Identification of Skp1 as a target of mercury sulfide for neuroprotection

Chem Commun (Camb). 2024 Feb 1;60(11):1464-1467. doi: 10.1039/d3cc05141b.

Abstract

Mercury sulfide (HgS) exerts extensive biological effects on neuronal function. To investigate the direct target of HgS in neuronal cells, we developed a biotin-tagged HgS probe (bio-HgS) and employed an affinity purification technique to capture its target proteins. Then, we identified S-phase kinase-associated protein 1 (Skp1) as a potential target of HgS. Unexpectedly, we discovered that HgS covalently binds to Skp1 through a "Cys62-HgS-Cys120" mode. Moreover, our findings revealed that HgS inhibits the ubiquitin-protease system through Skp1 to up-regulate SNAP-25 expression, thereby triggering synaptic vesicle exocytosis to regulate locomotion ability in C. elegans. Collectively, our findings may promote a comprehensive interpretation of the pharmacological mechanism of mercury sulfide on neuroprotective function.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / metabolism
  • Mercury Compounds*
  • Mercury* / metabolism
  • Neuroprotection
  • S-Phase Kinase-Associated Proteins
  • Sulfides / metabolism

Substances

  • Mercury
  • S-Phase Kinase-Associated Proteins
  • cinnabar
  • Sulfides
  • Mercury Compounds