The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1) in Schwann cells controls mitochondria homeostasis in peripheral nerves

Abstract

Following peripheral nerve injury, Schwann cell (SC) survival is imperative for successful nerve regeneration. The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1) has been identified as a pro-survival SC plasma membrane signaling receptor, however, the responsible mechanisms underlying SC homeostasis remain incompletely understood. Herein, we establish that LRP1 largely manages mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergetics in SCs by limiting mitochondria fission, maintaining healthy mitochondria membrane potentials, and reducing lactate production associated with peripheral sensitization. When SC LRP1 is suppressed, inner-mitochondria-linked pathways in peripheral nerve proteome are dramatically altered, and cristae integrity in unmyelinated C-fibers is compromised. SC LRP1 protected sensory neurons from mitochondrial dysfunction and modulated mitochondria-related biological pathways in the DRG transcriptome. Conditional deletion of LRP1 in SCs induces pain-related behaviors in mice without nerve injury. Results point to a significant role for LRP1 in SC mitochondrial homeostasis and advance our understanding of the sensory neuron response to alterations in SC bioenergetics.