Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers Quinone Induces NCOA4-Mediated Ferritinophagy through Selectively Autophagic Degradation of Ferritin

Chem Res Toxicol. 2019 Dec 16;32(12):2509-2516. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.9b00350. Epub 2019 Nov 11.

Abstract

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been detected ubiquitously in biological and environmental samples. Growing epidemiological data suggested the obvious correlation of PBDEs exposure with adverse health outcomes toward human beings, but exact molecular mechanism(s) are limited. Especially, the toxicological information regarding PBDEs metabolites is missing. Thereafter, this study intends to explore unidentified cell death modalities caused by PBDEs reactive quinone-type metabolite, PBDEQ. We found that PBDEQ induces autophagy in an ROS-dependent manner. Interestingly, the results indicated that PBDEQ degraded ferritin and activated a selective autophagy (termed as ferritinophagy) by using NCOA4 as its cargo receptor. These processes may further promote the release of iron and ROS. These results suggested the incidence of ferritinophagy induced by PBDEQ, which may contribute to PBDE exposure-caused diseases and dysfunctions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autophagy / drug effects*
  • Ferritins / metabolism*
  • Ferroptosis / drug effects
  • Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers / toxicity*
  • Iron / metabolism
  • Nuclear Receptor Coactivators / metabolism*
  • PC12 Cells
  • Quinones / toxicity*
  • Rats
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism

Substances

  • Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers
  • Ncoa4 protein, rat
  • Nuclear Receptor Coactivators
  • Quinones
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Ferritins
  • Iron