Mitochondrial Aconitase in Neurodegenerative Disorders: Role of a Metabolism- related Molecule in Neurodegeneration

Background: Mitochondrial aconitase (Aco2), a member of the family of iron-sulfur [4Fe- 4S]-containing dehydratases, is involved in cellular metabolism through the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Aco2 is highly susceptible to oxidative damage in a way that exposure to the reactive species and free radicals leads to release of iron from the central [4Fe-4S] cluster resulting in the production of the inactive form of Aco2.

Objective: There is increasing evidence supporting a direct association between impaired energy metabolism and the incidence and progression of neurodegenerative disorders in neuronal cells.

Results: It has been shown that alteration in bioenergetic parameters is a common pathological feature of the neurodegenerative diseases leading to neuronal dysfunction. Numerous studies have demonstrated that dysfunctional Aco2, among the other bioenergetic parameters, is a key factor that could promote neurodegeneration.

Conclusion: Increasing our knowledge about energy metabolism-related molecules including Aco2 affected by neurodegenerative disorders might be useful to find an efficient therapeutic strategy for those central nervous system-related diseases. Accordingly, in this review, we have focused on the events and processes that occur in neurodegeneration, leading to the inactivation of Aco2 in the brain.