Activation of NMDA receptors mediated iron accumulation via modulating iron transporters in Parkinson's disease

What is it about?

Both dysfunction of iron metabolism and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-mediated neurotoxicity are involved in the etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the relationship between the activation of NMDA receptors and iron accumulation in DA neurons of the substantial nigra (SN) in PD was unknown. In this study, we showed that activation of NMDA receptors was involved in iron metabolism of dopaminergic neurons. In addition, the activation of NMDA receptors might be involved in 6-OHDA-induced iron accumulation in PD by modulation of iron transporters including iron importer DMT1 and iron exporter Fpn1. The increased DMT1 and decreased Fpn1 expression eventually led to intracellular iron aggregation in PD. This study provides new evidence for the association between NMDA receptors activation and iron accumulation in PD. Understanding this interaction may provide new therapeutic avenues for a more targeted neurotherapeutic strategy for this disease. 

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