Activity-based sensing reveals elevated labile copper promotes liver aging via hepatic ALDH1A1 depletion
Zhenxiang Zhao, Melissa Y. Lucero, Shengzhang Su, Eric J. Chaney, Jiajie Xu, M. Myszka, Jefferson Chan
Abstract
Oxidative stress plays a key role in aging and related diseases, including neurodegeneration, cancer, and organ failure. Copper (Cu), a redox-active metal ion, generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), and its dysregulation contributes to aging. Here, we develop activity-based imaging probes for the sensitive detection of Cu(I) and show that labile hepatic Cu activity increases with age, paralleling a decline in ALDH1A1 activity, a protective hepatic enzyme. We also observe an age-related decrease in hepatic glutathione (GSH) activity through noninvasive photoacoustic imaging. Using these probes, we perform longitudinal studies in aged mice treated with ATN-224, a Cu chelator, and demonstrate that this treatment improves Cu homeostasis and preserves ALDH1A1 activity. Our findings uncover a direct link between Cu dysregulation and aging, providing insights into its role and offering a therapeutic strategy to mitigate its effects. Copper (Cu) dysregulation contributes to aging and oxidative stress. Here the authors develop imaging probes to detect labile hepatic Cu, revealing age-related increases that deplete ALDH1A1 activity, and show that chelation therapy restores Cu homeostasis, offering a potential strategy to mitigate liver aging.