Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion modulates expression of mitochondrial uncoupling proteins 2, 4, and 5 in catecholaminergic (SK-N-SH) cells

Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP⁺), a specific dopaminergic neurotoxin, inhibits mitochondrial complex I activity, generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduces ATP production, and induces cell death. We explored changes in expression of uncoupling proteins (UCPs 2, 4, and 5) following MPP⁺-induced toxicity in SK-N-SH cells over 72 hr at the transcriptional (quantification of mRNA by real-time RT-PCR) and translational (Western analysis) levels. UCP5 mRNA and protein were markedly up-regulated (1 mM MPP⁺ at 72 hr caused a twofold increase, P < 0.01), as was UCP4 mRNA, albeit to a much lesser extent. Surprisingly, UCP2 mRNA levels decreased at 24 hr (P < 0.05) but thereafter significantly increased to greater than control levels at 72 hr (P < 0.05), although UCP2 protein levels were decreased throughout (1 mM MPP⁺ at 72 hr caused a reduction of 50%, P < 0.01). The increase in ROS production may be attenuated by UCP4 and UCP5 up-regulation. The consequence of decreased UCP2 levels is unclear, although this may represent an adaptive response to declines in ATP levels, the subsequent increase in mRNA being a response to further increases in oxidative stress.