高铁对大鼠大脑皮层二价金属转运蛋白1表达的影响

目的 探讨在脑铁代谢中发挥重要生理作用的二价金属转运蛋白1(DMT1)的表达及其调控机制.方法 大鼠(n=6)侧脑室注射右旋糖酐铁3d和7d后,采用铁组织化学法检测脑内铁含量的变化,免疫组织化学技术检测大脑皮层中DMT1的两种亚型,即DMT1(+IRE)和DMT1(-IRE)蛋白表达的变化.结果 铁组织化学染色结果显示,大鼠侧脑室注射右旋糖酐铁500μg/(只·d)7d后,大脑皮层中二价铁和三价铁均显著增高.同时,免疫组织化学结果表明,与对照组相比,脑内达高铁状态时大脑皮层DMT1(+IRE)蛋白表达显著升高,而DMT1(-IRE)蛋白表达无显著变化.结论 在大鼠大脑皮层中,DMT1(+IRE)蛋白对铁水平的升高更为敏感,其表达与脑铁水平(尤其是二价铁)呈正相关.高铁对脑内不同区域内不同亚型DMT1表达的影响存在特异性.     

Effects of Intracerebroventricular Injection of Iron Dextran on the Iron Concentration and Divalent Metal Transporter 1 Expression in the Caudate Putamen and Substantia Nigra of Rats

The cellular localization of DMT1 and its functional characterization suggest that DMT1 may play an important role in the physiological brain iron transport. But the regulation of DMT1 expression by iron in the brain is still not clearly understood. In this study, both the contents of ferric and ferrous iron as well as DMT1 expression were evaluated in CPu and SN after ICV of 500 μg iron dextran/rat/day for 3 or 7 days. It was found that the iron levels in CPu and SN were not altered obviously until ICV for 7 days. Immunohistochemistry results indicated that the expression of DMT1 (?IRE) in CPu and SN was not altered significantly after 3 days of ICV. Whereas the expression of DMT1 (?IRE) decreased significantly after 7 days of ICV when ferrous iron was increased significantly. Contrary to that of DMT1 (?IRE) in the same regions, there were no significant alterations in DMT1 (+IRE) expression in CPu and SN in spite of the existence of the altered iron levels, compared with that of control groups. The results demonstrate that DMT1 (?IRE) expression was correlated probably with brain iron levels; especially, its regulation was correlated with ferrous iron (not ferric iron) in CPu and SN in adult rats, compared with those of saline‐injected control rats. The effect of ferrous iron on the expression of DMT1 (?IRE) in the brain also suggests that it might play a major physiological role in brain iron uptake and transport, but further studies are needed to clarify these issues. Anat Rec, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Expression of divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) isoforms in first trimester human placenta and embryonic tissues

BACKGROUND: Divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein which mediates the proton-coupled transport of a variety of divalent metal ions. Two isoforms, which differ by the presence (DMT1-IRE) or absence (DMT1-nonIRE) of an iron-responsive element (IRE) in their 3' untranslated region, are implicated in apical iron transport and endosomal iron transport respectively. Although the expression pattern of DMT1 isoforms is tissue specific in adult, data regarding its expression in embryonic tissues are lacking. METHODS: Semiquantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to study the mRNA and protein expression of both DMT1 isoforms in embryonic tissues between 8 and 14 weeks gestational age. RESULTS: DMT1-IRE and DMT1-nonIRE expressions were ubiquitous in embryonic tissues examined. In the lung, statistically significant correlations were found between the levels of DMT1 isoform expression and gestational age. In the placenta, DMT1-IRE was the predominantly expressed isoform. Both isoform proteins were localized in embryonic epithelial cellular membrane. CONCLUSION: Both DMT1 isoforms are ubiquitously expressed in embryonic tissues in the first trimester. Predominant DMT1-IRE isoform expression in placenta suggests an iron-regulatory mechanism reminiscent of that in the adult duodenum. Epithelial distributions of both DMT1 isoforms are associated with the absorptive or excretory functions of the expressed tissues.     

脑缺血诱导大鼠皮层和海马二价金属离子转运体1表达增加的研究

目的:探讨脑缺血对大鼠皮层、海马二价金属离子转运体1(DMT1)表达的影响。方法:雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为脑缺血1、3、7、28 d和假手术组。结扎双侧颈总动脉建立脑缺血模型组,假手术组仅分离双侧颈总动脉但不结扎。采用RT-PCR测定DMT1+/-IRE mRNA的表达;采用免疫组化染色测定大鼠皮层及海马组织DMT1的表达。结果:大鼠皮层和海马DMT1+/-IRE mRNA的表达随缺血时间的延长逐渐增加。与假手术组比较,皮层DMT1+/-IRE mRNA的表达在缺血1、3 d时无差异(P>0.05);缺血7 d时表达增加(P<0.01),缺血28d时增加更明显(P<0.01)。海马DMT1-IRE mRNA表达除在缺血1 d时与假手术组无差异外(P>0.05),其余时间点DMT1+/-IRE mRNA表达均高于假手术组(P<0.01)。随缺血时间的延长,大鼠皮层、海马的锥体细胞、颗粒细胞及血管内皮细胞DMT1的表达逐渐增加。DMT1的表达除缺血1 d组与假手术组无差别外(P>0.05),其余各组均高于假手术组(P<0.05)。结论:脑缺血可诱导大鼠皮层及海马DMT1表达升高,DMT1表达的改变可能参与了脑缺血引起大鼠脑铁含量升高及神经元铁沉积过程。     

Up-regulation of divalent metal transporter 1 is involved in 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+))-induced apoptosis in MES23.5 cells

Apoptosis has been identified as one of the important mechanisms involved in the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease (PD). Our previous study showed increased iron levels in the substantia nigra as well as loss of dopaminergic neurons in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced PD mouse models. 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP⁺) is commonly used to establish a cellular model of PD. Although intracellular iron plays a crucial role in MPP⁺-induced apoptosis, the molecular mechanism linking increased iron and MPP⁺-induced neurodegeneration is largely unknown. In the present study, we investigate the involvement of divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) that accounts for the ferrous iron transport in MPP⁺-treated MES23.5 cells. In the treated cells, a significant influx of ferrous iron was observed. This resulted in a decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, an elevated level of ROS production and activation of caspase-3 were also detected, as well as the subsequent cell apoptosis. These effects could be fully abolished by iron chelator desferal (DFO). Increased DMT1 (−IRE) expression but not DMT1 (+IRE) accounted for the increased iron influx. However, there were no changes for iron regulatory protein 1 (IRP1), despite decreased expression of IRP2. Iron itself had no effect on IRP1 and IRP2 expression. Our data suggest that although DMT1 mRNA contains an iron responsive element, its expression is not totally controlled by this. MPP⁺ could up-regulate the expression of DMT1 (−IRE) in an IRE/IRP-independent manner. Our findings also show that MPP⁺-induced apoptosis in MES23.5 cells involves DMT1-dependent iron influx and mitochondria dysfunction.     

Changes of ferrous iron and its transporters after intracerebral hemorrhage in rats

Objective: Ferrous iron is a major source inducing oxidative stress after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Divalent metal transporter1 (DMT1) is the important and well-known plasma membrane transport protein which was proved to be involved in the transport of free ferrous iron in mammals. Ferroportin 1 (FPN1) is the unique exporter of ferrous iron from mammalian cells. The role of DMT1 and FPN1 in brain after ICH is still not elucidated. Therefore, we measure the expression of DMT1 and FPN1, to explore the correlations between ferrous iron and its specific transporters after ICH. Methods: Ninety-six Sprague-Dawley rats received intra-striatal infusions of 0.5 U type IV collagenase to establish ICH model. Ferrous iron content in brain was determined using Turnbull’s method. DMT1 and FPN1 expression were examined by immunohistochemical staining and Real-Time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). With the use of confocal laser microscopy, we determined the colocalization of DMT1 and FPN1 at 1, 3, 7 and 14 days after ICH. Results: Ferrous iron deposition was shown in the perihematomal zone as early as 1 day after ICH; it reached a peak after 7 days and was not elevated within 14 days following ICH. The expression of the DMT1 upregulated and reached to peak at day 7 after ICH. FPN1 reached a plateau at 3 days post-ICH. Expression levels of DMT1 and FPN1 were in parallel with ferrous iron deposition. There was a positive correlation between FPN1 and DMT1. DMT1 mainly localized in the cytoplasm of glias and neurons. FPN1 were mostly distributed on the membrane of endothelial cells and glias. Confocal microscope showed that DMT1 colocalized with FPN1. Conclusions: DMT1 and FPN1 are positively influenced by ferrous iron status in brain after ICH. DMT1 and FPN1 attenuate iron overload after ICH via increasing transmembrane iron export.     

Dietary sodium deprivation evokes activation of brain regional neurons and down-regulation of angiotensin II type 1 receptor and angiotensin-convertion enzyme mRNA expression

Previous studies have indicated that the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is implicated in the induction of sodium appetite in rats and that different dietary sodium intakes influence the mRNA expression of central and peripheral RAAS components. To determine whether dietary sodium deprivation activates regional brain neurons related to sodium appetite, and changes their gene expression of RAAS components of rats, the present study examined the c-Fos expression after chronic exposure to low sodium diet, and determined the relationship between plasma and brain angiotensin I (ANG I), angiotensin II (ANG II) and aldosterone (ALD) levels and the sodium ingestive behavior variations, as well as the effects of prolonged dietary sodium deprivation on ANG II type 1 (AT1) and ANG II type 2 (AT2) receptors and angiotensin-convertion enzyme (ACE) mRNA levels in the involved brain regions using the method of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results showed that the Fos immunoreactivity (Fos-ir) expression in forebrain areas such as subfornical organ (SFO), paraventricular hypothalamic nuclei (PVN), supraoptic nucleus (SON) and organum vasculosum laminae terminalis (OVLT) all increased significantly and that the levels of ANG I, ANG II and ALD also increased in plasma and forebrain in rats fed with low sodium diet. In contrast, AT1, ACE mRNA in PVN, SON and OVLT decreased significantly in dietary sodium depleted rats, while AT2 mRNA expression did not change in the examined areas. These results suggest that many brain areas are activated by increased levels of plasma and/or brain ANG II and ALD, which underlies the elevated preference for hypertonic salt solution after prolonged exposure to low sodium diet, and that the regional AT1 and ACE mRNA are down-regulated after dietary sodium deprivation, which may be mediated by increased ANG II in plasma and/or brain tissue.     

谷氨酸钠、γ-氨基丁酸注入黑质对大鼠尾壳核二价金属离子转运体1和膜铁转运辅助蛋白表达的影响

目的 探讨谷氨酸、γ-氨基丁酸(GABA)对大鼠尾壳核铁代谢的影响.方法 大鼠立体定位后,向大脑黑质分别注射谷氨酸钠(MSG)和GABA,观察大鼠尾壳核铁含量,黑质多巴胺能神经元酪氨酸羟化酶(TH)的变化以及尾壳核的无铁反应元件结构的二价金属离子转运体1(DMT1-IRE)、膜铁转运辅助蛋白(HP)含量的变化.结果 与对照组相比,MSG组大鼠尾壳核铁含量显著增加,GABA组与对照组相比没有显著差异;谷氨酸钠组和GABA组大鼠黑质TH免疫阳性细胞平均吸光度(AA)与对照组相比均无显著差异;与对照组相比,谷氨酸钠组大鼠尾壳核DMT1-IRE表达均显著增加,而GABA组DMT1-IRE表达有明显降低;谷氨酸钠组大鼠尾壳核HP表达显著降低,GABA组HP表达显著增高.结论 黑质的谷氨酸和GABA可能通过影响尾壳核DMT1-IRE和HP的表达影响纹状体尾壳核的铁代谢.     

Expression of zinc finger protein ZPR1 mRNA in brain is up-regulated in mice fed a high-fat diet

A differential display was performed to analyze differential gene expression in the brain of mice in association with dietary high beef tallow. Consumption of a high beef tallow diet up-regulated the expression of zinc finger protein ZPR1 mRNA in the brain. Expression of ZPR1 mRNA in the cerebellum and hippocampus was elevated in response to the high beef tallow diet. The increased ZPR1 expression in the neuronal, Neuro-2A cells, caused a significant increase in H(2)O(2)-induced cell death. These results suggest that a high beef tallow diet up-regulates ZPR1 mRNA expression in the brain and might increase the vulnerability to oxidative stress.     

Racial disparities in children’s blood lead levels: Possible implication of divalent metal transporter 1

Adverse effects of lead exposure at low-dose (<10 μg/dL) in children showed a growing interest over the last decades. Black ethnicity is usually associated with elevated blood lead levels (BLLs), independently of age and socioeconomic conditions. The gastrointestinal uptake of lead represents a key step in the process of lead kinetic and toxicity. The involvement of divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) in the lead absorption has been previously presumed and reported. I postulate that inter-ethnic differences in DMT1 expression may explain a large part of the racial disparity in children’s BLLs, and suggest a few analyses to test this hypothesis. The hypothesis rests on some observations from previous researches. The inverse association between BLLs and iron intake has been reported in both cross-sectional and follow-up studies. It appears that no study specifically addressed the modifying effect of ethnicity in this association. Previous reports suggest that DMT1 is the primary mechanism for gastrointestinal iron absorption. There are four forms of DMT1 expressed in the enterocytes, which did not respond similarly to iron changes. It is not excluded that some children be more likely to uptake ingested lead depending on DMT1 isoform expressed. I hypothesize that the expression of the more active DMT1 isoform (+1A/+IRE) is more common in Non-Hispanic Black compared with Non-Hispanic White children, and I suggest how to test this hypothesis. If the hypothesis is confirmed, this would suggest that the prevention of iron-deficiency must be included in the primary programs for preventing increase of BLLs in Non-Hispanic Black children, rather than as part of secondary prevention. Moreover, thorough studies would be useful to characterize the interaction between environmental lead levels and DMT1 expression in relation to BLLs in young children.     

Regulation of DMT1 on Bone Microstructure in Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetic osteoporosis is gradually attracted people''s attention. However, the process of bone microstructure changes in diabetic patients, and the exact mechanism of osteoblast iron overload are unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the function of DMT1 in the pathological process of diabetic osteoporosis. We build the type two diabetes osteoporosis models with SD rats and Belgrade rats, respectively. Difference expression of DMT1 was detected by using the method of immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Detection of bone microstructure and biomechanics and iron content for each group of samples. We found that DMT1 expression in type 2 diabetic rats was higher than that in normal rats. The bone biomechanical indices and bone microstructure in the rat model deficient in DMT1 was significantly better than that in the normal diabetic model. The loss of DMT1 can reduce the content of iron in bone. These findings indicate that DMT1 expression was enhanced in the bone tissue of type 2 diabetic rats, and plays an important role in the pathological process of diabetic osteoporosis. Moreover, DMT1 may be a potential therapeutic target for diabetic osteoporosis.     

Distribution of divalent metal transporter-1 in the monkey basal ganglia

An accumulation of iron occurs in the brain with age, and it is thought that this may contribute to the pathology of certain neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease. In this study, we elucidated the distribution of divalent metal transporter-1 (DMT1) in the monkey basal ganglia by immunocytochemistry, and compared it with the distribution of ferrous iron in these nuclei by Turnbull's Blue histochemical staining. We observed a general correlation between levels of DMT1, and iron staining. Thus, regions such as the caudate nucleus, putamen, and substantia nigra pars reticulata contained dense staining of DMT1 in astrocytic processes, and were also observed to contain large numbers of ferrous iron granules. The exceptions were the globus pallidus externa and interna, which contained light DMT1 staining, but large numbers of ferrous iron granules. The thalamus, subthalamic nucleus, and substantia nigra pars compacta contained neurons that were lightly stained for DMT1, but few or no iron granules. The high levels of DMT1 expression in some of the nuclei of the basal ganglia, particularly the caudate nucleus, putamen, and substantia nigra pars reticulata, may account for the high levels of iron in these regions.     

Oxidant generation promotes iron sequestration in BEAS-2B cells exposed to asbestos

Lung injury after asbestos exposure is associated with an oxidative stress that is catalyzed by iron in the fiber matrix, complexed to the surface, or both. We tested the hypothesis that the cellular response to asbestos includes the transport and sequestration of this iron through (1) generation of superoxide for ferrireduction, (2) up-regulation of divalent metal transporter-1 (DMT1) for intracellular transport of Fe2+, and (3) increased production of cellular ferritin where the metal is stored in a catalytically less reactive state. BEAS-2B cells with normal and elevated Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression were employed for in vitro investigations. After exposure of these cells to asbestos, we demonstrated by fluorescence methodology a significantly increased generation of SOD with ferrireductive capacity. Fiber exposure also increased DMT1 protein and mRNA expression in the BEAS-2B cells. Incubation with asbestos elevated cellular iron and ferritin concentrations, and these responses were diminished in cells with an enhanced expression of SOD. Finally, fiber exposure increased supernatant concentrations of interleukin 8, but this inflammatory mediator was actually increased in cells with elevated SOD expression. We conclude that the response of respiratory epithelial cells to asbestos includes oxidant-mediated mechanisms to sequester catalytically active iron associated with the fiber.     

Dietary salt modulates the sodium chloride cotransporter expression likely through an aldosterone-mediated WNK4-ERK1/2 signaling pathway

WNK is a serine/threonine kinase. Mutation in WNK1 or WNK4 kinase results in pseudohypoaldosteronism type II (PHA II) featuring hypertension, hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis. Sodium chloride cotransporter (NCC) is known to be regulated by phosphorylation and trafficking. Dietary salt and hormonal stimulation, such as aldosterone, also affect the regulation of NCC. We have previously reported that WNK4 inhibits NCC protein expression. To determine whether dietary salt affects NCC abundance through WNK4-mediated mechanism, we investigated the effects of dietary salt change with or without aldosterone infusion (1 mg/kg/day) on NCC and WNK4 expression in rats. We found that high-salt (HS, 4% NaCl) diet significantly inhibits NCC mRNA expression and protein abundance while enhancing WNK4 mRNA and protein expression, whereas low-salt (LS, 0.07% NaCl) diet increases NCC mRNA expression and protein abundance while reducing WNK4 expression. We also found that aldosterone infusion in HS-fed rats increases NCC mRNA expression and protein abundance, but decreases WNK4 expression. Administration with spironolactone (0.1 g/kg/day) in LS-fed rats decreases NCC mRNA expression and protein abundance while increasing WNK4 expression. We further showed that ERK1/2 phosphorylation was increased in HS-fed rats, but decreased in LS-fed rats. In HEK293 cells, over-expressed WNK4 increases ERK1/2 phosphorylation, whereas knockdown of WNK4 expression decreases ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Aldosterone treatment for 3 h decreases ERK1/2 phosphorylation. These data suggest that dietary salt change affects NCC protein abundance in an aldosterone-dependent mechanism likely via the WNK4-ERK1/2-mediated pathway.     

Molecular genetic studies of DMT1 on 12q in French-Canadian restless legs syndrome patients and families.

Converging evidence from clinical observations, brain imaging and pathological findings strongly indicate impaired brain iron regulation in restless legs syndrome (RLS). Animal models with mutation in (DMT1) divalent metal transporter 1 gene, an important brain iron transporter, demonstrate a similar iron deficiency profile as found in RLS brain. The human DMT1 gene, mapped to chromosome 12q near the RLS1 locus, qualifies as an excellent functional and possible positional candidate for RLS. DMT1 protein levels were assessed in lymphoblastoid cell lines from RLS patients and controls. Linkage analyses were carried out with markers flanking and within the DMT1 gene. Selected patient samples from RLS families with compatible linkage to the RLS1 locus on 12q were fully sequenced in both the coding regions and the long stretches of UTR sequences. Finally, selected sequence variants were further studied in case/control and family-based association tests. A clinical association of anemia and RLS was further confirmed in this study. There was no detectable difference in DMT1 protein levels between RLS patient lymphoblastoid cell lines and normal controls. Non-parametric linkage analyses failed to identify any significant linkage signals within the DMT1 gene region. Sequencing of selected patients did not detect any sequence variant(s) compatible with DMT1 harboring RLS causative mutation(s). Further studies did not find any association between ten SNPs, spanning the whole DMT1 gene region, and RLS affection status. Finally, two DMT1 intronic SNPs showed positive association with RLS in patients with a history of anemia, when compared to RLS patients without anemia.     

Increased uptake of divalent metals lead and cadmium into the brain after kainite-induced neuronal injury

An increase in iron level, number of iron positive cells and ferritin expression has been observed in the rat hippocampus after neuronal injury induced by the excitotoxin, kainate. This is accompanied by an increased expression of divalent metal transporter-1 (DMT1) in the lesioned hippocampus, suggesting that the transporter may be partially responsible for the iron accumulation. DMT1 has a broad substrate range that includes other divalent metals such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), and the present study was carried out to elucidate the uptake of these metals in the kainate-injected brain. The technique of atomic absorption spectroscopy was used for analyses. Significantly higher lead and cadmium levels were detected in the hippocampus and other brain areas of intracerebroventricular kainate-injected rats treated with lead and cadmium in the drinking water, compared to intracerebroventricular saline-injected rats treated with lead and cadmium in the drinking water. Since very low levels of lead and cadmium are present in the normal animal, these results indicate increased uptake of lead and cadmium into brain areas as a result of the kainate injections. Increased iron levels were also detected in the hippocampus of the kainate-injected rats. The above results show increased uptake of divalent metals into brain areas undergoing neurodegeneration.