Chaperone-mediated autophagy: roles in neuroprotection.

Chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA), one of the main pathways of lysosomal proteolysis, is characterized by the selective targeting and direct translocation into the lysosomal lumen of substrate proteins containing a targeting motif biochemically related to the pentapeptide KFERQ. Along with the other two lysosomal pathways, macro- and micro-autophagy, CMA is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and survival by selectively degrading misfolded, oxidized, or damaged cytosolic proteins. CMA plays an important role in pathologies such as cancer, kidney disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. Neurons are post-mitotic and highly susceptible to dysfunction of cellular quality-control systems. Maintaining a balance between protein synthesis and degradation is critical for neuronal functions and homeostasis. Recent studies have revealed several new mechanisms by which CMA protects neurons through regulating factors critical for their viability and homeostasis. In the current review, we summarize recent advances in the understanding of the regulation and physiology of CMA with a specific focus on its possible roles in neuroprotection.

Transcription factor myocyte enhancer factor 2D regulates interleukin-10 production in microglia to protect neuronal cells from inflammation-induced death.

BACKGROUND: Neuroinflammatory responses have been recognized as an important aspect in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Transcriptional regulation plays a critical role in the process of inflammation. Transcription factor myocyte enhancer factor 2D (MEF2D) is identified as a central factor in transmission of extracellular signals and activation of the genetic programs in response to a wide range of stimuli in several cell types, including neurons. But its presence and function in microglia have not been reported. We therefore investigated the effect of MEF2D in activated microglia on the progress of neuroinflammation and the survival of neurons. METHODS: BV2 cells and primary cultured glial cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Samples from cells were examined for MEF2D expression, interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) by immunoblotting, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The activity of MEF2D was examined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP). Recombinant lentivirus expressing shRNA specific to MEF2D was used to silence MEF2D expression in BV2 cells. The role of IL-10 transcriptionally induced by MEF2D on neuronal survival was assessed by anti-IL-10 neutralizing antibody. The survival of neurons was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Male C57bl/6 mice were used to establish an acute PD model. Brain sections and cell slides were tested by immunofluorescence. RESULTS: We demonstrated that MEF2D was present in microglia. Activation of microglia was associated with an increase in MEF2D level and activity in response to different stimuli in vivo and in vitro. MEF2D bound to a MEF2 consensus site in the promoter region of IL-10 gene and stimulated IL-10 transcription. Silencing MEF2D decreased the level of IL-10, increased the TNF-α mRNA, and promoted inflammation-induced cytotoxicity, consistent with the result of inhibiting IL-10 activity with an anti-IL-10 neutralizing antibody. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identifies MEF2D as a critical regulator of IL-10 gene expression that negatively controls microglia inflammation response and prevents inflammation-mediated cytotoxicity.

Myricitrin alleviates MPP⁺-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in a DJ-1-dependent manner in SN4741 cells.

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction have been linked to Parkinson's disease. DJ-1 is a recessive familial PD gene involved in antioxidative function and mitochondrial maintenance. Myricitrin, a flavanoid isolated from the root bark of Myrica cerifera, has potent antioxidative properties. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of myricitrin against MPP(+)-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in SN4741 cells and attempted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this protection. The results showed that incubating SN4741 cells with myricitrin significantly reduced cell death induced by the neurotoxin MPP(+). Furthermore, myricitrin protected cells from MPP(+)-induced effects on mitochondrial morphology and function. However, these protective effects were lost under DJ-1-deficient conditions. Thus, our results suggest that myricitrin alleviates MPP(+)-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and increases cell viability via DJ-1, indicating that myricitrin is a potential beneficial agent for age-related neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson's disease.