Redox state and PKC signalling in neuronal differentiation and sensitivity to glycoxidative stress

Abstract

Intracellular redox state modulation can influence cell proliferation, differentiation or death. Here we show that Retinoic Acid (RA)‐induced neuroblastoma cell differentiation is accompanied by increased expression of anion superoxide generating enzyme NADPH oxidase, decreased SOD1 expression and increased catalase expression. Moreover, cell differentiation induced PKC alfa inactivation and PKC delta activation. We believe these alterations responsible for the observed cell sensitivity to glycoxidative stress: indeed, only the RA‐differentiated cell viability decreased after exposure to Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs), via intracellular ROS overproduction, while undifferentiated cells proved insensitive. AGE‐induced effects on differentiated cells were prevented by pre‐treating cells with NADPH oxidase or PKC delta inhibitors. These observations may be useful in order to identify redox sensitive molecular targets responsible for cell growing rate modifications.Grants from PRIN n.2006065711_002