p38^MAPK/p53 signalling axis mediates neuronal apoptosis in response to tetrahydrobiopterin-induced oxidative stress and glucose uptake inhibition: implication for neurodegeneration

BH4 (tetrahydrobiopterin) induces neuronal demise via production of ROS (reactive oxygen species). In the present study we investigated the mechanisms of its toxicity and the redox signalling events responsible for the apoptotic commitment in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and in mouse primary cortical neurons. We identified in p38^MAPK/p53 a BH4-responsive pro-apoptotic signalling axis, as demonstrated by the recovery of neuronal viability achieved by gene silencing or pharmacological inhibition of both p38^MAPK and p53. BH4-induced oxidative stress was characterized by a decrease in the GSH/GSSG ratio, an increase in protein carbonylation and DNA damage. BH4 toxicity and the redox-activated apoptotic pathway were counteracted by the H₂O₂-scavengers catalase and N-acetylcysteine and enhanced by the GSH neo-synthesis inhibitor BSO (buthionine sulfoximine). We also demonstrated that BH4 impairs glucose uptake and utilization, which was prevented by catalase administration. This effect contributes to the neuronal demise, exacerbating BH4-induced nuclear damage and the activation of the pro-apoptotic p38^MAPK/p53 axis. Inhibition of glucose uptake was also observed upon treatment with 6-hydroxydopamine, another redox-cycling molecule, suggesting a common mechanism of action for auto-oxidizable neurotoxins.