Expression and localization of the copper-ATPase ATP7A in mice neural cells

Abstract Copper is an essential micronutrient as its redox properties play a significant biochemistry role in the nervous system. Its essentiality is evidenced by Menkes disease (MD), an X-linked neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the ATP7A copper transporter, showing that ATP7A is concerned with the development of the nervous system. To investigate the regulation of ATP7A in the development of neurons, we analyzed the expression of the mRNA, protein and the localization of ATP7A in C57BL/6 mice neural stem cells (NSCs), astrocytes and hippocampal neurons cultured in vitro. The results indicated that ATP7A expression was decreased stepwise in NSC, astrocytes and hippocampal neurons. The fluorescent signals of ATP7A were located between the nucleus and plasma membrane in the three kinds of cells. It can be concluded that ATP7A might be involved in the development of neurons and astrocytes. This research may contribute to knowledge about the severe neurodegeneration characteristic of copper-metabolic diseases caused by mutations in the ATP7A gene.