Wnt1 silencing enhances neurotoxicity induced by paraquat and maneb in SH-SY5Y cells

Wingless (Wnt) signaling regulates the proliferation and differentiation of midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons. Paraquat (PQ) and maneb (MB) are environmental pollutants that can be used to model Parkinson's disease (PD) in rodents. A previous study demonstrated that developmental exposure to PQ and MB affects the expression of Wnt1, Wnt5a, nuclear receptor-related factor 1 (NURR1) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). However, how Wnt signaling regulates these developmental factors in vitro is yet to be determined. To explore this, SH-SY5Y cells were exposed to PQ and MB. The results of the current study indicated that exposure to PQ and MB decreased Wnt1, beta-catenin, NURR1 and TH levels and increased Wnt5a levels. Furthermore, Wnt1 silencing has the same effect as exposure to PQ and MB. Additionally, the neurotoxicity induced by PQ and MB is more severe in siWnt1-SH-SY5Y cells compared with normal SH-SY5Y cells. Therefore, Wnt1 may serve an important role in regulating developmental DA factors, and may be a candidate gene for PD diagnosis or gene therapy.