MPP+ decreases store-operated calcium entry and TRPC1 expression in Mesenchymal Stem Cell derived dopaminergic neurons

Sci Rep. 2018 Aug 6;8(1):11715. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-29528-x.

Abstract

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder involving the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons (DNs), with currently available therapeutics, such as L-Dopa, only able to relieve some symptoms. Stem cell replacement is an attractive therapeutic option for PD patients, and DNs derived by differentiating patient specific stem cells under defined in-vitro conditions may present a viable opportunity to replace dying neurons. We adopted a previously published approach to differentiate Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) into DN using a 12-day protocol involving FGF-2, bFGF, SHH ligand and BDNF. While MSC-derived DNs have been characterized for neuronal markers and electrophysiological properties, we investigated store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) mechanisms of these DNs under normal conditions, and upon exposure to environmental neurotoxin, 1-methyl, 4-phenyl pyridinium ion (MPP+). Overall, we show that MSC-derived DNs are functional with regard to SOCE mechanisms, and MPP+ exposure dysregulates calcium signaling, making them vulnerable to neurodegeneration. Since in-vitro differentiation of MSCs into DNs is an important vehicle for PD disease modeling and regenerative medicine, the results of this study may help with understanding of the pathological mechanisms underlying PD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Blotting, Western
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Calcium Signaling / drug effects
  • Calcium Signaling / physiology
  • Cell Differentiation / drug effects
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology
  • Cell Survival
  • Dopamine
  • Dopaminergic Neurons / cytology*
  • Dopaminergic Neurons / metabolism*
  • Electrophysiology
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Humans
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Neurotoxins / pharmacology
  • Parkinson Disease / metabolism
  • TRPC Cation Channels / metabolism*

Substances

  • Neurotoxins
  • TRPC Cation Channels
  • Calcium
  • Dopamine