Developmental and Activity-Dependent Expression of LanCL1 Confers Antioxidant Activity Required for Neuronal Survival

Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increases with neuronal activity that accompanies synaptic development and function. Transcription-related factors and metabolic enzymes that are expressed in all tissues have been described to counteract neuronal ROS to prevent oxidative damage. Here, we describe the antioxidant gene LanCL1 that is prominently enriched in brain neurons. Its expression is developmentally regulated and induced by neuronal activity, neurotrophic factors implicated in neuronal plasticity and survival, and oxidative stress. Genetic deletion of LanCL1 causes enhanced accumulation of ROS in brain, as well as development-related lipid, protein, and DNA damage; mitochondrial dysfunction; and apoptotic neurodegeneration. LanCL1 transgene protects neurons from ROS. LanCL1 protein purified from eukaryotic cells catalyzes the formation of thioether products similar to glutathione S-transferase. These studies reveal a neuron-specific glutathione defense mechanism that is essential for neuronal function and survival. •LanCL1 expression is developmentally regulated and induced by neuronal activity•Loss of LanCL1 causes progressive oxidative damage and neuronal death•LanCL1 transgene protects neurons from oxidative stress•LanCL1 catalyzes the formation of thioether products How neurons mitigate increased production of ROS in response to activity during development is poorly understood. Huang et al. describe the role of the neuron-specific antioxidant protein LanCL1 in this process. The neuroprotective function of LanCL1 is mediated by its catalysis of thioether product formation.