Search

Abstract: Mitochondrial uncoupling proteins (UCPs) uncouple oxidative phosphorylation from ATP synthesis. We explored the neuroprotective role of UCP4 with its stable overexpression in SH-SY5Y cells, after exposure to either MPP+ or dopamine to induce ATP deficiency and oxidative stress. Cells overexpressing UCP4 proliferated faster in normal cultures and after exposure to MPP+ and dopamine. Differentiated UCP4-overexpressing cells survived better when exposed to MPP+ with decreased LDH release. Contrary to the mild uncoupling hypothesis, UCP4 overexpression resulted in increased absolute ATP levels (with ADP/ATP ratios similar to those of controls under normal conditions and ADP supplementation) associated with increased respiration rate. Under MPP+ toxicity, UCP4 overexpression preserved ATP levels and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and reduced oxidative stress; the preserved ATP level was not due to increased glycolysis. Under MPP+ toxicity, the induction of UCP2 expression in vector controls was absent in UCP4-overexpressing cells, suggesting that UCP4 may compensate for UCP2 expression. UCP4 function does not seem to adhere to the mild uncoupling hypothesis in its neuroprotective mechanisms under oxidative stress and ATP deficiency. UCP4 overexpression increases cell survival by inducing oxidative phosphorylation, preserving ATP synthesis and MMP, and reducing oxidative stress. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We explored the protective mechanisms of human neuronal mitochondrial uncoupling protein-5 (UCP5) in MPP+- and dopamine-induced toxicity after its stable overexpression in SH-SY5Y cells. We raised specific polyclonal antibodies. Overexpressed UCP5 localized in mitochondria but not in cytosol. UCP5 overexpression increased proton leak, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reduced ATP production, and increased overall oxygen consumption (demonstrating uncoupling activity). UCP5 overexpression did not affect other neuronal UCP expression (UCP2 and UCP4). Overexpressing UCP5 is protective against MPP+- and dopamine-induced toxicity. MPP+ and dopamine exposure for 6h reduced MMP and increased superoxide levels. ATP levels in UCP5-overexpressing cells were preserved under MPP+ and dopamine toxicity, comparable to levels in untreated vector controls. At 24h, UCP5 overexpression preserved MMP, ATP levels, and cell survival; attenuated superoxide generation; and maintained oxidative phosphorylation as indicated by lower lactate levels. MPP+ and dopamine exposure induced UCP5 mRNA transcription but did not decrease transcript degradation, as inhibition of transcription by actinomycin-D abolished induction by either toxin. Compared with our previous studies on UCP4, we observed functional differences between UCP4 and UCP5 in enhancing mitochondrial efficiency. These neuronal UCP homologues may work synergistically to maintain oxidative balance (through uncoupling activities) and ATP production (by modifying MMP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]