Neuroglobin, clues to function and mechanism. (April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Exertier, Cécile; Montemiglio, Linda Celeste; Freda, Ida; Gugole, Elena; Parisi, Giacomo; Savino, Carmelinda; Vallone, Beatrice
• Is Part Of: Molecular aspects of medicine. Volume 84(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-04
• Subjects: Heme proteins -- Neuroglobin -- Oxidative stress -- Signaling pathways -- Structure-function relationship -- Neuroprotection; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Molecular Biology -- Periodicals; Pathologie moléculaire -- Périodiques; Médecine -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 612.015
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2021.101055
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0098-2997

Abstract

Abstract: Neuroglobin is expressed in vertebrate brain and belongs to a branch of the globin family that diverged early in evolution. Sequence conservation and presence in nervous cells of several taxa suggests a relevant role in the nervous system, with tight structural restraints. Twenty years after its discovery, a rich scientific literature provides convincing evidence of the involvement of neuroglobin in sustaining neuron viability in physiological and pathological conditions however, a full and conclusive picture of its specific function, or set of functions is still lacking. The difficulty of unambiguously assigning a precise mechanism and biochemical role to neuroglobin might arise from the participation to one or more cell mechanism that redundantly guarantee the functioning of the highly specialized and metabolically demanding central nervous system of vertebrates. Here we collect findings and hypotheses arising from recent biochemical, biophysical, structural, in cell and in vivo experimental work on neuroglobin, aiming at providing an overview of the most recent literature. Proteins are said to have jobs and hobbies, it is possible that, in the case of neuroglobin, evolution has selected for it more than one job, and support to cover for its occasional failings. Disentangling the mechanisms and roles of neuroglobin is thus a challenging task that might be achieved by considering data from different disciplines and experimental approaches. Highlights: Neuroglobin is an ancient hexacoordinated globin shared by vertebrates and involved in neuroprotection. Biochemical and structural characterization indicates that neuroglobin may act as a gas sensor upon hypoxic insults. In vivo studies indicated that neuroglobin intervenes in anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic signaling pathways. Data from animal models confirm its role in neuroprotection and the possible use of Ngb in therapies and diagnosis.