6-Hydroxydopamine Induces Neurodegeneration in Terminally Differentiated SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells via Enrichment of the Nucleosomal Degradation Pathway: a Global Proteomics Approach

Structure-based design of multitargeting ChEs-MAO B inhibitors based on phenyl ring bioisosteres: AChE/BChE selectivity switch and drug-like characterization

A structure-based drug design approach was focused on incorporating phenyl ring heterocyclic bioisosteres into coumarin derivative 1, previously reported as potent dual AChE-MAO B inhibitor, with the aim of improving drug-like features. Structure-activity relationships highlighted that bioisosteric rings were tolerated by hMAO B enzymatic cleft more than hAChE. Interestingly, linker homologation at the basic nitrogen enabled selectivity to switch from hAChE to hBChE. In the present work, we identified thiophene-based isosteres 7 and 15 as dual AChE-MAO B (IC50 = 261 and 15 nM, respectively) and BChE-MAO B (IC50 = 375 and 20 nM, respectively) inhibitors, respectively. Both 7 and 15 were moderately water-soluble and membrane-permeant agents by passive diffusion (PAMPA-HDM). Moreover, they were able to counteract oxidative damage induced by both H2O2 and 6-OHDA in SH-SY5Y cells and predicted to penetrate into CNS in a cell-based model mimicking blood-brain barrier. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations shed light on key differences in AChE and BChE recognition processes promoted by the basic chain homologation from 7 to 15.

Mapping the Research of Ferroptosis in Parkinson's Disease from 2013 to 2023: A Scientometric Review

Methods

Related studies on PD and ferroptosis were searched in Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) from inception to 2023. VOSviewer, CiteSpace, RStudio, and Scimago Graphica were employed as bibliometric analysis tools to generate network maps about the collaborations between authors, countries, and institutions and to visualize the co-occurrence and trends of co-cited references and keywords.

Results

A total of 160 original articles and reviews related to PD and ferroptosis were retrieved, produced by from 958 authors from 162 institutions. Devos David was the most prolific author, with 9 articles. China and the University of Melbourne had leading positions in publication volume with 84 and 12 publications, respectively. Current hot topics focus on excavating potential new targets for treating PD based on ferroptosis by gaining insight into specific molecular mechanisms, including iron metabolism disorders, lipid peroxidation, and imbalanced antioxidant regulation. Clinical studies aimed at treating PD by targeting ferroptosis remain in their preliminary stages.

Conclusion

A continued increase was shown in the literature within the related field over the past decade. The current study suggested active collaborations among authors, countries, and institutions. Research into the pathogenesis and treatment of PD based on ferroptosis has remained a prominent topic in the field in recent years, indicating that ferroptosis-targeted therapy is a potential approach to halting the progression of PD.

Mitochondrial iron dyshomeostasis and its potential as a therapeutic target for Parkinson's disease

Abnormal iron accumulation has been implicated in the etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD). Understanding how iron damages dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) of PD is particularly important for developing targeted neurotherapeutic strategies for the disease. However, it is still not fully understood how excess iron contributes to the neurodegeneration of dopaminergic neurons in PD. There has been increased attention on mitochondrial iron dyshomeostasis, iron-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and ferroptosis in PD. Therefore, this review begins with a brief introduction to describe cellular iron metabolism and the dysregulation of iron metabolism in PD. Then we provide an update on how iron is delivered to mitochondria and induces the damage of dopaminergic neurons in PD. In addition, we also summarize new research progress on iron-dependent ferroptosis in PD and mitochondria-localized proteins involved in ferroptosis. This will provide new insight into potential therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial iron dysfunction.

Interplay of Vitamin D, Unfolded Protein Response, and Iron Metabolism in Neuroblastoma Cells: A Therapeutic Approach in Neurodegenerative Conditions

Vitamin D3 (VD) is crucial for various cell functions, including gene regulation, antioxidant defense, and neural health. Neurodegenerative conditions are closely linked to the unfolded protein response (UPR), a mechanism reacting to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Iron metabolism is intricately associated with UPR and neurodegeneration. This study used SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells to investigate the relationship between UPR, iron metabolism, and VD. Different sequences of treatments (pre- and post-treatments) were applied using VD and thapsigargin (Tg), and various methods were used for evaluation, including real-time qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, and iron content analysis. The findings indicate that VD affects UPR pathways, cytokine release, and iron-related genes, potentially offering anti-inflammatory benefits. It also influences iron transporters and storage proteins, helping to maintain cellular iron balance. Furthermore, pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) were impacting UPR activation in cells. VD also influenced fractalkine (CX3CL1) gene expression and secretion, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for addressing neuroinflammation and iron dysregulation. This research provides insights into the intricate connections among VD, UPR, and iron metabolism in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, with implications for future investigations and potential therapeutic approaches in neurodegenerative diseases characterized by UPR dysregulation and iron accumulation.

Comparative proteomics study of mitochondrial electron transport system modulation in SH-SY5Y cells following MPP+ versus 6-OHDA-induced neurodegeneration

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide. Several studies have investigated PD for decades; however, the exact mechanism of disease development remains unknown. To study PD, SH-SY5Y cells are often treated with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) or 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) to induce PD. To understand the mechanism of PD pathogenesis, we confirmed protein changes between 6-OHDA- and MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells via proteomics analysis using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. 6-OHDA-treated SH-SY5Y cells showed increased expression of electron transporter-related proteins compared to that in the control group, along with decreased expression in MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells. However, both down- and upregulation of electron transporter-related proteins increased mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. These proteins were confirmed via protein–protein interaction network analysis using IPA and STRING to induce mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. Cell-based experiments using flow cytometry verified that apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential were increased in both 6-OHDA- and MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Our results provide new insights into PD pathogenesis, thereby contributing to the understanding of the mechanisms of PD development.

The Potential Role of Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel in the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease second only to Alzheimer’s disease in terms of prevalence. Previous studies have indicated that the occurrence and progression of PD are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the most important causes for apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons. Therefore, maintaining the stability of mitochondrial functioning is a potential strategy in the treatment of PD. Voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) is the main component in the outer mitochondrial membrane, and it participates in a variety of biological processes. In this review, we focus on the potential roles of VDACs in the treatment of PD. We found that VDACs are involved in PD by regulating apoptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis. VDAC1 oligomerization, VDACs ubiquitination, regulation of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) by VDACs, and interaction between VDACs and α-synuclein (α-syn) are all promising methods for the treatment of PD. We proposed that inhibition of VDAC1 oligomerization and promotion of VDAC1 ubiquitination as an effective approach for the treatment of PD. Previous studies have proven that the expression of VDAC1 has a significant change in PD models. The expression levels of VDAC1 are decreased in the substantia nigra (SN) of patients suffering from PD compared with the control group consisting of normal individuals by using bioinformatics tools. VDAC2 is involved in PD mainly through the regulation of apoptosis. VDAC3 may have a similar function to VDAC1. It can be concluded that the functional roles of VDACs contribute to the therapeutic strategy of PD.