The Effect of Neurotoxin MPTP and Neuroprotector Isatin on the Profile of Ubiquitinated Brain Mitochondrial Proteins

Mitochondria are a crucial target for the actions of neurotoxins, causing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in various experimental animal models, and also neuroprotectors. There is evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction induced by the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) influences functioning of the ubiquitin-proteasomal system (UPS) responsible for selective proteolytic degradation of proteins from various intracellular compartments (including mitochondria) and neuroprotective effects of certain anti-Parkisonian agents (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) may be associated with their effects on the UPS. In this study, we have investigated the effect of the neurotoxin MPTP and neuroprotector isatin, and their combination on the profile of ubiquitinated brain mitochondrial proteins. The development of movement disorders induced by MPTP administration caused dramatic changes in the profile of ubiquitinated proteins associated with mitochondria. Pretreatment with the neuroprotector isatin decreased manifestations of MPTP-induced Parkinsonism, and had a significant impact on the profile of ubiquitinated mitochondrial proteins (including oxidative modified proteins). Administration of isatin alone to intact mice also influenced the profile of ubiquitinated mitochondrial proteins, and increased the proportion of oxidized proteins carrying the ubiquitination signature. These alterations in the ubiquitination of mitochondrial proteins observed within 2 h after administration of MPTP and isatin obviously reflect immediate short-term biological responses to these treatments.