Superoxide Anion, Uncoupling Proteins and Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

Superoxide anion is the first generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) after oxygen enters living cells. It was once considered to be highly deleterious to cell functions and aging. Therefore, antioxidants were suggested to prevent aging and degenerative diseases. However, superoxide signaling has been shown in many physiological responses such as transcriptional regulation, protein activation, bioenergy output, cell proliferation and apoptosis. The uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are a family of mitochondrial anion-carrier proteins located in the inner mitochondrial membrane and are considered to reduce the generation of superoxide anion through the mitochondrial mild uncoupling. UCPs are important in prevention of mitochondrial excessive generation of ROS, transfer of mitochondrial substrates, mitochondrial calcium uniport and regulation of thermogenesis. Superoxide anion and uncoupling proteins are linked to Alzheimer’s disease in mitochondria. Simultaneous disorders of superoxide and uncoupling proteins create the conditions for neuronal oxidative damages. On the one hand, sustained oxidative damage causes neuronal apoptosis and eventually, accumulated neuronal apoptosis, leading to exacerbations of Alzheimer’s disease. On the other hand, our study has shown that UCP2 and UCP4 have important impact on mitochondrial calcium concentration of nerve cells, suggesting that their abnormal expression may involve in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease.

Introduction

Supoxide anion (O₂^•−) is the first free radical of all reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in vivo. Mitochondrial respiratory chain is one of the main places where O₂^•− is produced [1]. A large number of studies have shown that O₂^•− can initiate a variety of oxidative damage responses to phospholipids, proteins and nucleic acids by generating many kinds of oxygen free radicals, causing degenerative diseases and aging [2]. Recently, it is found that the uncoupling proteins embedded in mitochondrial inner membrane are important molecules for the regulation of O₂^•− generation and protecting cells from oxidative damage [3]. Meanwhile, there’s a growing body of evidence to suggest that O₂^•− has important physiological functions in vivo, not only the culprit of cellular oxidative damage. It puts forward a theoretical challenge to the traditional concept of treating degenerative diseases and aging by using antioxidants to remove superoxide. This review will focus on the physiological functions of O₂^•− and uncoupling proteins, and try to discuss their roles in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease.

Physiological Functions of O₂^•−

Contrary to the once prevalent concept that O₂^•− is highly deleterious to cell function and healthy aging, at present, an important role of superoxide signaling has been discovered in a variety of physiological responses such as transcriptional activation, bioenergy output, cell proliferation, and apoptosis [4].

Transcriptional activation

New developments of superoxide anion participation in enzymatic phosphorylation/dephosphorylation reactions are of particular interest. These processes are mainly related to protein kinase cascade. Baas and Berk have found that O₂^•− activated mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) in vascular smooth muscle cells by a way different from H₂O₂ in 1995 [5]. Huang et al. suggested that the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) agonists stimulation of extracellular signal-related protein kinase (EPK) phosphorylation in murine myoblasts was mediated by O₂^•− [6]. It was found that mitochondrial superoxide modulated nuclear cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation in hippocampal neurons [7]. The activity of the important nuclear transcription factor NFκB is regulated by O₂^•− formation. NFκB is maintained in the cytosol in an inactive form bound to the inhibitor IκBα. Following plasma membrane superoxide and H₂O₂ formation, induced by various cell effectors (e.g. cytokines, hormones), and regulated by Ras 1 (G protein), a transduction protein phosphokinase acts to phosphorylate IκBα. This phosphorylation results in dissociation of the complex, IκBα-P ubiquitination and its destruction by the proteasome, and release of NFκB to translocate to the nucleus and function as a major transcription regulator [8]. Interestingly, recent evidence appears to directly implicate Na⁺/H⁺ transporter 1 (NHE1), which is strongly suggested as a key molecule in redox-mediated cell fate decisions, as a downstream target of intracellular ROS such that an increase in intracellular O₂^•− stimulates NHE1 promoter activity and gene expression [9].

Cell differentiation and proliferation

There is a growing literature on normally produced extracellular effectors determining the intracellular redox state of cells and consequently in some instances the course of cellular self-propagation or differentiation. As shown by Smith et al., an intracellular redox environment induced to favour a more oxidized state by thyroid hormone or bone morphogenic protein 4 leads to a differentiation of the precursor cells into oligodendrocytes or astrocytes. On the other hand, an intracellular redox environment induced to favour a more reducing state by basic fibroblast growth factor or platelet-derived growth factor promotes self-propagation of the precursor cells [10].

A substantial body of data support the involvement of low levels of O₂^•− in proliferative signaling. Increased, nontoxic O₂^•− levels achieved by downregulation of SOD with antisense oligonucleotides inhibited apoptosis, whereas over-expression of SOD or inhibition of NAD(P)H oxidase led to a decrease in O₂^•− and increased susceptibility of cells to undergo apoptosis [11]. Mild elevation in intracellular O₂^•− stimulates growth responses in a variety of cell types via activation of early growth-related genes such as c-fos and c-jun, alterations in the activities of protein kinases, oxidative inactivation of phosphatases, and activation of transcription factors [12, 13]. It seems that O₂^•− can serve as a growth signal in different cells via a rac/ras-NAD(P)H oxidase-MAPK signaling pathway [13]. Oberley et al. showed that overexpression of the oncogenic form of the small G protein v-Ha-ras increased O₂^•− generation and the growth of the human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT. In contrast, overexpression of virally transduced SOD blocked the growth-stimulatory effect of v-Ha-ras overexpression, suggesting that intracellular O₂^•− was responsible for this effect. In addition to the keratinocyte cell line, rat kidney epithelial cells could also be stimulated to grow and form colonies in soft agar in an O₂^•−-dependent manner by v-Ha-ras overexpression [14].

A few studies also suggested the involvement of O₂^•− in differentiation signaling. Wang et al. have reported that O₂^•− can promote osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells using animal and cell models [15]. Lately, reduced expression of the NADPH oxidase NOX4 was suggested as a hallmark of adipocyte differentiation. Data suggest an appealing scenario where in preadipocytes an initial insulin-induced “burst” in superoxide production may trigger signaling events leading to the initialization of the adipocyte differentiation process and eventually to the downregulation of NOX4 and the upregulation of insulin receptor expression [16].

Immunoprotection

T cell activation during an immune response is strongly augmented in the presence of O₂^•− or at relatively low concentrations of H₂O₂ via ROS dependent increase in IL-2 promoter activity and transcription and surface expression of the IL-2 receptor [17]. Macrophage plasma membrane NADPH oxidase is a potent source of very high concentrations of O₂^•− and hydrogen peroxide (mM) employed for the killing of sequestrated pathogen [18]. Moreover, recent findings suggest that ROS generated from the NADPH oxidase complex contribute to monocyte/macrophage survival [19].

Regulation of energy metabolism- Ca²⁺ regulating messenger

Wu and de Champlain have shown that superoxide enhanced the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol (PIP) to inositol 1,4,5-tris-phosphate (IP3) in rat aortic smooth muscle cells [20]. The regulation of calmodulin (CM) function by O₂^•−/hydrogen peroxide oxidation of specific methionine residues is now well-documented [21]. The oxidation of methionine residues at positions 144 and 145 of CM is involved in down regulation of plasma membrane (PM) Ca²⁺ ATPase activity [22]. It has also been reported from the same laboratory that methionine sulfoxide reductase can act reductively to restore the ability of oxidized CM to regulate PM–Ca²⁺ ATPase [23]. These results indicate that O₂^•−/hydrogen peroxide functions as part of the controlled regulation of the CM–PM–Ca²⁺ ATPase complex.

The regulated prooxidant formation of the O₂^•−/H₂O₂ second messenger system is essential for the normal physiological function of the metabolome. The normally functioning metabolome is the expression of a dynamic equilibrium comprised of thousands of anabolic and catabolic reactions, which are finely tuned by signaling systems. There is still much to be learnt about the up/down regulation of these messenger systems. The concept that O₂^•−/H₂O₂ causes random macromolecular damage should be discussed according to the specific cellular environment. Thus, the administration of antioxidants to quench the inferred toxicity of these compounds as a therapy for age associated diseases should be subjected to serious evaluation and needs to be supported by results from animal models and clinical trials [24].

Inhibition of apoptosis

Recent findings have demonstrated that a mild increase in intracellular superoxide inhibited apoptosis in tumor cells, irrespective of the trigger [25]. The discovery of the death inhibitory activity of intracellular O₂^•− has challenged the dogmatic view that ROS are deleterious to cell growth and survival. It appears that a permissive intracellular environment for apoptotic signaling is a function of a tight balance between intracellular O₂^•− and H₂O₂, and that a decrease in intracellular O₂^•− or a reciprocal increase in H₂O₂ facilitates apoptotic execution [26]. Earlier data implicated Rac-dependent increase in intracellular O₂^•− in the mitogenic signaling that is induced upon the activation of Ras [27]. As shown by Pervaiz et al., expression of a constitutively active form of Rac1 in human melanoma cells (M14) resulted in a mild increase in intracellular O₂^•− with a concomitant decrease in the sensitivity of tumor cells to apoptosis [28].

Regulation of protein activity and protein turnover

One of the established effects of O₂^•− in signaling is the activation of the ras/rac-Raf1-MAPK pathway [29]. Angiotensin II (ANG II) induces O₂^•− generation in endothelial cells via the ubiquitous NAD(P)H oxidase. This O₂^•− then activates the Raf-1-MAPK pathway, leading to altered gene expression. ANG II has also been shown to stimulate O₂^•− production in the central nervous system to increase vasopressin secretion and sympathetic outflow. This was confirmed in vivo as adenoviral vector-mediated expression of SOD (AdSOD) in mice blocked both ANG II-induced O₂^•− generation and changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and drinking behavior.

Huang et al. recently demonstrated that ERK activation induced by PPAR-γ agonists was blocked by a SOD mimetic and induced by an O₂^•−-generating system, representing another example that O₂^•− affecting protein activity [6]. Moreover, as previously described, O₂^•− can activate nuclear transcription factor NFκB [8].

Obviously, protein activation is an important function of O₂^•−. Conventionally, protein modifications by ROS and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are considered as random and highly undesirable, leading to protein malfunction. In turn, these modified proteins must be removed by proteasome-catalyzed degradation. However, contrary to this concept, current viewpoints suggest that NO/peroxynitrite and O₂^•−/H₂O₂ do not simply randomly damage proteins, instead, they play important roles in the regulated proteolysis and homeostasis of proteins. One example of protein degradation promoted by O₂^•− as mentioned above is the regulation of calmodulin activity [21, 22].

In addition, O₂^•− continually formed in small amounts during the oxidation of hemoglobin (Hb) to met Hb in the order of a steady state amount of 1–3%. The met Hb formed is continually reduced back to Hb by erythrocyte met Hb reductase to maintain oxygen homeostasis [18]. It suggests that the production of superoxide anion related to the body’s oxygen supply.

Physiological Functions of Uncoupling Proteins

The UCPs are a family of mitochondrial anion-carrier proteins that are located on the inner mitochondrial membrane. The UCP superfamily comprises integral membrane proteins that share structural and functional similarities. A common feature is a tripartite structure, with three repeats of ~100 amino acids, each containing two hydrophobic stretches that correspond to transmembrane alpha helices. The two transmembrane helices in each repeat are linked by a long hydrophilic loop, which is orientated towards the matrix side of the membrane, and the amino and carboxyl termini of UCP extend into the intermembrane space. Interestingly, anion carriers and channel proteins most frequently rely on the formation of alpha-helical stretches with 12 membrane-spanning regions, and the functional unit of UCPs is a homodimer formed by two identical subunits that contain 12 transmembrane helices. Therefore, although UCP4 and BMCP1 are divergent in amino acid sequence compared with UCP1, they share a common protein structure with UCP1–3, which underlies functional anion-carrier proteins.

Mitochondrial uncoupling mediated by UCP1 is classically associated with non-shivering thermogenesis by brown fat. Recent evidence indicates that UCP family proteins are also present in selected neurons. Notably, UCP4 and BMCP1 (also known as UCP5) have been shown to be highly expressed in the central nervous system. Unlike UCP1, these proteins (UCP2, UCP4 and BMCP1/UCP5) are not constitutive uncouplers and are not crucial for the non-shivering thermogenesis. However, they can be activated by free radicals and free fatty acids, and their activity has a profound influence on neuronal functions [30]. Except for UCP1, the precise physiological functions of UCPs have not yet been established. Following are several viewpoints about the physiological functions of UCPs.

Regulation of ROS production

UCPs are thought to be responsible for an inducible, mild uncoupling of mitochondria that may be able to prevent excessive mitochondrial ROS production [3, 31]. A lot of articles support this view, but it is hard to tell whether regulation of ROS production is the main function of UCPs or just the side effect of the main function.

Transportation of mitochondrial substrates

UCP3 expressed in glycolytic muscle fibres may be a passive pyruvate transporter ensuring equilibrium between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. Induction of UCP2 expression by glutamine strengthens the hypothesis that newly discovered UCPs could act to determine the choice of mitochondrial substrate [31].

Calcium regulation

Mitochondria have evolved as important cytosolic calcium buffers. Since calcium cannot be metabolized like other second-messenger molecules, intracellular calcium must be tightly regulated to maintain homeostasis. UCP2 and UCP3 were reported to be fundamentally involved in mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uniport, the process that represents the main pathway sequestrating Ca²⁺ into the mitochondrial matrix [32]. UCP4, a neuronal UCP, was also reported to regulate cellular Ca²⁺ homeostasis [33]. As mitochondria are enriched in presynaptic terminals, and the calcium milieu of axon terminals is important in vesicle traffic, fusion, release and recycling, regulation of presynaptic calcium concentrations by UCPs is expected to affect neurotransmission directly [30]. Our study shows that UCP2 and UCP4 have an important impact on mitochondrial calcium concentration of nerve cells, suggesting that their abnormal expression may be involved in the pathogenesis of AD [34].

Thermogenesis in microenvironments

CNS areas rich in UCPs (such as the hypothalamus) have a higher local temperature than areas relatively devoid of UCPs (for example, the striatum and thalamus, which have a 2.7% reduction compared with the hypothalamus), despite steady core body temperature. Recent evidence indicates that temperature gradients created by neuronal UCPs enhance the migration of chemical signals from a cell source to high-affinity receptors on cells for the signal, especially in brain regions where there are mismatches in innervation and receptor localization [35].

In short, by regulating mitochondrial biogenesis, calcium flux, free radical production and local temperature, neuronal UCPs can directly influence neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity and neurodegenerative processes. Insights into the regulation and function of these proteins offer unsuspected avenues for a better understanding of synaptic transmission and neurodegeneration [30].

The Roles of O₂^•− and Uncoupling Proteins in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease affects almost 2% of the population in industrialized countries and the risk is significantly increased in individuals of more than 70 years of age. It is characterized by neurofibrillary tangle formation in neuronal perikarya and extracellular deposits of amyloid-β protein [36]. Unfortunately, up to date we still have no effective cure for this disease. The studies over the past one hundred years haven’t given a complete answer for its etiology and pathogenesis. Therefore, according to new research data to explore the etiology and pathogenesis of AD from different perspectives is necessary.

The roles of O₂^•− in the pathogenesis of AD

There is extensive literature supporting a role of oxidative damage in the pathogenesis of AD and oxidative damage probably contribute causally to AD-related pathology [2]. Oxidative damage occurs early in the AD brain, before the onset of significant plaque pathology. Oxidative damage also precedes Aβ deposition in transgenic APP mice, with up-regulation of genes relating to mitochondrial metabolism and apoptosis occurring even earlier and co-localizing with the neurons undergoing oxidative damage. In a transgenic APP-mutant mouse, hemizygous deficiency of the mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme MnSOD markedly increased brain Aβ levels and plaque deposition [37]. O₂^•− is the precursor of many other ROS, thus its production may initiate the oxidative damage seen in AD brain.

Several cell signaling pathways linking oxidative stress and AD pathology have been uncovered recently. Specifically, oxidative stress may activate signaling pathways that alter APP or tau processing. For example, oxidative stress increases the expression of β-secretase through activation of c-Jun amino-terminal kinase and p38 MAPK, and increases aberrant tau phosphorylation by activation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 [38]. Oxidant-induced inactivation of critical molecules may also be important. In a proteomic study, the prolyl isomerase PIN1 was found to be particularly sensitive to oxidative damage. PIN1 catalyses protein conformational changes that affect both APP and tau processing. Knockout of Pin1 increases amyloidogenic APP processing and intracellular Aβ levels in mice [39]. PIN1-knockout mice also exhibit tau hyperphosphorylation, motor and behavioural deficits, and neuronal degeneration [40]. Therefore, oxidative stress may lead to AD-related pathological changes by inactivating PIN1.

AD was associated with significantly increased expression of the p53 pro-apoptosis gene, all 3 isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS 1-3), and NOX 1 and NOX 3, beginning early in the course of disease. Activation of cyto-protective mechanisms in AD brains is limited since the expression of uncoupling protein 2, 4, and 5, and PPAR alpha and delta genes is significantly reduced, whereas PPAR-gamma expression is selectively increased. The results demonstrate that AD is associated with early and striking increases in the molecular indices of oxidative stress. The simultaneous reductions in cyto-protective mechanisms (UCP and PPAR), could allow oxidative injury to go unchecked and persist or increase over time. Adopting strategies to reduce the effects of NOS and NOX activities, and improve the actions of UCPs and PPARs may help in the treatment of AD [41].

Notably, mitochondrion is the bridge to link together O₂^•−, UCPs and AD. Converging evidences suggest that most of the proteins implicated in AD pathogenesis have direct physical involvement with mitochondria or mitochondrial proteins. APP has been found to have a dual endoplasmic reticulum/mitochondrial-targeting sequence, and in cells and transgenic mice overexpressing APP it clogged the mitochondrial protein importation machinery, causing mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired energy metabolism [42]. Aβ binds to a mitochondrial-matrix protein termed Aβ-binding alcohol dehydrogenase (ABAD). Blocking the interaction of Aβ and ABAD with a ‘decoy peptide’ suppressed Aβ-induced apoptosis and free-radical generation in neurons. Conversely, overexpression of ABAD in transgenic APP-mutant mice exaggerated neuronal oxidative stress and impaired memory [43]. Two other groups have also reported that Aβ interacts with mitochondria, inhibiting cytochrome oxidase activity and increasing free-radical generation [44]. Aβ also inhibits α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase activity in isolated mitochondria, and deficiency of α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and cytochrome oxidase activities has previously been observed in the brain and other tissues in AD [45]. Aβ also interacts with the serine protease HTRA2 (also known as OMI) [46]. Presenilin and all the other components of the γ-secretase complex have also been localized to mitochondria, where they form an active γ-secretase complex [47].

It should be noted that most cells possess enzymatic systems that are capable of producing O₂^•−, whereas to date no cellular system is known to exclusively generate H₂O₂. In most cases, the first reaction of O₂ is the one-electron reduction O₂^•−. Although many biological effects have been ascribed to H₂O₂ and have been extensively discussed elsewhere, the insight starts to emerge that O₂^•− may be a more important mediator of cellular effects [12].

The roles of UCPs in the pathogenesis of AD

As mentioned above, once the expression levels of UCP 2, 4, 5 were significantly decreased, the ability of neurons from AD brain to be protected from oxidative stress damage was impaired. The impairment of the cell self-protection mechanism (UCPs and PPARs) makes it possible for the oxidative damage to persist unrestrictedly, even exacerbate over time.

Intriguingly, O₂^•− themselves can induce the expression of UCPs, including UCP2 and UCP4 [34], and activate proton transport through UCP1–3 [48]. Moreover, products of oxidative stress, such as 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, may also regulate mitochondrial uncoupling [49]. Therefore, ROS-induced uncoupling might act as a simple feedback mechanism to limit the extent of oxidative cell damage, which could lead to protection against neurodegenerative diseases and ageing.

Tangles and plaques are found predominantly in areas of AD brain that regulate learning, memory and emotional behaviours, including the hippocampus, cortex, basal forebrain and brain stem. Interestingly, these brain regions also express neuronal UCPs. Although there are no studies directly linking neuronal uncoupling activity to Alzheimer’s disease, neuronal UCPs might regulate many of the pathogenic mechanisms that lead to neuronal degeneration, such as increased oxidative damage, perturbed cellular calcium homeostasis, impaired energy metabolism and synaptic dysfunction [36]. Indeed, UCP4 modulates neuronal energy metabolism by increasing glucose uptake and shifting the mode of ATP production from mitochondrial respiration to glycolysis, thereby maintaining cellular ATP levels [50], and abnormalities in glucose regulation and insulin resistance are risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease [51]. Furthermore, dietary restriction, which protects neurons from dysfunction and death in models of Alzheimer’s disease [36], also enhances UCP4 expression in the cortex and hippocampus [52]. Our study shows that UCP2 and UCP4 modulate mitochondrial calcium concentration of nerve cells, and can be regulated by O₂^•−, suggesting that this dysfunction of mitochondrial calcium may be involved in the pathogenesis of AD [34].

Concluding Remarks

In summary, O₂^•− is an oxygen free radical with important physiological functions in vivo; UCPs are proteins with important physiological functions in vivo. O₂^•− is like a sharp double-edged sword, on the one hand, activating gene transcription, promoting cell growth and proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis, on the other hand, leading to oxidative stress, causing apoptosis. Neuronal UCPs can resist oxidative stress or maintain the calcium regulation capability of mitochondria to play a role in preventing the neurodegeneration of Alzheimer’s disease. Simultaneous disorders of O₂^•− and uncoupling proteins create the conditions for the neuronal oxidative damage. Sustained oxidative damage can further cause neuronal apoptosis and eventually, extended neuronal death, leading to exacerbations of Alzheimer’s disease. Block oxidative damage and balance of free radicals generation may inhibit neuronal apoptosis and eventually prevent and cure Alzheimer’s disease.

Abbreviations

UCPs

uncoupling proteins

AD

Alzheimer’s disease

ROS

reactive oxygen species

MAPK

mitogen-activated protein kinase

PPAR-γ

peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ

EPK

extracellular signal-related protein kinase

CREB

cAMP-responsive element-binding protein

NFκB

nuclear factor-κB

NHE1

Na⁺/H⁺ transporter 1

NOX

NADPH oxidase

PIP

phosphatidylinositol

IP3

inositol 1,4,5-tris-phosphate

CM

Calmodulin

PM

plasma membrane

ANG II

angiotensin II

AdSOD

adenoviral vector-mediated expression of SOD

RNS

reactive nitrogen species

Hb

hemoglobin

PIN1

peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase

APP

amyloid precursor protein

NOS

nitric oxide synthase

ABAD

Aβ-binding alcohol dehydrogenase

Biography

Zhaofei Wu, PhD candidate of Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, majors in biophysics. His main concern is the role of mitochondria in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Yan Zhao, received her Ph. D. degree in Nutritional Sciences from University of Kentucky and is currently an associate professor at Department of Food Sciences and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Wehai. Her main research interest is nutrition and disease prevention.

Prof. Baolu Zhao, graduated from Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Sciences (1978–1981). He is awarded lifetime honorary membership of the Oxygen Club of California in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the field of free radical biology. His main research interest is involvements of free radicals and antioxidants in prevention of diseases.