DJ-1 changes in G93A-SOD1 transgenic mice: implications for oxidative stress in ALS

J Mol Neurosci. 2009 Jun;38(2):94-102. doi: 10.1007/s12031-008-9138-7. Epub 2008 Aug 19.

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, lethal, neurodegenerative disorder. The causes of ALS are still obscure. Accumulating evidence supports the hypothesis that oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction can be implicated in ALS pathogenesis. DJ-1 plays an important role in the oxidative stress response. The aim of this study was to discover whether there are changes in DJ-1 expression or in DJ-1-oxidized isoforms in an animal model of ALS. We used mutant SOD1(G93A) transgenic mice, a commonly used animal model for ALS. Upregulation of DJ-1 mRNA and protein levels were identified in the brains and spinal cords of SOD1(G93A) transgenic mice as compared to wild-type controls, evident from an early disease stage. Furthermore, an increase in DJ-1 acidic isoforms was detected, implying that there are more oxidized forms of DJ-1 in the CNS of SOD1(G93A) mice. This is the first report of possible involvement of DJ-1 in ALS. Since DJ-1 has a protective role against oxidative stress, it may suggest a possible therapeutic target in ALS.

MeSH terms

  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / genetics
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / metabolism*
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / physiopathology
  • Animals
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Oncogene Proteins / genetics
  • Oncogene Proteins / metabolism*
  • Oxidative Stress*
  • Peroxiredoxins
  • Point Mutation
  • Protein Deglycase DJ-1
  • Protein Isoforms / genetics
  • Protein Isoforms / metabolism*
  • Rotarod Performance Test
  • Spinal Cord / metabolism
  • Superoxide Dismutase / genetics*
  • Superoxide Dismutase / metabolism
  • Superoxide Dismutase-1

Substances

  • Oncogene Proteins
  • Protein Isoforms
  • SOD1 protein, human
  • Peroxiredoxins
  • Sod1 protein, mouse
  • Superoxide Dismutase
  • Superoxide Dismutase-1
  • PARK7 protein, mouse
  • Protein Deglycase DJ-1