Abstract

An initial stage of many neurodegenerative processes is associated with compromised synaptic function and precedes synapse loss, neurite fragmentation, and neuronal death. We showed previously that deficiency of heme, regulating many proteins of pharmacological importance, causes neurodegeneration of primary cortical neurons via N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-dependent suppression of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 pathway. Here, we asked whether the reduction of heme causes synaptic perturbation before neurite fragmentation in neuronal cultures and investigated molecular mechanisms of synaptic dysfunction in these cells. We showed the change in the NR2B subunit phosphorylation that correlates with compromised NMDAR function after the reduction of regulatory heme and a rapid rescue of NR2B phosphorylation and NMDAR function by exogenous heme. Electrophysiological recordings demonstrated diminished NMDAR currents and NMDAR-mediated calcium influx after 24 h of inhibition of heme synthesis. These effects were reversed by treatment with heme; however, inhibition of the Src family kinases abolished the rescue effect of heme on NMDA-evoked currents. Diminished NMDAR current and Ca²⁺ influx resulted in suppressed cGMP production and impairment of spine formation. Exogenous heme exerted rescue effects on NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation and NMDA-evoked currents within minutes, suggesting direct interactions within the NMDAR complex. These synaptic changes after inhibition of heme synthesis occurred at this stage without apparent dysfunction of major hemoproteins. We conclude that regulatory heme is necessary in maintaining NR2B phosphorylation and NMDAR function. NMDAR failure occurs before neurite fragmentation and may be a causal factor in neurodegeneration; this could suggest a route for an early pharmacological intervention.