Investigating the role of mitochondrial regulator Zc3h10 on neuronal function

Mitochondria play a crucial role in cellular energy production. Dysfunctional mitochondria have been causally linked to a myriad of age-related disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases. We recently discovered Zinc finger CCCH-type containing 10 (Zc3h10) as a novel mitochondrial regulator in adipocytes and muscle cells. Since neuronal maturation is the phase during which neurons acquire their final characteristics in terms of morphology, electrical activity, and metabolism, and given the high expression level of Zc3h10 in various brain areas, we decided to investigate the role of this mitochondrial regulator specifically in neurons. To this aim, we used the widely employed in vitro model of terminal differentiation of rat hippocampal neurons. Our data demonstrate that Zc3h10 is expressed at the neuronal level, and its expression increases during the process of neuronal maturation. Specifically, the expression of Zc3h10 rises from day 3 of in vitro culture of hippocampal neurons and progressively increases up to 14 days of culture. Furthermore, confocal microscopy analyses show that Zc3h10 is localized in the nucleus of neurons as well as in the dendrites. Interestingly, the exposure to a synaptic stimulation protocol modifies Zc3h10 intracellular localization. Altogether, our findings suggest a significant role for Zc3h10 in hippocampal neurons, highlighting its potential as one of the key players in neuronal function. Understanding the involvement of this mitochondrial regulator in neurons will contribute to expanding our knowledge of neurobiological processes and how they are altered in neurological disorders.