Over-expressed copper/zinc superoxide dismutase localizes to mitochondria in neurons inhibiting the angiotensin II-mediated increase in mitochondrial superoxide

Shumin Li, Adam J. Case, Rui Fang Yang, Harold D. Schultz, Matthew C. Zimmerman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

Angiotensin II (AngII) is the main effector peptide of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), and contributes to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease by exerting its effects on an array of different cell types, including central neurons. AngII intra-neuronal signaling is mediated, at least in part, by reactive oxygen species, particularly superoxide (O2-). Recently, it has been discovered that mitochondria are a major subcellular source of AngII-induced O2-. We have previously reported that over-expression of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), a mitochondrial matrix-localized O2- scavenging enzyme, inhibits AngII intra-neuronal signaling. Interestingly, over-expression of copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), which is believed to be primarily localized to the cytoplasm, similarly inhibits AngII intra-neuronal signaling and provides protection against AngII-mediated neurogenic hypertension. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that CuZnSOD over-expression in central neurons localizes to mitochondria and inhibits AngII intra-neuronal signaling by scavenging mitochondrial O2-. Using a neuronal cell culture model (CATH.a neurons), we demonstrate that both endogenous and adenovirus-mediated over-expressed CuZnSOD (AdCuZnSOD) are present in mitochondria. Furthermore, we show that over-expression of CuZnSOD attenuates the AngII-mediated increase in mitochondrial O2- levels and the AngII-induced inhibition of neuronal potassium current. Taken together, these data clearly show that over-expressed CuZnSOD in neurons localizes in mitochondria, scavenges AngII-induced mitochondrial O2-, and inhibits AngII intra-neuronal signaling.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)8-14
Number of pages7
JournalRedox Biology
Volume2
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 7 2013

Keywords

  • Angiotensin II
  • CuZnSOD
  • Mitochondria
  • Neurons
  • Potassium current
  • Superoxide

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Organic Chemistry

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