Skip to Content
Merck
  • NPC1-dependent alterations in KV2.1-CaV1.2 nanodomains drive neuronal death in models of Niemann-Pick Type C disease.

NPC1-dependent alterations in KV2.1-CaV1.2 nanodomains drive neuronal death in models of Niemann-Pick Type C disease.

Nature communications (2023-07-29)
Maria Casas, Karl D Murray, Keiko Hino, Nicholas C Vierra, Sergi Simó, James S Trimmer, Rose E Dixon, Eamonn J Dickson
ABSTRACT

Lysosomes communicate through cholesterol transfer at endoplasmic reticulum (ER) contact sites. At these sites, the Niemann Pick C1 cholesterol transporter (NPC1) facilitates the removal of cholesterol from lysosomes, which is then transferred to the ER for distribution to other cell membranes. Mutations in NPC1 result in cholesterol buildup within lysosomes, leading to Niemann-Pick Type C (NPC) disease, a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder. The molecular mechanisms connecting NPC1 loss to NPC-associated neuropathology remain unknown. Here we show both in vitro and in an animal model of NPC disease that the loss of NPC1 function alters the distribution and activity of voltage-gated calcium channels (CaV). Underlying alterations in calcium channel localization and function are KV2.1 channels whose interactions drive calcium channel clustering to enhance calcium entry and fuel neurotoxic elevations in mitochondrial calcium. Targeted disruption of KV2-CaV interactions rescues aberrant CaV1.2 clustering, elevated mitochondrial calcium, and neurotoxicity in vitro. Our findings provide evidence that NPC is a nanostructural ion channel clustering disease, characterized by altered distribution and activity of ion channels at membrane contacts, which contribute to neurodegeneration.

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description

Sigma-Aldrich
Anti-Mouse IgG1 (γ1), CF568 antibody produced in goat, ~2 mg/mL, affinity isolated antibody, buffered aqueous solution
Roche
cOmplete, Mini, EDTA-free Protease Inhibitor Cocktail, Protease Inhibitor Cocktail Tablets provided in a glass vial, Tablets provided in a glass vial
Sigma-Aldrich
Monoclonal Anti-Calbindin-D-28K antibody produced in mouse, clone CB-955, ascites fluid
Sigma-Aldrich
Microcystin-LR, Microcystis aeruginosa, InSolution, ≥95%, inhibitor of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)