Research ReportExtracellular α-crystallin protects astrocytes from cell death through activation of MAPK, PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and blockade of ROS release from mitochondria

- Extracellular αA/αB-crystallin prevents cell death of astrocytes.
- αB-crystallin promotes viability of astrocytes.
- αB-crystallin protects astrocytes from apoptosis via PI3K/Akt.
- αB-crystallin inhibits ROS production in rat brain mitochondria.

α-Crystallin with two isoforms, αA-crystallin (HSPB4) and αB-crystallin (HSPB5), is found in eye lens, spleen, lung, kidney, cornea, skin, but also in brain. Several studies revealed roles of αA/αB-crystallin in regulating cell viability and protection in the central nervous system. We previously demonstrated that α-crystallin serves as an intracellular protectant in astrocytes. Compared to well-studied intracellular functions of α-crystallin, there is limited proof for the role of α-crystallin as extracellular protectant. In order to clarify protective effects of extracellular αA/αB-crystallin, we exposed astrocytes to the toxic agents, staurosporine or C2-ceramide, or serum-starvation in the presence of αA/αB-crystallin. Extracellular αA/αB-crystallin protected astrocytes from staurosporine- and C2-ceramide-induced cell death. In addition, extracellular αB-crystallin/HSPB5 effectively promoted astrocytes viability through phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38) and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) signaling pathways under serum-deprivation. Furthermore, αB-crystallin/HSPB5 decreases the staurosporine-mediated cleavage of caspase 3 through PI3K/Akt signaling preventing apoptosis of astrocytes. Thus, the current study indicates that extracellular αA/αB-crystallin protects astrocytes exposed to various harmful stimuli. Furthermore, application of αB-crystallin/HSPB5 to isolated rat brain mitochondria inhibits ROS generation induced by complex III inhibition with Antimycin A.