Parkinson's Disease: The Mitochondria-Iron Link.
Mitochondrial dysfunction, iron accumulation, and oxidative damage are conditions often found in damaged brain areas of Parkinson's disease. We propose that a causal link exists between these three events. Mitochondrial dysfunction results not only in increased reactive oxygen species production but also in decreased iron-sulfur cluster synthesis and unorthodox activation of Iron Regulatory Protein 1 (IRP1), a key regulator of cell iron homeostasis. In turn, IRP1 activation results in iron accumulation and hydroxyl radical-mediated damage. These three occurrences-mitochondrial dysfunction, iron accumulation, and oxidative damage-generate a positive feedback loop of increased iron accumulation and oxidative stress. Here, we review the evidence that points to a link between mitochondrial dysfunction and iron accumulation as early events in the development of sporadic and genetic cases of Parkinson's disease. Finally, an attempt is done to contextualize the possible relationship between mitochondria dysfunction and iron dyshomeostasis. Based on published evidence, we propose that iron chelation-by decreasing iron-associated oxidative damage and by inducing cell survival and cell-rescue pathways-is a viable therapy for retarding this cycle.
Iron and Biology of Aging Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Yorka
0000-0002-0433-0109
Y
Muñoz
Iron and Biology of Aging Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Carlos M
CM
Carrasco
Iron and Biology of Aging Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Joaquín D
0000-0001-5613-3142
JD
Campos
Iron and Biology of Aging Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Pabla
0000-0003-3352-0574
P
Aguirre
Iron and Biology of Aging Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Marco T
MT
Núñez