ALS-linked mutant SOD1 induces ER stress- and ASK1-dependent motor neuron death by targeting Derlin-1

Mutation in Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase ( SOD1 ) is a cause of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Mutant SOD1 protein (SOD1 mut ) induces motor neuron death, although the molecular mechanism of SOD1 mut -induced cell death remains controversial. Here we show that SOD1 mut specifically interacted with Derlin-1, a component of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation (ERAD) machinery and triggered ER stress through dysfunction of ERAD. SOD1 mut -induced ER stress activated the apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1)-dependent cell death pathway. Perturbation of binding between SOD1 mut and Derlin-1 by Derlin-1-derived oligopeptide suppressed SOD1 mut -induced ER stress, ASK1 activation, and motor neuron death. Moreover, deletion of ASK1 mitigated the motor neuron loss and extended the life span of SOD1 mut transgenic mice. These findings demonstrate that ER stress-induced ASK1 activation, which is triggered by the specific interaction of Derlin-1 with SOD1 mut , is crucial for disease progression of familial ALS.