Zn2+ signaling regulates apoptotic Kv2.1 K+ currents

A simultaneous increase in cytosolic Zn(2+) and Ca(2+) accompanies the initiation of neuronal cell death signaling cascades. However, the molecular convergence points of cellular processes activated by these cations are poorly understood. Here, we show that Ca(2+)-dependent activation of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is required for a cell death-enabling process previously shown to also depend on Zn(2+). We have reported that oxidant-induced intraneuronal Zn(2+) liberation triggers a syntaxin-dependent incorporation of Kv2.1 voltage-gated potassium channels into the plasma membrane. This channel insertion can be detected as a marked enhancement of delayed rectifier K(+) currents in voltage clamp measurements observed at least 3 h following a short exposure to an apoptogenic stimulus. This current increase is the process responsible for the cytoplasmic loss of K(+) that enables protease and nuclease activation during apoptosis. In the present study, we demonstrate that an oxidative stimulus also promotes intracellular Ca(2+) release and activation of CaMKII, which, in turn, modulates the ability of syntaxin to interact with Kv2.1. Pharmacological or molecular inhibition of CaMKII prevents the K(+) current enhancement observed following oxidative injury and, importantly, significantly increases neuronal viability. These findings reveal a previously unrecognized cooperative convergence of Ca(2+)- and Zn(2+)-mediated injurious signaling pathways, providing a potentially unique target for therapeutic intervention in neurodegenerative conditions associated with oxidative stress.

Regulation of neuronal proapoptotic potassium currents by the hepatitis C virus nonstructural protein 5A

Apoptosis-enabling neuronal potassium efflux is mediated by an enhancement of K+ currents. In cortical neurons, increased currents are triggered by dual phosphorylation of Kv2.1 by Src and p38 at channel residues Y124 and S800. It was recently shown that a K+ current surge is also present in hepatocytes undergoing apoptosis, and that the hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) could inhibit Kv2.1-mediated currents and block cell death. Here, we show that NS5A1b (from HCV genotype 1b) expression in rat neurons depresses delayed rectifier potassium currents, limits the magnitude of the K+ current surge following exposure to activated microglia, and is neuroprotective. In a non-neuronal recombinant expression system, cells expressing Kv2.1 mutated at residue Y124, but not S800 mutants, are insensitive to NS5A1b-mediated current inhibition. Accordingly, NS5A1b coexpression prevents phosphorylation of wild-type Kv2.1 by Src at Y124, but is unable to inhibit p38 phosphorylation of the channel at S800. The actions of the viral protein are genotype-selective, as NS5A1a does not depress neuronal potassium currents nor inhibit Src phosphorylation of Kv2.1. Our results indicate that NS5A1b limits K+ currents following injury, leading to increased neuronal viability. NS5A1b may thus serve as a model for a new generation of neuroprotective agents.

The changing phenotype of microglia from homeostasis to disease

It has been nearly a century since the early description of microglia by Rio-Hortega; since then many more biological and pathological features of microglia have been recognized. Today, microglia are generally considered to be beneficial to homeostasis at the resting state through their abilities to survey the environment and phagocytose debris. However, when activated microglia assume diverse phenotypes ranging from fully inflamed, which involves the release of many pro-inflammatory cytokines, to alternatively activated, releasing anti-inflammatory cytokines or neurotrophins, the consequences to neurons can range from detrimental to supportive. Due to the different experimental sets and conditions, contradictory results have been obtained regarding the controversial question of whether microglia are “good” or “bad.” While it is well understood that the dual roles of activated microglia depend on specific situations, the underlying mechanisms have remained largely unclear, and the interpretation of certain findings related to diverse microglial phenotypes continues to be problematic. In this review we discuss the functions of microglia in neuronal survival and neurogenesis, the crosstalk between microglia and surrounding cells, and the potential factors that could influence the eventual manifestation of microglia.

Zinc induces caspase-dependent mitochondrial pathway of the programmed cell death in haemocytes of Drosophila melanogaster

Zinc is an essential trace element in cells. However, its high level in cytoplasm promotes activation of stress signaling pathways and may lead to cell death. In the present study we used Drosophila melanogaster blood cells (haemocytes), obtained from the third instar larvae, to study the effects of high concentrations of Zn(2+) on programmed cell death (PCD). We analyzed the activity of caspases, the level of caspase inhibitor protein DIAP1 and metallothioneins, as well as calcium concentrations and activity of mitochondria in haemocytes exposed to 0.35 and 1.7 mM concentrations of Zn. The obtained results showed that rapid increase of [Zn(2+)]( i ) in the cytoplasm up-regulates metallothionein MtnB but not MtnA gene expression in cells treated with Zn(2+) in both concentrations. Excess of Zn(2+) also induced activation of the initiator caspase Dronc, associated with the mitochondrial pathway of PCD, and the effector caspase DrICE. In turn, the activity of receptor-regulated Dredd caspase was not changed. The level of DIAP1 decreased significantly in haemocytes in the presence of high Zn(2+) concentration in comparison to untreated cells. Moreover, mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly decreased after exposure to Zn ions. These results indicate that high concentration of Zn(2+) in the cytoplasm of haemocytes induces PCD via a mitochondrial pathway and that caspases play a pivotal role in this process.

Redox regulation of intracellular zinc: molecular signaling in the life and death of neurons

Zn(2+) has emerged as a major regulator of neuronal physiology, as well as an important signaling agent in neural injury. The intracellular concentration of this metal is tightly regulated through the actions of Zn(2+) transporters and the thiol-rich metal binding protein metallothionein, closely linking the redox status of the cell to cellular availability of Zn(2+). Accordingly, oxidative and nitrosative stress during ischemic injury leads to an accumulation of neuronal free Zn(2+) and the activation of several downstream cell death processes. While this Zn(2+) rise is an established signaling event in neuronal cell death, recent evidence suggests that a transient, sublethal accumulation of free Zn(2+) can also play a critical role in neuroprotective pathways activated during ischemic preconditioning. Thus, redox-sensitive proteins, like metallothioneins, may play a critical role in determining neuronal cell fate by regulating the localization and concentration of intracellular free Zn(2+).

Microglial zinc uptake via zinc transporters induces ATP release and the activation of microglia

Previously, we demonstrated that extracellular zinc plays a key role in transient global ischemia-induced microglial activation through sequential activation of NADPH oxidase and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1. However, it remains unclear how zinc causes the sequential activation of microglia. Here, we examined whether transporter-mediated zinc uptake is necessary for microglial activation. Administration of zinc to microglia activated them through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) formation, which were suppressed by intracellular zinc chelation with 25 μM TPEN (N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine) or 2 μM BAPTA-AM (1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid-acetoxymethyl ester). The (65)Zn uptake by microglia was temperature- and dose-dependent, and it was blocked by metal cations, but not by L-type calcium channel blockers nifedipine and nimodipine. Expression of Zrt-Irt-like protein (ZIP)1, a plasma membrane-type zinc transporter, was detected in microglia, and nickel, a relatively sensitive substrate/inhibitor of ZIP1, showed cis- and trans-inhibitory effects on the (65)Zn uptake. Exposure of microglia to zinc increased the extracellular ATP concentration, which was suppressed by intracellular zinc chelation and inhibition of hemichannels. mRNA expression of several types of P2 receptors was detected in microglia, and periodate-oxidized ATP, a selective P2×7 receptor antagonist, attenuated the zinc-induced microglial activation via NADPH oxidase and PARP-1. Exogenous ATP and 2'(3')-O-(4-benzoyl-benzoyl) ATP also caused microglial activation through ROS generation and PAR formation. These findings demonstrate that ZIP1-mediated uptake of zinc induces ATP release and autocrine/paracrine activation of P2X(7) receptors, and then activates microglia, suggesting that zinc transporter-mediated uptake of zinc is a trigger for microglial activation via the NADPH oxidase and PARP-1 pathway. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Inhibitory effects of chalcone glycosides isolated from Brassica rapa L. 'hidabeni' and their synthetic derivatives on LPS-induced NO production in microglia

Activation of microglia induces the production of various inflammatory mediators including nitric oxide (NO), leading to neurodegeneration in many central nervous system diseases. In this study, we examined the effects of chalcone glycosides isolated from Brassica rapa L. 'hidabeni' on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production using rat immortalized microglia HAPI cells. 4'-O-β-D-Glucopyranosyl-3',4-dimethoxychalcone (A2) inhibited LPS-induced inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression and NO production. However, A2 did not affect nuclear factor-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. The signal transduction and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), which is activated via production of IFN-β by LPS, is an important transcription factor responsible for LPS-induced iNOS expression. A2 suppressed LPS-induced phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of STAT1, although it had no effects on LPS-induced IFN-β expression. These results indicate that the inhibitory effect of A2 is due to the prevention of STAT signaling. Moreover, structure-activity relationship studies on newly synthesized 'hidabeni' chalcone derivatives showed that 4'-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-3'-methoxychalcone (A11), which has no functional groups in the B-ring, inhibits LPS-induced NO production more potently than A2.

Nitric oxide signaling in brain function, dysfunction, and dementia

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signaling molecule that is widely used in the nervous system. With recognition of its roles in synaptic plasticity (long-term potentiation, LTP; long-term depression, LTD) and elucidation of calcium-dependent, NMDAR-mediated activation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), numerous molecular and pharmacological tools have been used to explore the physiology and pathological consequences for nitrergic signaling. In this review, the authors summarize the current understanding of this subtle signaling pathway, discuss the evidence for nitrergic modulation of ion channels and homeostatic modulation of intrinsic excitability, and speculate about the pathological consequences of spillover between different nitrergic compartments in contributing to aberrant signaling in neurodegenerative disorders. Accumulating evidence points to various ion channels and particularly voltage-gated potassium channels as signaling targets, whereby NO mediates activity-dependent control of intrinsic neuronal excitability; such changes could underlie broader mechanisms of synaptic plasticity across neuronal networks. In addition, the inability to constrain NO diffusion suggests that spillover from endothelium (eNOS) and/or immune compartments (iNOS) into the nervous system provides potential pathological sources of NO and where control failure in these other systems could have broader neurological implications. Abnormal NO signaling could therefore contribute to a variety of neurodegenerative pathologies such as stroke/excitotoxicity, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease.

Complex role of zinc in methamphetamine toxicity in vitro

Methamphetamine is a drug of abuse that can induce oxidative stress and neurotoxicity to dopaminergic neurons. We have previously reported that oxidative stress promotes the liberation of intracellular Zn(2+) from metal-binding proteins, which, in turn, can initiate neuronal injurious signaling processes. Here, we report that methamphetamine mobilizes Zn(2+) in catecholaminergic rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells, as measured by an increase in Zn(2+)-regulated gene expression driven by the metal response element transcription factor-1. Moreover, methamphetamine-liberated Zn(2+) was responsible for a pronounced enhancement in voltage-dependent K(+) currents in these cells, a process that normally accompanies Zn(2+)-dependent cell injury. Overnight exposure to methamphetamine induced PC12 cell death. This toxicity could be prevented by the cell-permeant zinc chelator N,N,N', N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-ethylenediamine (TPEN), and by over-expression of the Zn(2+)-binding protein metallothionein 3 (MT3), but not by tricine, an extracellular Zn(2+) chelator. The toxicity of methamphetamine to PC12 cells was enhanced by the presence of co-cultured microglia. Remarkably, under these conditions, TPEN no longer protected but, in fact, dramatically exacerbated methamphetamine toxicity, tricine again being without effect. Over-expression of MT3 in PC12 cells did not mimic these toxicity-enhancing actions of TPEN, suggesting that the chelator affected microglial function. Interestingly, P2X receptor antagonists reversed the toxicity-enhancing effect of TPEN. As such, endogenous levels of intracellular Zn(2+) may normally interfere with the activation of P2X channels in microglia. We conclude that Zn(2+) plays a significant but complex role in modulating the cellular response of PC12 cells to methamphetamine exposure in both the absence and presence of microglia.

Role of microglia in neurotrauma

Microglia are the primary mediators of the immune defense system of the CNS and are integral to the subsequent inflammatory response. The role of microglia in the injured CNS is under scrutiny, as research has begun to fully explore how postinjury inflammation contributes to secondary damage and recovery of function. Whether microglia are good or bad is under debate, with strong support for a dual role or differential activation of microglia. Microglia release a number of factors that modulate secondary injury and recovery after injury, including pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, nitric oxide, prostaglandins, growth factors, and superoxide species. Here we review experimental work on the complex and varied responses of microglia in terms of both detrimental and beneficial effects. Addressed in addition are the effects of microglial activation in two examples of CNS injury: spinal cord and traumatic brain injury. Microglial activation is integral to the response of CNS tissue to injury. In that light, future research is needed to focus on clarifying the signals and mechanisms by which microglia can be guided to promote optimal functional recovery.

Zn2+ regulates Kv2.1 voltage-dependent gating and localization following ischemia

The delayed-rectifier K(+) channel Kv2.1 exists in highly phosphorylated somatodendritic clusters. Ischemia induces rapid Kv2.1 dephosphorylation and a dispersal of these clusters, accompanied by a hyperpolarizing shift in their voltage-dependent activation kinetics. Transient modulation of Kv2.1 activity and localization following ischemia is dependent on a rise in intracellular Ca(2+)and the protein phosphatase calcineurin. Here, we show that neuronal free Zn(2+)also plays a critical role in the ischemic modulation of Kv2.1. We found that sub-lethal ischemia in cultured rat cortical neurons led to characteristic hyperpolarizing shifts in K(+) current voltage dependency and pronounced dephosphorylation of Kv2.1. Zn(2+)chelation, similar to calcineurin inhibition, attenuated ischemic induced changes in K(+) channel activation kinetics. Zn(2+)chelation during ischemia also blocked Kv2.1 declustering. Surprisingly, we found that the Zn(2+)rise following ischemia occurred in spite of calcineurin inhibition. Therefore, a calcineurin-independent rise in neuronal free Zn(2+) is critical in altering Kv2.1 channel activity and localization following ischemia. The identification of Zn(2+) in mediating ischemic modulation of Kv2.1 may lead to a better understanding of cellular adaptive responses to injury.

Enhanced microglial activation and proinflammatory cytokine upregulation are linked to increased susceptibility to seizures and neurologic injury in a 'two-hit' seizure model

Early-life seizures result in increased susceptibility to seizures and greater neurologic injury with a second insult in adulthood. The mechanisms which link seizures in early-life to increased susceptibility to neurologic injury following a 'second hit' are not known. We examined the contribution of microglial activation and increased proinflammatory cytokine production to the subsequent increase in susceptibility to neurologic injury using a kainic acid (KA)-induced, established 'two-hit' seizure model in rats. Postnatal day (P)15 rats were administered intraperitoneal KA (early-life seizures) or saline, followed on P45 with either a 'second hit' of KA, a first exposure to KA (adult seizures), or saline. We measured the levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, and S100B), the chemokine CCL2, microglial activation, seizure susceptibility and neuronal outcomes in adult rats 12 h and 10 days after the second hit on P45. The 'two-hit' group exposed to KA on both P15 and P45 had higher levels of cytokines, greater microglial activation, and increased susceptibility to seizures and neurologic injury compared to the adult seizures group. Treatment after early-life seizures with Minozac, a small molecule experimental therapeutic that targets upregulated proinflammatory cytokine production, attenuated the enhanced microglial and cytokine responses, the increased susceptibility to seizures, and the greater neuronal injury in the 'two-hit' group. These results implicate microglial activation as one mechanism by which early-life seizures contribute to increased vulnerability to neurologic insults in adulthood, and indicate the potential longer term benefits of early-life intervention with therapies that target up-regulation of proinflammatory cytokines.

Regulation of apoptotic potassium currents by coordinated zinc-dependent signalling

Oxidant-liberated intracellular Zn(2+) regulates neuronal apoptosis via an exocytotic membrane insertion of Kv2.1-encoded ion channels, resulting in an enhancement of voltage-gated K(+) currents and a loss of intracellular K(+) that is necessary for caspase-mediated proteolysis. In the present study we show that an N-terminal tyrosine of Kv2.1 (Y124), which is a known target of Src kinase, is critical for the apoptotic current surge. Moreover, we demonstrate that Y124 works in concert with a C-terminal serine (S800) target of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) to regulate Kv2.1-mediated current enhancement. While Zn(2+) was previously shown to activate p38, we show here that this metal inhibits cytoplasmic protein tyrosine phosphatase (Cyt-PTPepsilon), which specifically targets Y124. Importantly, a point mutation of Y124 to a non-phosphorylatable residue or over-expression of Cyt-PTPepsilon protects cells from injury. Kv2.1-encoded channels thus regulate neuronal survival by providing a converging input for two Zn(2+)-dependent signal transduction cascades.

Cytosolic labile zinc accumulation in degenerating dopaminergic neurons of mouse brain after MPTP treatment

High levels of labile zinc accumulate in degenerating neurons after brain injury, such as ischemic stroke, trauma, epilepsy, and hypoglycemia. Cytosolic zinc accumulation is also found in brain neurons undergoing apoptosis during development or after neuronal target ablation. Thus, staining with zinc-specific probes can be used to identify neuronal death in the brain. In this study, mice were intraperitoneally given four 20 mg/kg doses of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) at 2-hour intervals, and dopaminergic neurons were then evaluated for zinc accumulation and apoptosis. In the substantia nigra pars compacta, zinc-specific fluorescent dyes revealed that all degenerating neurons, identified by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling (TUNEL), or acid fuchsin or Fluoro-Jade C staining, contained high levels of cytosolic labile zinc. Nuclear condensation/fragmentation was noted in dopaminergic neurons with cytosolic zinc accumulation, indicating apoptotic cell death. These findings support the supposition that cytosolic labile zinc accumulation is an indicator of degenerating dopaminergic neurons in animal models of Parkinson's disease.

Zinc fingers as biologic redox switches?

Despite zinc ions being redox inert in biologic systems, zinc-finger structures act as redox-sensitive molecular switches controlling several crucial cellular processes. Oxidative or nitrosative stress, via modification of zinc finger cysteine thiols, leads to a release of Zn(2+) from these structures, causing not only a loss of zinc-finger function but also an increase of cytoplasmic or nuclear free Zn(2+) that may, in turn, stimulate and interfere with cellular signaling cascades. A signaling cascade stimulated by exposure of cells to zinc ions or to stressful stimuli that are reported to cause an intracellular release of zinc ions involves phosphoinositide 3'-kinases and the Ser/Thr protein kinase Akt, resulting in an inactivation of transcriptional regulators of the FoxO family. Possible modes of action of zinc ions to stimulate this signaling cascade and consequences of stimulation are discussed. Moreover, we present an overview on human diseases or disorders characterized by an intracellular Zn(2+) dyshomeostasis.

Protein kinase C regulation of neuronal zinc signaling mediates survival during preconditioning

Sub-lethal activation of cell death processes initiate pro-survival signaling cascades. As intracellular Zn(2+) liberation mediates neuronal death pathways, we tested whether a sub-lethal increase in free Zn(2+) could also trigger neuroprotection. Neuronal free Zn(2+) transiently increased following preconditioning, and was both necessary and sufficient for conferring excitotoxic tolerance. Lethal exposure to NMDA led to a delayed increase in Zn(2+) that contributed significantly to excitotoxicity in non-preconditioned neurons, but not in tolerant neurons, unless preconditioning-induced free Zn(2+) was chelated. Thus, preconditioning may trigger the expression of Zn(2+)-regulating processes, which, in turn, prevent subsequent Zn(2+)-mediated toxicity. Indeed, preconditioning increased Zn(2+)-regulated gene expression in neurons. Examination of the molecular signaling mechanism leading to this early Zn(2+) signal revealed a critical role for protein kinase C (PKC) activity, suggesting that PKC may act directly on the intracellular source of Zn(2+). We identified a conserved PKC phosphorylation site at serine-32 (S32) of metallothionein (MT) that was important in modulating Zn(2+)-regulated gene expression and conferring excitotoxic tolerance. Importantly, we observed increased PKC-induced serine phosphorylation in immunopurified MT1, but not in mutant MT1(S32A). These results indicate that neuronal Zn(2+) serves as an important, highly regulated signaling component responsible for the initiation of a neuroprotective pathway.

Selective inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatases by zinc accounts for extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2-dependent oxidative neuronal cell death

Oxidative stress induced by glutathione depletion in the mouse HT22 neuroblastoma cell line and embryonic rat immature cortical neurons causes a delayed, sustained activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, which is required for cell death. This sustained activation of ERK1/2 is mediated primarily by a selective inhibition of distinct ERK1/2-directed phosphatases either by enhanced degradation (i.e., for mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1) or as shown here by reductions in enzymatic activity (i.e., for protein phosphatase type 2A). The inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphatases in HT22 cells and immature neurons subjected to glutathione depletion results from oxidative stress because phosphatase activity is restored in cells treated with the antioxidant butylated hydroxyanisole. This leads to reduced ERK1/2 activation and neuroprotection. Furthermore, an increase in free intracellular zinc that accompanies glutathione-induced oxidative stress in HT22 cells and immature neurons contributes to selective inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphatase activity and cell death. Finally, ERK1/2 also functions to maintain elevated levels of zinc. Thus, the elevation of intracellular zinc within neurons subjected to oxidative stress can trigger a robust positive feedback loop operating through activated ERK1/2 that rapidly sets into motion a zinc-dependent pathway of cell death.