Nitrosative-induced posttranslational α-tubulin changes on high-glucose-exposed Schwannoma cell line.
OBJECTIVE
One of the major complications during prolonged hyperglycemic condition is the onset of the so-called diabetic neuropathy, that can affect the peripheral nervous system. Evidence has reported that glucose-induced oxidative stress could be a key mediator in this process, impairing the cytoskeletal structures, such as microtubules. In general, much attention is paid to the possible nitrosative-induced changes of neurons during hyperglycemic conditions, while little is known of the Schwann cells.


METHODS
Using morphological examination, immunofluorescence staining and western blot analysis, the possible hyperglycemic oxidative-induced microtubular changes in the RT4 Schwannoma cell line was investigated.


RESULTS
After 72 hrs of 180 mM d-glucose exposure, a decrease of total, tyrosinated and detyrosinated α-tubulins was found, whereas a significant increase of the acetylated α-tubulin isotype and 3-nitro-l-tyrosine was present, both through western blot and immunofluorescence staining. Moreover a downregulation of catalase and deacetylase Sirt2 enzymes was detected.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data underline the importance of nitrosative-induced microtubular alterations in the PNS, during hyperglycemic conditions, highlighting that Schwann cells may be directly involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy, through the impairment of their microtubular network.
Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, Sassari, Italy. sgadau@uniss.it.
Sergio
S
Gadau
D000818:Animals; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005947:Glucose / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009442:Neurilemmoma / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D015538:Nitrosation / Q000187:drug effects; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D012583:Schwann Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D014404:Tubulin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D014404:Tubulin; D005947:Glucose