Effects of melatonin on dopaminergic neuron development via IP3-mediated mitochondrial Ca2+ regulation in autism spectrum disorder

Shuangshan Dong, Takashi Kifune, Hiroki Kato, Lu Wang, Jun Kong, Yuta Hirofuji, Xiao Sun, Hiroshi Sato, Yosuke Ito, Takahiro A. Kato, Yasunari Sakai, Shouichi Ohga, Satoshi Fukumoto, Keiji Masuda

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Melatonin entrainment of suprachiasmatic nucleus-regulating circadian rhythms is mediated by MT1 and MT2 receptors. Melatonin also has neuroprotective and mitochondrial activating effects, suggesting it may affect neurodevelopment. We studied melatonin's pharmacological effects on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) neuropathology. Deciduous tooth-derived stem cells from children with ASD were used to model neurodevelopmental defects and differentiated into dopaminergic neurons (ASD-DNs) with or without melatonin. Without melatonin, ASD-DNs had reduced neurite outgrowth, mitochondrial dysfunction, lower mitochondrial Ca2+ levels, and Ca2+ accumulation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) compared to control DNs from typically developing children-derived stem cells. Melatonin enhanced IP3-dependent Ca2+ release from ER to mitochondria, improving mitochondrial function and neurite outgrowth in ASD-DNs. Luzindole, an MT1/MT2 antagonist, blocked these effects. Thus, melatonin supplementation may improve dopaminergic system development in ASD by modulating mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis via MT1/MT2 receptors.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)7-12
Number of pages6
JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
Volume681
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 12 2023

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Biophysics
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

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