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- Title
Frataxin silencing alters microtubule stability in motor neurons: implications for Friedreich's ataxia.
- Authors
Piermarini, Emanuela; Cartelli, Daniele; Pastore, Anna; Tozzi, Giulia; Compagnucci, Claudia; Giorda, Ezio; D'Amico, Jessica; Petrini, Stefania; Bertini, Enrico; Cappelletti, Graziella; Piemonte, Fiorella
- Abstract
To elucidate the pathogenesis of axonopathy in Friedreich's Ataxia (FRDA), a neurodegenerative disease characterized by axonal retraction, we analyzed the microtubule (MT) dynamics in an in vitro frataxin-silenced neuronal model (shFxn). A typical feature of MTs is their "dynamic instability", in which they undergo phases of growth (polymerization) and shrinkage (de-polymerization). MTs play a fundamental role in the physiology of neurons and every perturbation of their dynamicity is highly detrimental for neuronal functions. The aim of this study is to determine whether MTs are S-glutathionylated in shFxn and if the glutathionylation triggers MT dysfunction. We hypothesize that oxidative stress, determined by high GSSG levels, induces axonal retraction by interfering with MT dynamics. We propose a mechanism of the axonopathy in FRDA where GSSG overload and MT de-polymerization are strictly interconnected. Indeed, using a frataxin-silenced neuronal model we show a significant reduction of neurites extension, a shift of tubulin toward the unpolymerized fraction and a consistent increase of glutathione bound to the cytoskeleton. The live cell imaging approach further reveals a significant decrease in MT growth lifetime due to frataxin silencing, which is consistent with the MT destabilization. The in vitro antioxi-dant treatments trigger the axonal re-growth and the increase in stable MTs in shFxn, thus contributing to identify new neuronal targets of oxidation in this disease and providing a novel approach for antioxidant therapies.
- Publication
Human Molecular Genetics, 2016, Vol 25, Issue 19, p4288
- ISSN
0964-6906
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1093/hmg/ddw260