Relevance of biometals during neuronal differentiation and myelination: in vitro and in vivo studies

Abstract

Biometals are essential during the development of the central nervous system (CNS) since they participate in the organization and regulation of multiple processes related with the proper organization and functioning of brain structures. Neuronal differentiation is a specialized and complex process that occurs actively from embryonic development to the first years of life and is even maintained in specific areas of the mammalian adult brain. In this review, we focus on describing the cellular and molecular mechanisms of trace biometals such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) on neuronal specialization, comprising from brain uptake to effects on synaptogenesis, axonal outgrowth, myelination, and cellular and neurochemical phenotype determination. We highlight the relevance of biometals in the proper brain functioning by discussing some of the potentially detrimental effects when biometal dyshomeostasis occurs in the brain. Finally, future directions are proposed for exploring the relevance of biometals in brain function using pharmacological, molecular, and analytical approaches.