Exploration of the copper-related compensatory response in the Belgrade rat model of genetic iron deficiency

Iron metabolism and ferroptosis in diabetic bone loss: from mechanism to therapy

Osteoporosis, one of the most serious and common complications of diabetes, has affected the quality of life of a large number of people in recent years. Although there are many studies on the mechanism of diabetic osteoporosis, the information is still limited and there is no consensus. Recently, researchers have proven that osteoporosis induced by diabetes mellitus may be connected to an abnormal iron metabolism and ferroptosis inside cells under high glucose situations. However, there are no comprehensive reviews reported. Understanding these mechanisms has important implications for the development and treatment of diabetic osteoporosis. Therefore, this review elaborates on the changes in bones under high glucose conditions, the consequences of an elevated glucose microenvironment on the associated cells, the impact of high glucose conditions on the iron metabolism of the associated cells, and the signaling pathways of the cells that may contribute to diabetic bone loss in the presence of an abnormal iron metabolism. Lastly, we also elucidate and discuss the therapeutic targets of diabetic bone loss with relevant medications which provides some inspiration for its cure.

Oral Administration of Ginger-Derived Lipid Nanoparticles and Dmt1 siRNA Potentiates the Effect of Dietary Iron Restriction and Mitigates Pre-Existing Iron Overload in Hamp KO Mice

Intestinal iron transport requires an iron importer (Dmt1) and an iron exporter (Fpn1). The hormone hepcidin regulates iron absorption by modulating Fpn1 protein levels on the basolateral surface of duodenal enterocytes. In the genetic, iron-loading disorder hereditary hemochromatosis (HH), hepcidin production is low and Fpn1 protein expression is elevated. High Fpn1-mediated iron export depletes intracellular iron, causing a paradoxical increase in Dmt1-mediated iron import. Increased activity of both transporters causes excessive iron absorption, thus initiating body iron loading. Logically then, silencing of intestinal Dmt1 or Fpn1 could be an effective therapeutic intervention in HH. It was previously established that Dmt1 knock down prevented iron-loading in weanling Hamp (encoding hepcidin) KO mice (modeling type 2B HH). Here, we tested the hypothesis that Dmt1 silencing combined with dietary iron restriction (which may be recommended for HH patients) will mitigate iron loading once already established. Accordingly, adult Hamp KO mice were switched to a low-iron (LFe) diet and (non-toxic) folic acid-coupled, ginger nanoparticle-derived lipid vectors (FA-GDLVs) were used to deliver negative-control (NC) or Dmt1 siRNA by oral, intragastric gavage daily for 21 days. The LFe diet reduced body iron burden, and experimental interventions potentiated iron losses. For example, Dmt1 siRNA treatment suppressed duodenal Dmt1 mRNA expression (by ~50%) and reduced serum and liver non-heme iron levels (by ~60% and >85%, respectively). Interestingly, some iron-related parameters were repressed similarly by FA-GDLVs carrying either siRNA, including 59Fe (as FeCl3) absorption (~20% lower), pancreatic non-heme iron (reduced by ~65%), and serum ferritin (decreased 40-50%). Ginger may thus contain bioactive lipids that also influence iron homeostasis. In conclusion, the combinatorial approach of FA-GDLV and Dmt1 siRNA treatment, with dietary iron restriction, mitigated pre-existing iron overload in a murine model of HH.

Loss of divalent metal transporter 1 function promotes brain copper accumulation and increases impulsivity

The divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) is a major iron transporter required for iron absorption and erythropoiesis. Loss of DMT1 function results in microcytic anemia. While iron plays an important role in neural function, the behavioral consequences of DMT1 deficiency are largely unexplored. The goal of this study was to define the neurobehavioral and neurochemical phenotypes of homozygous Belgrade (b/b) rats that carry DMT1 mutation and explore potential mechanisms of these phenotypes. The b/b rats (11-12 weeks old) and their healthy littermate heterozygous (+/b) Belgrade rats were subject to elevated plus maze tasks. The b/b rats spent more time in open arms, entered open arms more frequently and traveled more distance in the maze than +/b controls, suggesting increased impulsivity. Impaired emotional behavior was associated with down-regulation of GABA in the hippocampus in b/b rats. Also, b/b rats showed increased GABAA receptor α1 and GABA transporter, indicating altered GABAergic function. Furthermore, metal analysis revealed that b/b rats have decreased total iron, but normal non-heme iron, in the brain. Interestingly, b/b rats exhibited unusually high copper levels in most brain regions, including striatum and hippocampus. Quantitative PCR analysis showed that both copper importer copper transporter 1 and exporter copper-transporting ATPase 1 were up-regulated in the hippocampus from b/b rats. Finally, b/b rats exhibited increased 8-isoprostane levels and decreased glutathione/glutathione disulfide ratio in the hippocampus, reflecting elevated oxidative stress. Combined, our results suggest that copper loading in DMT1 deficiency could induce oxidative stress and impair GABA metabolism, which promote impulsivity-like behavior. Iron-copper model: Mutations in the divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) decrease body iron status and up-regulate copper absorption, which leads to copper loading in the brain and consequently increases metal-induced oxidative stress. This event disrupts GABAergic neurotransmission and promotes impulsivity-like behavior. Our model provides better understanding of physiological risks associated with imbalanced metal metabolism in mental function and, more specifically, the interactions with GABA and redox control in the treatment of emotional disorders.

Whole-genome sequencing identifies a novel ABCB7 gene mutation for X-linked congenital cerebellar ataxia in a large family of Mongolian ancestry

X-linked congenital cerebellar ataxia is a heterogeneous nonprogressive neurodevelopmental disorder with onset in early childhood. We searched for a genetic cause of this condition, previously reported in a Buryat pedigree of Mongolian ancestry from southeastern Russia. Using whole-genome sequencing on Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform, we found a missense mutation in the ABCB7 (ABC-binding cassette transporter B7) gene, encoding a mitochondrial transporter, involved in heme synthesis and previously associated with sideroblastic anemia and ataxia. The mutation resulting in a substitution of a highly conserved glycine to serine in position 682 is apparently a major causative factor of the cerebellar hypoplasia/atrophy found in affected individuals of a Buryat family who had no evidence of sideroblastic anemia. Moreover, in these affected men we also found the genetic defects in two other genes closely linked to ABCB7 on chromosome X: a deletion of a genomic region harboring the second exon of copper-transporter gene (ATP7A) and a complete deletion of PGAM4 (phosphoglycerate mutase family member 4) retrogene located in the intronic region of the ATP7A gene. Despite the deletion, eliminating the first of six metal-binding domains in ATP7A, no signs for Menkes disease or occipital horn syndrome associated with ATP7A mutations were found in male carriers. The role of the PGAM4 gene has been previously implicated in human reproduction, but our data indicate that its complete loss does not disrupt male fertility. Our finding links cerebellar pathology to the genetic defect in ABCB7 and ATP7A structural variant inherited as X-linked trait, and further reveals the genetic heterogeneity of X-linked cerebellar disorders.

Counteract of bone marrow of blotchy mice against the increases of plasma copper levels induced by high-fat diets in LDLR-/- mice

BACKGROUND

Bone marrow of blotchy mouse (blotchy marrow) reflects the function of transmembrane domain and relevant intramembrane sites of ATP7A in myeloid cells. By chronic infusion of angiotensin II, we previously found that blotchy marrow plays a minor role in regulating plasma copper. Moreover, the recipients of blotchy marrow presented a moderate reduction of plasma lipids and inflammatory mediator production. Little is known about whether these changes are a specific response to angiotensin II or reveal a more general role of ATP7A.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

We investigated if blotchy marrow reduces plasma lipids and inflammatory mediators induced by high-fat diets. To test this hypothesis, blotchy and control marrows were reconstituted to the recipient mice (irradiated male LDLR-/- mice), followed by high-fat-diet feeding for 4 months. At the end points, plasma metals (copper, zinc and iron), lipid profiling (cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipids and lipoprotein) and six inflammatory mediators (lymphotacin, MCP3, MCP5, TIMP1, VEGF-A and IP-10) were measured. Parallel experiments were performed using male LDLR-/- mice fed either high-fat diets or chow diets for 4 months.

RESULTS

In addition to hyperlipidemia and low-grade inflammation, high-fat diets selectively increased plasma copper concentration compared to chow diets in LDLR-/- mice. After high-fat-diet feeding, the recipients with blotchy marrow showed a decrease in plasma copper (p < 0.01) and an increase in plasma iron (p < 0.05). The recipients with blotchy marrow also presented decreases in cholesterol (p < 0.01) and phospholipids (p < 0.05) in plasma. Surprisingly, plasma levels of MCP3 (p < 0.05), MCP5 (p < 0.05), TIMP1 (p < 0.01), VEGF-A (p < 0.01) and IP-10 (p < 0.01) were significantly increased in the recipients with blotchy marrow compared to controls; the increased levels of MCP3, MCP5 and TIMP1 were more than 50%.

CONCLUSION

Our studies showed that blotchy marrow counteracts the increased copper levels induced by high-fat diets, indicating that circulating myeloid cells can regulate blood copper levels via ATP7A. Moreover, transplantation of blotchy marrow followed by high-fat diets leads to a decrease in lipid profile and an increase in inflammatory mediator production. Overall, blotchy marrow mediates divergent responses to angiotensin II and high-fat diets in vivo.

Regulation of DMT1 on Bone Microstructure in Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetic osteoporosis is gradually attracted people's attention. However, the process of bone microstructure changes in diabetic patients, and the exact mechanism of osteoblast iron overload are unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the function of DMT1 in the pathological process of diabetic osteoporosis. We build the type two diabetes osteoporosis models with SD rats and Belgrade rats, respectively. Difference expression of DMT1 was detected by using the method of immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Detection of bone microstructure and biomechanics and iron content for each group of samples. We found that DMT1 expression in type 2 diabetic rats was higher than that in normal rats. The bone biomechanical indices and bone microstructure in the rat model deficient in DMT1 was significantly better than that in the normal diabetic model. The loss of DMT1 can reduce the content of iron in bone. These findings indicate that DMT1 expression was enhanced in the bone tissue of type 2 diabetic rats, and plays an important role in the pathological process of diabetic osteoporosis. Moreover, DMT1 may be a potential therapeutic target for diabetic osteoporosis.

Pathophysiology of the Belgrade rat

The Belgrade rat is an animal model of divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) deficiency. This strain originates from an X-irradiation experiment first reported in 1966. Since then, the Belgrade rat’s pathophysiology has helped to reveal the importance of iron balance and the role of DMT1. This review discusses our current understanding of iron transport homeostasis and summarizes molecular details of DMT1 function. We describe how studies of the Belgrade rat have revealed key roles for DMT1 in iron distribution to red blood cells as well as duodenal iron absorption. The Belgrade rat’s pathology has extended our knowledge of hepatic iron handling, pulmonary and olfactory iron transport as well as brain iron uptake and renal iron handling. For example, relationships between iron and manganese metabolism have been discerned since both are essential metals transported by DMT1. Pathophysiologic features of the Belgrade rat provide us with a unique and interesting animal model to understand iron homeostasis.

Divalent metal transporter 1 (Dmt1) mediates copper transport in the duodenum of iron-deficient rats and when overexpressed in iron-deprived HEK-293 cells

Intracellular copper-binding proteins (metallothionein I/II) and a copper exporter (Menkes copper-transporting ATPase) are upregulated in duodenal enterocytes from iron-deficient rats, consistent with copper accumulation in the intestinal mucosa. How copper enters enterocytes during iron deficiency is, however, not clear. Divalent metal transporter 1 (Dmt1), the predominant iron importer in the mammalian duodenum, also transports other metal ions, possibly including copper. Given this possibility and that Dmt1 expression is upregulated by iron deprivation, we sought to test the hypothesis that Dmt1 transports copper during iron deficiency. Two model systems were utilized: the Belgrade (b) rat, expressing mutant Dmt1, and an inducible Dmt1-overexpression cell culture system. Mutant rats (b/b) were fed a semipurified, AIN93G-based control diet and phenotypically normal littermates (+/b) were fed control or iron-deficient diets for ~14 wk. An everted gut sleeve technique and a colorimetric copper quantification assay were utilized to assess duodenal copper transport. The control diet-fed +/b rats had normal hematological parameters, whereas iron-deprived +/b and b/b rats were iron deficient and Dmt1 mRNA and protein levels increased. Importantly, duodenal copper transport was similar in the control +/b and b/b rats; however, it significantly increased (~4-fold) in the iron-deprived +/b rats. Additional experiments in Dmt1 overexpressing HEK-293 cells showed that copper ((64)Cu) uptake was stimulated (∼3-fold) in the presence of an iron chelator. Dmt1 transcript stabilization due to a 3' iron-responsive element was also documented, likely contributing to increased transport activity. In summary, these studies suggest that Dmt1 enhances copper uptake into duodenal enterocytes during iron deprivation.

Transcription factors Sp1 and Hif2α mediate induction of the copper-transporting ATPase (Atp7a) gene in intestinal epithelial cells during hypoxia

Genes with G/C-rich promoters were up-regulated in the duodenal epithelium of iron-deficient rats including those encoding iron (e.g. Dmt1 and Dcytb) and copper (e.g. Atp7a and Mt1) metabolism-related proteins. It was shown previously that an intestinal copper transporter (Atp7a) was co-regulated with iron transport-related genes by a hypoxia-inducible transcription factor, Hif2α. In the current study, we sought to test the role of Sp1 in transcriptional regulation of Atp7a expression during iron deprivation/hypoxia. Initial studies in IEC-6 cells showed that mithramycin, an Sp1 inhibitor, reduced expression of Atp7a and iron transport-related genes (Dmt1, Dcytb, and Fpn1) and blocked their induction by CoCl2, a hypoxia mimetic. Consistent with this, overexpression of Sp1 increased endogenous Atp7a mRNA and protein expression and stimulated Atp7a, Dmt1, and Dcytb promoter activity. Site-directed mutagenesis and functional analysis of a basal Atp7a promoter construct revealed four functional Sp1 binding sites that were necessary for Hif2α-mediated induction of promoter activity. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays confirmed that Sp1 specifically interacts with the Atp7a promoter in IEC-6 cells and in rat duodenal enterocytes. This investigation has thus revealed a novel aspect of Atp7a gene regulation in which Sp1 may be necessary for the HIF-mediated induction of gene transcription during iron deficiency/hypoxia. Understanding regulation of Atp7a expression may help further clarify the physiological role of copper in the maintenance of iron homeostasis. Furthermore, this Sp1/Hif2α regulatory mechanism may have broader implications for understanding the genetic response of the intestinal epithelium to maintain whole-body iron homeostasis during states of deficiency.

Copper stabilizes the Menkes copper-transporting ATPase (Atp7a) protein expressed in rat intestinal epithelial cells

Iron deficiency decreases oxygen tension in the intestinal mucosa, leading to stabilization of hypoxia-inducible transcription factor 2α (Hif2α) and subsequent upregulation of genes involved in iron transport [e.g., divalent metal transporter (Dmt1) and ferroportin 1 (Fpn1)]. Iron deprivation also alters copper homeostasis, reflected by copper accumulation in the intestinal epithelium and induction of an intracellular copper-binding protein [metallothionein (Mt)] and a copper exporter [Menkes copper ATPase (Atp7a)]. Importantly, Atp7a is also a Hif2α target. It was, however, previously noted that Atp7a protein expression was induced more strongly than mRNA in the duodenum of iron-deprived rats, suggesting additional regulatory mechanisms. The current study was thus designed to decipher mechanistic aspects of Atp7a regulation during iron deprivation using an established in vitro model of the mammalian intestine, rat intestinal epithelial (IEC-6) cells. Cells were treated with an iron chelator and/or copper loaded to mimic the in vivo situation. IEC-6 cells exposed to copper showed a dose-dependent increase in Mt expression, confirming intracellular copper accumulation. Iron chelation with copper loading increased Atp7a mRNA and protein levels; however, contrary to our expectation, copper alone increased only protein levels. This suggested that copper increased Atp7a protein levels by a posttranscriptional regulatory mechanism. Therefore, to determine if Atp7a protein stability was affected, the translation inhibitor cycloheximide was utilized. Experiments in IEC-6 cells revealed that the half-life of the Atp7a protein was ~41 h and, furthermore, that intracellular copper accumulation increased steady-state Atp7a protein levels. This investigation thus reveals a novel mechanism of Atp7a regulation in which copper stabilizes the protein, possibly complementing Hif2α-mediated transcriptional induction during iron deficiency.

Impairment of interrelated iron- and copper homeostatic mechanisms in brain contributes to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders

Iron and copper are important co-factors for a number of enzymes in the brain, including enzymes involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and myelin formation. Both shortage and an excess of iron or copper will affect the brain. The transport of iron and copper into the brain from the circulation is strictly regulated, and concordantly protective barriers, i.e., the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier (BCB) have evolved to separate the brain environment from the circulation. The uptake mechanisms of the two metals interact. Both iron deficiency and overload lead to altered copper homeostasis in the brain. Similarly, changes in dietary copper affect the brain iron homeostasis. Moreover, the uptake routes of iron and copper overlap each other which affect the interplay between the concentrations of the two metals in the brain. The divalent metal transporter-1 (DMT1) is involved in the uptake of both iron and copper. Furthermore, copper is an essential co-factor in numerous proteins that are vital for iron homeostasis and affects the binding of iron-response proteins to iron-response elements in the mRNA of the transferrin receptor, DMT1, and ferroportin, all highly involved in iron transport. Iron and copper are mainly taken up at the BBB, but the BCB also plays a vital role in the homeostasis of the two metals, in terms of sequestering, uptake, and efflux of iron and copper from the brain. Inside the brain, iron and copper are taken up by neurons and glia cells that express various transporters.

Multiple Menkes copper ATPase (Atp7a) transcript and protein variants are induced by iron deficiency in rat duodenal enterocytes

The Menkes copper ATPase (Atp7a) pumps copper into the trans-Golgi for cuproenzyme synthesis, and translocates to the basolateral membrane of enterocytes for copper export. Recent studies demonstrated that three 5' end splice variants of the Atp7a transcript exist in rat duodenum, all of which are strongly induced during iron deprivation. To explore a possible role for Atp7a (and copper) in intestinal iron absorption, the current studies were undertaken to test the hypothesis that multiple Atp7a transcript and protein variants exist in intestinal epithelial cells. Northern blot analyses using probes generated from the full-length Atp7a cDNA revealed several specific hybridization bands, all of which were more intense in RNA samples extracted from duodenal enterocytes isolated from iron-deficient rats. A PCR-based approach, using forward primers specific for the alternative 5' end splice variants and a reverse primer in exon 23, demonstrated that 3 full-length transcripts exist in rat IEC-6 cells. To identify possible Atp7a protein variants, three distinct polyclonal antisera were utilized. The specificity of the antisera was first established by western blotting and immunoprecipitation studies using samples derived from isolated rat enterocytes and Atp7a knockdown IEC-6 cells. Several specific immunoreactive bands were documented, and a unique Atp7a protein distribution in cytosolic vesicle-like structures was noted. In conclusion, multiple Atp7a transcript and protein variants exist in rodent intestinal epithelial cells and are induced by dietary iron deprivation. Further studies will be designed to determine the subcellular distribution of Atp7a protein variants and possible unique functions of each.

Charting the travels of copper in eukaryotes from yeast to mammals

Throughout evolution, all organisms have harnessed the redox properties of copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) as a cofactor or structural determinant of proteins that perform critical functions in biology. At its most sobering stance to Earth's biome, Cu biochemistry allows photosynthetic organisms to harness solar energy and convert it into the organic energy that sustains the existence of all nonphotosynthetic life forms. The conversion of organic energy, in the form of nutrients that include carbohydrates, amino acids and fatty acids, is subsequently released during cellular respiration, itself a Cu-dependent process, and stored as ATP that is used to drive a myriad of critical biological processes such as enzyme-catalyzed biosynthetic processes, transport of cargo around cells and across membranes, and protein degradation. The life-supporting properties of Cu incur a significant challenge to cells that must not only exquisitely balance intracellular Cu concentrations, but also chaperone this redox-active metal from its point of cellular entry to its ultimate destination so as to avert the potential for inappropriate biochemical interactions or generation of damaging reactive oxidative species (ROS). In this review we chart the travels of Cu from the extracellular milieu of fungal and mammalian cells, its path within the cytosol as inferred by the proteins and ligands that escort and deliver Cu to intracellular organelles and protein targets, and its journey throughout the body of mammals. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Cell Biology of Metals.

Immunoreactive hephaestin and ferroxidase activity are present in the cytosolic fraction of rat enterocytes

Discovered over a decade ago, hephaestin (Heph) has been implicated as a ferroxidase (FOX) vital for intestinal iron absorption. Stringent structural or kinetic data derived from purified, native protein is however lacking, leading to the hypothesis that an alternate, undiscovered form of Heph could exist in mammalian enterocytes. This possibility was tested using laboratory rodent and cell culture models. Cytosolic and membrane fractions were obtained from rat enterocytes and purity of the fractions was assessed. Western blot analyses revealed Heph in cytosol obtained by three different methods, ruling out the possibility of a method-induced artifact being the major contributor to this observation. Absence of two different membrane-proteins, ferroportin 1 and Menke's copper ATPase in cytosol, and the absence of lipids in representative cytosolic samples tested by thin layer chromatography, eliminated significant membrane contamination of cytosol. Further, immunohisto- and immunocyto-chemical analyses identified Heph in rat enterocytes and in two intestinal epithelial cell lines, IEC-6 and Caco-2, intracellularly. Additionally, cytosolic Heph increased upon iron-deprivation but more important, decreased significantly upon copper-deprivation, mimicking the response of membrane-bound Heph. Moreover, FOX activity was present in rat cytosol, and was partly inhibited by anti-Heph antibody. Finally, lack of immunodetectable ceruloplasmin (Cp) by western blot precluded Cp as an underlying cause of this activity. These data demonstrate that rat enterocytes contain a soluble/cytosolic form of Heph possibly contributing to the observed FOX activity.

Discovery of a cytosolic/soluble ferroxidase in rodent enterocytes

Hephaestin (Heph), a membrane-bound multicopper ferroxidase (FOX) expressed in duodenal enterocytes, is required for optimal iron absorption. However, sex-linked anemia (sla) mice harboring a 194-amino acid deletion in the Heph protein are able to absorb dietary iron despite reduced expression and mislocalization of the mutant protein. Thus Heph may not be essential, and mice are able to compensate for the loss of its activity. The current studies were undertaken to search for undiscovered FOXs in rodent enterocytes. An experimental approach was developed to investigate intestinal FOXs in which separate membrane and cytosolic fractions were prepared and FOX activity was measured by a spectrophotometric transferrin-coupled assay. Unexpectedly, FOX activity was noted in membrane and cytosolic fractions of rat enterocytes. Different experimental approaches demonstrated that cytosolic FOX activity was not caused by contamination with membrane Heph or a method-induced artifact. Cytosolic FOX activity was abolished by SDS and heat (78 °C), suggesting protein-mediated iron oxidation, and was also sensitive to Triton X-100. Furthermore, cytosolic FOX activity increased ∼30% in iron-deficient rats (compared with controls) but was unchanged in copper-deficient rats (in contrast to the reported dramatic reduction of Heph expression and activity during copper deficiency). Additional studies done in sla, Heph-knockout, and ceruloplasmin-knockout mice proved that cytosolic FOX activity could not be fully explained by Heph or ceruloplasmin. Therefore rodent enterocytes contain a previously undescribed soluble cytosolic FOX that may function in transepithelial iron transport and complement membrane-bound Heph.