Neuroprotection via pro-survival protein kinase C isoforms
associated with Bcl-2 family members
by
Weinreb O, Bar-Am O, Amit T,
Chillag-Talmor O, Youdim MB.
FASEB J. 2004 Jul 9

ABSTRACT

This study provides new insights into neuroprotection involving interaction of protein kinase C (PKC) pathway with Bcl-2 family proteins. Using a model of serum deprivation, we investigated the mechanism by which the anti-Parkinson/monoamine oxidase (MAO)-B inhibitor drug, rasagiline, exerts its neuroprotective effect in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. Here, we report that rasagiline (0.1-10 microM) decreased apoptosis via multiple protection mechanisms, including the stimulation of PKC phosphorylation; up-regulation of PKCalpha and PKC mRNAs, induction of Bcl-xL, Bcl-w, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNAs; and down-regulation of Bad and Bax mRNAs. Moreover, rasagiline inhibited the cleavage and activation of procaspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), whereas the PKC inhibitor, GF109203X, reversed these actions. Similarly, rasagiline decreased serum-free-induced levels of the important regulator of cell death, Bad, which was also blocked by GF109203X, indicating the involvement of PKC in rasagiline-induced cell survival. Furthermore, these studies have established that PKC- and Bcl-2-dependent neuroprotective activity of rasagiline is dependent on its propargyl moiety, because propargylamine had similar effects with the same potency.

Bcl-2
MAOIs
Rasagiline
Neuroprotection
Rasagiline: structure
MAO-b inhibitors/PD
Anti-apoptotic activity
Molecular mechanisms
Rasagiline pharmacology
Induction of pro-survival genes
Rasagiline and the mitochondria
Antioxidant strategies against aging
Anti-Alzheimer/anti-Parkinson's drugs
Rasagiline versus selegiline metabolites
Rasagiline/ anti-apoptotic bcl-2 gene family
Dual AChE and MAO inhibitors and Alzheimer's
Rasagiline v selegiline: neuronal survival effects
Rasagiline (Agilect) in early Parkinson's disease

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