Chemical inhibition of the mitochondrial division dynamin reveals its role in Bax/Bak-dependent mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization

A yeast-based screening assay identifies repurposed drugs that suppress mitochondrial fusion and mtDNA maintenance defects

Mitochondria continually move, fuse and divide, and these dynamics are essential for the proper function of the organelles. Indeed, the dynamic balance of fusion and fission of mitochondria determines their morphology and allows their immediate adaptation to energetic needs as well as preserving their integrity. As a consequence, mitochondrial fusion and fission dynamics and the proteins that control these processes, which are conserved from yeast to human, are essential, and their disturbances are associated with severe human disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases. For example, mutations in OPA1, which encodes a conserved factor essential for mitochondrial fusion, lead to optic atrophy 1, a neurodegeneration that affects the optic nerve, eventually leading to blindness. Here, by screening a collection of ∼1600 repurposed drugs on a fission yeast model, we identified five compounds able to efficiently prevent the lethality associated with the loss of Msp1p, the fission yeast ortholog of OPA1. One compound, hexestrol, was able to rescue both the mitochondrial fragmentation and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion induced by the loss of Msp1p, whereas the second, clomifene, only suppressed the mtDNA defect. Yeast has already been successfully used to identify candidate drugs to treat inherited mitochondrial diseases; this work may therefore provide useful leads for the treatment of optic atrophies such as optic atrophy 1 or Leber hereditary optic neuropathy.

Mitochondria: the indispensable players in innate immunity and guardians of the inflammatory response

Mitochondria, the dynamic organelles and power house of eukaryotic cells function as metabolic hubs of cells undergoing continuous cycles of fusion and fission. Recent findings have made it increasingly apparent that mitochondria essentially involved in energy production have evolved as principal intracellular signaling platforms regulating not only innate immunity but also inflammatory responses. Perturbations in mitochondrial dynamics, including fusion/fission, electron transport chain (ETC) architecture and cristae organization have now been actively correlated to modulate metabolic activity and immune function of innate and adaptive immune cells. Several newly identified mitochondrial proteins in mitochondrial outer membrane such as mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) and with mitochondrial DNA acting as danger-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) and mitochondrial ROS generated from mitochondrial sources have potentially established mitochondria as key signaling platforms in antiviral immunity in vertebrates and thereby orchestrating adaptive immune cell activations respectively. A thorough understanding of emerging and intervening role of mitochondria in toll-like receptor-mediated innate immune responses and NLRP3 inflammasome complex activation has gained lucidity in recent years that advocates the imposing functions of mitochondria in innate immunity. Fascinatingly, also how the signals stemming from the endoplasmic reticulum co-operate with the mitochondria to activate the NLRP3 inflammasome is now looked ahead as a stage to unravel as to how different mitochondrial and associated organelle stress responses co-operate to bring about inflammatory consequences. This has also opened avenues of research for revealing mitochondrial targets that could be exploited for development of novel therapeutics to treat various infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune disorders. Thus, this review explores our current understanding of intricate interplay between mitochondria and other cellular processes like autophagy in controlling mitochondrial homeostasis and regulation of innate immunity and inflammatory responses.

Inhibition of Drp1/Fis1 interaction slows progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Bioenergetic failure and oxidative stress are common pathological hallmarks of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but whether these could be targeted effectively for novel therapeutic intervention needs to be determined. One of the reported contributors to ALS pathology is mitochondrial dysfunction associated with excessive mitochondrial fission and fragmentation, which is predominantly mediated by Drp1 hyperactivation. Here, we determined whether inhibition of excessive fission by inhibiting Drp1/Fis1 interaction affects disease progression. We observed mitochondrial excessive fragmentation and dysfunction in several familial forms of ALS patient‐derived fibroblasts as well as in cultured motor neurons expressing SOD1 mutant. In both cell models, inhibition of Drp1/Fis1 interaction by a selective peptide inhibitor, P110, led to a significant reduction in reactive oxygen species levels, and to improvement in mitochondrial structure and functions. Sustained treatment of mice expressing G93A SOD1 mutation with P110, beginning at the onset of disease symptoms at day 90, produced an improvement in motor performance and survival, suggesting that Drp1 hyperactivation may be an attractive target in the treatment of ALS patients.

Negative Conditioning of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Age-related Neurodegenerative Diseases

Mitochondrial dysfunction is regarded as one of the major causes of neuronal injury in age-associated neurodegenerative diseases and stroke. Mitochondrial dysfunction leads to increased reactive oxygen species production, causing mitochondrial DNA mutations, which then results in pathological conditions. Negative conditioning of mitochondrial dysfunction via pharmacological inhibition, phytochemicals, and dietary restriction serve as an avenue for therapeutic intervention to improve mitochondrial quality and function. Here, we focus primarily on mitochondrial biology, evidence for mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia and stroke, and the possibility of using negative conditioning to restore or preserve mitochondrial function in these diseases.

Peroxisome-derived lipids regulate adipose thermogenesis by mediating cold-induced mitochondrial fission

Peroxisomes perform essential functions in lipid metabolism, including fatty acid oxidation and plasmalogen synthesis. Here, we describe a role for peroxisomal lipid metabolism in mitochondrial dynamics in brown and beige adipocytes. Adipose tissue peroxisomal biogenesis was induced in response to cold exposure through activation of the thermogenic coregulator PRDM16. Adipose-specific knockout of the peroxisomal biogenesis factor Pex16 (Pex16-AKO) in mice impaired cold tolerance, decreased energy expenditure, and increased diet-induced obesity. Pex16 deficiency blocked cold-induced mitochondrial fission, decreased mitochondrial copy number, and caused mitochondrial dysfunction. Adipose-specific knockout of the peroxisomal β-oxidation enzyme acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (Acox1-AKO) was not sufficient to affect adiposity, thermogenesis, or mitochondrial copy number, but knockdown of the plasmalogen synthetic enzyme glyceronephosphate O-acyltransferase (GNPAT) recapitulated the effects of Pex16 inactivation on mitochondrial morphology and function. Plasmalogens are present in mitochondria and decreased with Pex16 inactivation. Dietary supplementation with plasmalogens increased mitochondrial copy number, improved mitochondrial function, and rescued thermogenesis in Pex16-AKO mice. These findings support a surprising interaction between peroxisomes and mitochondria regulating mitochondrial dynamics and thermogenesis.

Mitochondrial dynamic alterations regulate melanoma cell progression

Research on mitochondrial fusion and fission (mitochondrial dynamics) has gained much attention in recent years, as it is important for understanding many biological processes, including the maintenance of mitochondrial functions, apoptosis, and cancer. The rate of mitochondrial biosynthesis and degradation can affect various aspects of tumor progression. However, the role of mitochondrial dynamics in melanoma progression remains controversial and requires a mechanistic understanding to target the altered metabolism of cancer cells. Therefore, in our study, we disrupted mitochondrial fission with mdivi-1, the reported inhibitor of dynamin related protein 1 (Drp1), and knocked down Drp1 and Mfn2 to evaluate the effects of mitochondrial dynamic alterations on melanoma cell progression. Our confocal study results showed that mitochondrial fission was inhibited both in mdivi-1 and in Drp1 knockdown cells and, in parallel, mitochondrial fusion was induced. We also found that mitochondrial fission inhibition by mdivi-1 induced cell death in melanoma cells. However, silencing Drp1 and Mfn2 did not affect cell viability, but enhanced melanoma cell migration. We further show that dysregulated mitochondrial fusion by Mfn2 knockdowns suppressed the oxygen consumption rate of melanoma cells. Together, our findings suggest that mitochondrial dynamic alterations regulate melanoma cell migration and progression.

Lipopolysaccharide-induced alteration of mitochondrial morphology induces a metabolic shift in microglia modulating the inflammatory response in vitro and in vivo

Accumulating evidence suggests that changes in the metabolic signature of microglia underlie their response to inflammation. We sought to increase our knowledge of how pro-inflammatory stimuli induce metabolic changes. Primary microglia exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-expressed excessive fission leading to more fragmented mitochondria than tubular mitochondria. LPS-mediated Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation also resulted in metabolic reprogramming from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis. Blockade of mitochondrial fission by Mdivi-1, a putative mitochondrial division inhibitor led to the reversal of the metabolic shift. Mdivi-1 treatment also normalized the changes caused by LPS exposure, namely an increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production and mitochondrial membrane potential as well as accumulation of key metabolic intermediate of TCA cycle succinate. Moreover, Mdivi-1 treatment substantially reduced LPS induced cytokine and chemokine production. Finally, we showed that Mdivi-1 treatment attenuated expression of genes related to cytotoxic, repair, and immunomodulatory microglia phenotypes in an in vivo neuroinflammation paradigm. Collectively, our data show that the activation of microglia to a classically pro-inflammatory state is associated with a switch to glycolysis that is mediated by mitochondrial fission, a process which may be a pharmacological target for immunomodulation.

Dysregulated Mitochondrial Dynamics and Metabolism in Obesity, Diabetes, and Cancer

Metabolism describes the life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms that provide both energy and building blocks for cellular survival and proliferation. Dysregulated metabolism leads to many life-threatening diseases including obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Mitochondria, subcellular organelles, contain the central energy-producing metabolic pathway, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Also, mitochondria exist in a dynamic network orchestrated by extracellular nutrient levels and intracellular energy needs. Upon stimulation, mitochondria undergo consistent interchange through fusion (small to big) and fission (big to small) processes. Mitochondrial fusion is primarily controlled by three GTPases, mitofusin 1 (Mfn1), Mfn2, and optic atrophy 1 (Opa1), while mitochondrial fission is primarily regulated by GTPase dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1). Dysregulated activity of these GTPases results in disrupted mitochondrial dynamics and cellular metabolism. This review will update the metabolic roles of these GTPases in obesity, diabetes, and cancer.

Relationship between mitofusin 2 and cancer

Mitochondria are dynamic organelles whose actions are fundamental for cell viability. Within the cell, the mitochondrial system is incessantly modified via the balance between fusion and fission processes. Among other proteins, mitofusin 2 is a central protagonist in all these mitochondrial events (fusion, trafficking, contacts with other organelles), the balance of which causes the correct mitochondrial action, shape, and distribution within the cell. Here we examine the structural and functional characteristics of mitofusin 2, underlining its essential role in numerous intracellular pathways, as well as in the pathogenesis of cancer.

Crosstalk between mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and age related neurodegenerative disease: Etiologies and therapeutic strategies

Mitochondrial function is vital for normal cellular processes. Mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress have been greatly implicated in the progression of aging, along with the pathogenesis of age-related neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Although antioxidant therapy has been proposed for the prevention and treatment of age-related NDs, unraveling the molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to significant progress in the development of effective treatments against such diseases. Aging is associated with the generation and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are the major contributors to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is caused because of the imbalance between the production of ROS and their oxidation, which can affect the mitochondrial respiratory chain function, thereby altering the membrane permeability and calcium homeostasis, along with increasing the heteroplasmic mtDNA and weakening the mitochondrial defense systems. Mitochondrial dysfunction mainly affects mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics that are prominent in several age-related NDs. Mitochondrial dysfunction has a crucial role in the pathophysiology of age-related NDs. Several mitochondria targeted strategies, such as enhancing the antioxidant bioavailability via novel delivery systems, identifying unique mitochondrial proteins as specific drug targets, investigating the signaling pathways of mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics, and identifying effective natural products are potentially effective to counteract mitochondrial dysfunction-related NDs.

Theaflavins Improve Insulin Sensitivity through Regulating Mitochondrial Biosynthesis in Palmitic Acid-Induced HepG2 Cells

Theaflavins, the characteristic and bioactive polyphenols in black tea, possess the potential improving effects on insulin resistance-associated metabolic abnormalities, including obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the related molecular mechanisms are still unclear. In this research, we investigated the protective effects of theaflavins against insulin resistance in HepG2 cells induced by palmitic acid. Theaflavins significantly increased glucose uptake of insulin-resistant cells at noncytotoxic doses. This activity was mediated by upregulating the total and membrane bound glucose transporter 4 protein expressions, increasing the phosphor-Akt (Ser473) level, and decreasing the phosphorylation of IRS-1 at Ser307. Moreover, theaflavins were found to enhance the mitochondrial DNA copy number, down-regulate the PGC-1β mRNA level and increase the PRC mRNA expression. Mdivi-1, a selective mitochondrial division inhibitor, could attenuate TFs-induced promotion of glucose uptake in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. Taken together, these results suggested that theaflavins could improve hepatocellular insulin resistance induced by free fatty acids, at least partly through promoting mitochondrial biogenesis. Theaflavins are promising functional food ingredients and medicines for improving insulin resistance-related disorders.

Mitochondrial regulation of diabetic vascular disease: an emerging opportunity

Diabetes-related vascular complication rates remain unacceptably high despite guideline-based medical therapies that are significantly more effective in individuals without diabetes. This critical gap represents an opportunity for researchers and clinicians to collaborate on targeting mechanisms and pathways that specifically contribute to vascular pathology in patients with diabetes mellitus. Dysfunctional mitochondria producing excessive mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) play a proximal cell-signaling role in the development of vascular endothelial dysfunction in the setting of diabetes. Targeting the mechanisms of production of mtROS or mtROS themselves represents an attractive method to reduce the prevalence and severity of diabetic vascular disease. This review focuses on the role of mitochondria in the development of diabetic vascular disease and current developments in methods to improve mitochondrial health to improve vascular outcomes in patients with DM.

Inhibition of Drp1 hyperactivation reduces neuropathology and behavioral deficits in zQ175 knock-in mouse model of Huntington's disease

Mitochondrial dysfunction manifests in the pathogenesis of Huntington's disease (HD), a fatal and inherited neurodegenerative disease. Dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) is the primary component of mitochondrial fission and becomes hyperactivated in various models of HD. We previously reported that inhibition of Drp1 hyperactivation by P110, a rationally designed peptide inhibitor of Drp1-Fis1 interaction, is protective in the HD R6/2 mouse model, which expresses a fragment of mutant Huntingtin (mHtt). In this study, we expand our work to test the effect of P110 treatment in HD knock-in (zQ175 KI) mice that express full-length mtHtt and exhibit progressive disease symptoms, reminiscent of human HD. We find that subcutaneously sustained treatment with P110 reduces movement deficits of mice. Moreover, the treatment attenuates striatal neuronal loss, microglial hyperactivity and white matter disorganization in zQ175 KI mice. These findings provide an additional line of evidence that inhibition of Drp1 hyperactivation is sufficient to reduce HD-associated neuropathology and behavioral deficits. We propose that manipulation of Drp1 hyperactivation might be a useful strategy to develop therapeutics for treating HD.

High content organelle trafficking enables disease state profiling as powerful tool for disease modelling

Neurodegenerative diseases pose a complex field with various neuronal subtypes and distinct differentially affected intra-neuronal compartments. Modelling of neurodegeneration requires faithful in vitro separation of axons and dendrites, their distal and proximal compartments as well as organelle tracking with defined retrograde versus anterograde directionality. We use microfluidic chambers to achieve compartmentalization and established high throughput live organelle imaging at standardized distal and proximal axonal readout sites in iPSC-derived spinal motor neuron cultures from human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients to study trafficking phenotypes of potential disease relevance. Our semi-automated pipeline of organelle tracking with FIJI and KNIME yields quantitative, multiparametric high content phenotypic signatures of organelle morphology and their trafficking in axons. We provide here the resultant large datasets to enable systemic signature interrogations for comprehensive and predictive disease modelling, mechanistic dissection and secondary hit validation (e.g. drug screens, genetic screens). Due to the nearly complete coverage of analysed motility events, our quantitative method yields a bias-free statistical power superior over common analyses of a handful of manual kymographs.

Hypoxia-induced interaction of filamin with Drp1 causes mitochondrial hyperfission-associated myocardial senescence

Defective mitochondrial dynamics through aberrant interactions between mitochondria and actin cytoskeleton is increasingly recognized as a key determinant of cardiac fragility after myocardial infarction (MI). Dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), a mitochondrial fission-accelerating factor, is activated locally at the fission site through interactions with actin. Here, we report that the actin-binding protein filamin A acted as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Drp1 and mediated mitochondrial fission-associated myocardial senescence in mice after MI. In peri-infarct regions characterized by mitochondrial hyperfission and associated with myocardial senescence, filamin A colocalized with Drp1 around mitochondria. Hypoxic stress induced the interaction of filamin A with the GTPase domain of Drp1 and increased Drp1 activity in an actin-binding-dependent manner in rat cardiomyocytes. Expression of the A1545T filamin mutant, which potentiates actin aggregation, promoted mitochondrial hyperfission under normoxia. Furthermore, pharmacological perturbation of the Drp1-filamin A interaction by cilnidipine suppressed mitochondrial hyperfission-associated myocardial senescence and heart failure after MI. Together, these data demonstrate that Drp1 association with filamin and the actin cytoskeleton contributes to cardiac fragility after MI and suggests a potential repurposing of cilnidipine, as well as provides a starting point for innovative Drp1 inhibitor development.

Modulation of Mitochondrial Dynamics in Neurodegenerative Diseases: An Insight Into Prion Diseases

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a common and prominent feature of prion diseases and other neurodegenerative disorders. Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that constantly fuse with one another and subsequently break apart. Defective or superfluous mitochondria are usually eliminated by a form of autophagy, referred to as mitophagy, to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis. Mitochondrial dynamics are tightly regulated by processes including fusion and fission. Dysfunction of mitochondrial dynamics can lead to the accumulation of abnormal mitochondria and contribute to cellular damage. Neurons are among the cell types that consume the most energy, have a highly complex morphology, and are particularly dependent on mitochondrial functions and dynamics. In this review article, we summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying the mitochondrial dynamics and the regulation of mitophagy and discuss the dysfunction of these processes in the progression of prion diseases and other neurodegenerative disorders. We have also provided an overview of mitochondrial dynamics as a therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases.

Human Dendritic Cell Subsets Undergo Distinct Metabolic Reprogramming for Immune Response

Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists induce metabolic reprogramming, which is required for immune activation. We have investigated mechanisms that regulate metabolic adaptation upon TLR-stimulation in human blood DC subsets, CD1c⁺ myeloid DCs (mDCs) and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs). We show that TLR-stimulation changes expression of genes regulating oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glutamine metabolism in pDC. TLR-stimulation increases mitochondrial content and intracellular glutamine in an autophagy-dependent manner in pDC. TLR-induced glutaminolysis fuels OXPHOS in pDCs. Notably, inhibition of glutaminolysis and OXPHOS prevents pDC activation. Conversely, TLR-stimulation reduces mitochondrial content, OXPHOS activity and induces glycolysis in CD1c⁺ mDC. Inhibition of mitochondrial fragmentation or promotion of mitochondrial fusion impairs TLR-stimulation induced glycolysis and activation of CD1c⁺ mDCs. TLR-stimulation triggers BNIP3-dependent mitophagy, which regulates transcriptional activity of AMPKα1. BNIP3-dependent mitophagy is required for induction of glycolysis and activation of CD1c⁺ mDCs. Our findings reveal that TLR stimulation differentially regulates mitochondrial dynamics in distinct human DC subsets, which contributes to their activation.

Three-dimensional electron microscopy techniques for unravelling mitochondrial dysfunction in heart failure and identification of new pharmacological targets

A hallmark of heart failure is mitochondrial dysfunction leading to a bioenergetics imbalance in the myocardium. Consequently, there is much interest in targeting mitochondrial abnormalities to attenuate the pathogenesis of heart failure. This review discusses (i) how electron microscopy (EM) techniques have been fundamental for the current understanding of mitochondrial structure–function, (ii) the paradigm shift in resolutions now achievable by 3‐D EM techniques due to the introduction of direct detection devices and phase plate technology, and (iii) the application of EM for unravelling mitochondrial pathological remodelling in heart failure. We further consider the tremendous potential of multi‐scale EM techniques for the development of therapeutics, structure‐based ligand design and for delineating how a drug elicits nanostructural effects at the molecular, organelle and cellular levels. In conclusion, 3‐D EM techniques have entered a new era of structural biology and are poised to play a pivotal role in discovering new therapies targeting mitochondria for treating heart failure.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Mitochondrial Pharmacology: Featured Mechanisms and Approaches for Therapy Translation. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.22/issuetoc

Inhibiting crosstalk between MET signaling and mitochondrial dynamics and morphology: a novel therapeutic approach for lung cancer and mesothelioma

The receptor tyrosine kinase MET is frequently involved in malignant transformation and inhibiting its activity in MET-dependent cancers is associated with improved clinical outcomes. Emerging evidence also suggests that mitochondria play an essential role in tumorigenesis and Dynamin Related Protein (DRP1), a key component of the mitochondrial fission machinery, has emerged as an attractive therapeutic target. Here, we report that inhibiting MET activity with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor MGCD516 attenuates viability, migration, and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) cell lines in vitro, and significantly retards tumor growth in vivo. Interestingly, MGCD516 treatment also results in altered mitochondrial morphology in these cell lines. Furthermore, inhibiting MET pharmacologically or knocking down its expression using siRNA, decreases DRP1 activity alluding to possible crosstalk between them in these two cancers. Consistently, a combination of MGCD516 and mdivi-1, a quinazolinone reported to inhibit mitochondrial fission, is more effective in attenuating proliferation of NSCLC and MPM cell lines than either drug alone. Considered together, the present study has uncovered a novel mechanism underlying mitochondrial regulation by MET that involves crosstalk with DRP1, and suggests that a combination therapy targeting both MET and DRP1 could be a novel strategy for NSCLC and MPM.

Why don't mice lacking the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter experience an energy crisis?

Current dogma holds that the heart balances energy demand and supply effectively and sustainably by sequestering enough Ca²⁺ into mitochondria during heartbeats to stimulate metabolic enzymes in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and electron transport chain (ETC). This process is called excitation-contraction-bioenergetics (ECB) coupling. Recent breakthroughs in identifying the mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uniporter (MCU) and its associated proteins have opened up new windows for interrogating the molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial Ca²⁺ homeostasis regulation and its role in ECB coupling. Despite remarkable progress made in the past 7 years, it has been surprising, almost disappointing, that germline MCU deficiency in mice with certain genetic background yields viable pups, and knockout of the MCU in adult heart does not cause lethality. Moreover, MCU deficiency results in few adverse phenotypes, normal performance, and preserved bioenergetics in the heart at baseline. In this review, we briefly assess the existing literature on mitochondrial Ca²⁺ homeostasis regulation and then we consider possible explanations for why MCU-deficient mice are spared from energy crises under physiological conditions. We propose that MCU and/or mitochondrial Ca²⁺ may have limited ability to set ECB coupling, that other mitochondrial Ca²⁺ handling mechanisms may play a role, and that extra-mitochondrial Ca²⁺ may regulate ECB coupling. Since the heart needs to regenerate a significant amount of ATP to assure the perpetuation of heartbeats, multiple mechanisms are likely to work in concert to match energy supply with demand.

Long-Term Potentiation Requires a Rapid Burst of Dendritic Mitochondrial Fission during Induction

Synaptic transmission is bioenergetically demanding, and the diverse processes underlying synaptic plasticity elevate these demands. Therefore, mitochondrial functions, including ATP synthesis and Ca²⁺ handling, are likely essential for plasticity. Although axonal mitochondria have been extensively analyzed, LTP is predominantly induced postsynaptically, where mitochondria are understudied. Additionally, though mitochondrial fission is essential for their function, signaling pathways that regulate fission in neurons remain poorly understood. We found that NMDAR-dependent LTP induction prompted a rapid burst of dendritic mitochondrial fission and elevations of mitochondrial matrix Ca²⁺. The fission burst was triggered by cytosolic Ca²⁺ elevation and required CaMKII, actin, and Drp1, as well as dynamin 2. Preventing fission impaired mitochondrial matrix Ca²⁺ elevations, structural LTP in cultured neurons, and electrophysiological LTP in hippocampal slices. These data illustrate a novel pathway whereby synaptic activity controls mitochondrial fission and show that dynamic control of fission regulates plasticity induction, perhaps by modulating mitochondrial Ca²⁺ handling.

The Causal Role of Mitochondrial Dynamics in Regulating Insulin Resistance in Diabetes: Link through Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species

Background

Mitochondrial dynamics (mtDYN) has been proposed as a bridge between mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance (IR), which is involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Our previous study has identified that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroup B4 is a T2D-susceptible genotype. Using transmitochondrial cybrid model, we have confirmed that haplogroup B4 contributes to cellular IR as well as a profission mtDYN, which can be reversed by antioxidant treatment. However, the causal relationship between mtDYN and cellular IR pertaining to T2D-susceptible haplogroup B4 remains unanswered.

Methods

To dissect the mechanisms between mtDYN and IR, knockdown or overexpression of MFN1, MFN2, DRP1, and FIS1 was performed using cybrid B4. We then examined the mitochondrial network and mitochondrial oxidative stress (mtROS) as well as insulin signaling IRS-AKT pathway and glucose transporters (GLUT) translocation to plasma membrane stimulated by insulin. We employed Drp1 inhibitor, mdivi-1, to interfere with endogenous expression of fission to validate the pharmacological effects on IR.

Results

Overexpression of MFN1 or MFN2 increased mitochondrial network and reduced mtROS, while knockdown had an opposing effect. In contrast, overexpression of DRP1 or FIS1 decreased mitochondrial network and increased mtROS, while knockdown had an opposing effect. Concomitant with the enhanced mitochondrial network, activation of the IRS1-AKT pathway and GLUT translocation stimulated by insulin were improved. On the contrary, suppression of mitochondrial network caused a reduction of the IRS1-AKT pathway and GLUT translocation stimulated by insulin. Pharmacologically inhibiting mitochondrial fission by the Drp1 inhibitor, mdivi-1, also rescued mitochondrial network, reduced mtROS, and improved insulin signaling of diabetes-susceptible cybrid cells.

Conclusion

Our results discovered the causal role of mtDYN proteins in regulating IR resulted from diabetes-susceptible mitochondrial haplogroup. The existence of a bidirectional interaction between mtDYN and mtROS plays an important role. Direct intervention to reverse profission in mtDYN provides a novel therapeutic strategy for IR and T2D.

Modulation of age related protein expression changes by gelam honey in cardiac mitochondrial rats

Aging is characterized by progressive decline in biochemical and physiological functions. According to the free radical theory of aging, aging results from oxidative damage due to the accumulation of excess reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mitochondria are the main source of ROS production and are also the main target for ROS. Therefore, a diet high in antioxidant such as honey is potentially able to protect the body from ROS and oxidative damage. Gelam honey is higher in flavonoid content and phenolic compounds compared to other local honey. This study was conducted to determine the effects of gelam honey on age related protein expression changes in cardiac mitochondrial rat. A total of 24 Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into two groups: the young group (2 months old), and aged group (19 months old). Each group were then subdivided into two groups: control group (force-fed with distilled water), and treatment group (force-fed with gelam honey, 2.5 g/kg), and were treated for 8 months. Comparative proteomic analysis of mitochondria from cardiac tissue was then performed by high performance mass spectrometry (Q-TOF LCMS/MS) followed by validation of selected proteins by Western blotting. Proteins were identified using Spectrum Mill software and were subjected to stringent statistical analysis. A total of 286 proteins were identified in the young control group (YC) and 241 proteins were identified in the young gelam group (YG). In the aged group, a total of 243 proteins were identified in control group (OC), and 271 proteins in gelam group (OG). Comparative proteome profiling identified 69 proteins with different abundance (p < 0.05) in OC when compared to YC, and also in YG when compared to YC. On the other hand, 55 proteins were found to be different in abundance when comparing OG with OC. In the aged group, gelam honey supplementation affected the relative abundance of 52 proteins with most of these proteins showing a decrease in the control group. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the majority of the affected proteins were involved in the respiratory chain (OXPHOS) which play an important role in maintaining mitochondrial function.

Interaction of mitochondrial fission factor with dynamin related protein 1 governs physiological mitochondrial function in vivo

Mitochondria form a dynamic network governed by a balance between opposing fission and fusion processes. Because excessive mitochondrial fission correlates with numerous pathologies, including neurodegeneration, the mechanism governing fission has become an attractive therapeutic strategy. However, targeting fission is a double-edged sword as physiological fission is necessary for mitochondrial function. Fission is trigged by Drp1 anchoring to adaptors tethered to the outer mitochondrial membrane. We designed peptide P259 that distinguishes physiological from pathological fission by specifically inhibiting Drp1′s interaction with the Mff adaptor. Treatment of cells with P259 elongated mitochondria and disrupted mitochondrial function and motility. Sustained in vivo treatment caused a decline in ATP levels and altered mitochondrial structure in the brain, resulting in behavioral deficits in wild-type mice and a shorter lifespan in a mouse model of Huntington’s disease. Therefore, the Mff-Drp1 interaction is critical for physiological mitochondrial fission, motility, and function in vitro and in vivo. Tools, such as P259, that differentiate physiological from pathological fission will enable the examination of context-dependent roles of Drp1 and the suitability of mitochondrial fission as a target for drug development.

Mitochondrial Targeting in Neurodegeneration: A Heme Perspective

Mitochondrial dysfunction has achieved an increasing interest in the field of neurodegeneration as a pathological hallmark for different disorders. The impact of mitochondria is related to a variety of mechanisms and several of them can co-exist in the same disease. The central role of mitochondria in neurodegenerative disorders has stimulated studies intended to implement therapeutic protocols based on the targeting of the distinct mitochondrial processes. The review summarizes the most relevant mechanisms by which mitochondria contribute to neurodegeneration, encompassing therapeutic approaches. Moreover, a new perspective is proposed based on the heme impact on neurodegeneration. The heme metabolism plays a central role in mitochondrial functions, and several evidences indicate that alterations of the heme metabolism are associated with neurodegenerative disorders. By reporting the body of knowledge on this topic, the review intends to stimulate future studies on the role of heme metabolism in neurodegeneration, envisioning innovative strategies in the struggle against neurodegenerative diseases.

Metabolic Targeting of Breast Cancer Cells With the 2-Deoxy-D-Glucose and the Mitochondrial Bioenergetics Inhibitor MDIVI-1

Breast cancer cells have different requirements on metabolic pathways in order to sustain their growth. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive breast cancer subtype relies mainly on glycolysis, while estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer cells possess higher mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) levels. However, breast cancer cells generally employ both pathways to sustain their metabolic needs and to compete with the surrounding environment. In this study, we demonstrate that the mitochondrial fission inhibitor MDIVI-1 alters mitochondrial bioenergetics, at concentrations that do not affect mitochondrial morphology. We show that this effect is accompanied by an increase in glycolysis consumption. Dual targeting of glycolysis with 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) and mitochondrial bioenergetics with MDIVI-1 reduced cellular bioenergetics, increased cell death and decreased clonogenic activity of MCF7 and HDQ-P1 breast cancer cells. In conclusion, we have explored a novel and effective combinatorial regimen for the treatment of breast cancer.

Mitochondria, the NLRP3 Inflammasome, and Sirtuins in Type 2 Diabetes: New Therapeutic Targets

SIGNIFICANCE

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia can lead to the development of comorbidities such as atherosclerosis and microvascular/macrovascular complications. Both type 2 diabetes and its complications are related to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Type 2 diabetes is also a chronic inflammatory condition that leads to inflammasome activation and the release of proinflammatory mediators, including interleukins (ILs) IL-1β and IL-18. Moreover, sirtuins are energetic sensors that respond to metabolic load, which highlights their relevance in metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. Recent Advances: Over the past decade, great progress has been made in clarifying the signaling events regulated by mitochondria, inflammasomes, and sirtuins. Nod-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) is the best characterized inflammasome, and the generation of oxidant species seems to be critical for its activation. NLRP3 inflammasome activation and altered sirtuin levels have been observed in type 2 diabetes. Critical Issue: Despite increasing evidence of the relationship between the NLRP3 inflammasome, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress and of their participation in type 2 diabetes physiopathology, therapeutic strategies to combat type 2 diabetes that target NLRP3 inflammasome and sirtuins are yet to be consolidated.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

In this review article, we attempt to provide an overview of the existing literature concerning the crosstalk between mitochondrial impairment and the inflammasome, with particular attention to cellular and mitochondrial redox metabolism and the potential role of the NLRP3 inflammasome and sirtuins in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. In addition, we discuss potential targets for therapeutic intervention based on these molecular interactions. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 29, 749-791.

BH3 mimetics induce apoptosis independent of DRP-1 in melanoma

Despite the recent advancement in treating melanoma, options are still limited for patients without BRAF mutations or in relapse from current treatments. BH3 mimetics against members of the BCL-2 family have gained excitement with the recent success in hematological malignancies. However, single drug BH3 mimetic therapy in melanoma has limited effectiveness due to escape by the anti-apoptotic protein MCL-1 and/or survival of melanoma-initiating cells (MICs). We tested the efficacy of the BH3 mimetic combination of A-1210477 (an MCL-1 inhibitor) and ABT-263 (a BCL-2/BCL-XL/BCL-W inhibitor) in killing melanoma, especially MICs. We also sought to better define Dynamin-Related Protein 1 (DRP-1)'s role in melanoma; DRP-1 is known to interact with members of the BCL-2 family and is a possible therapeutic target for melanoma treatment. We used multiple assays (cell viability, apoptosis, bright field, immunoblot, and sphere formation), as well as the CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing techniques. For clinical relevance, we employed patient samples of different mutation status, including some relapsed from current treatments such as anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. We found the BH3 mimetic combination kill both the MICs and non-MICs (bulk of melanoma) in all cell lines and patient samples irrespective of the mutation status or relapsed state (p < 0.05). Unexpectedly, the major pro-apoptotic proteins, NOXA and BIM, are not necessary for the combination-induced cell death. Furthermore, the combination impedes the activation of DRP-1, and inhibition of DRP-1 further enhances apoptosis (p < 0.05). DRP-1 effects in melanoma differ from those seen in other cancer cells. These results provide new insights into BCL-2 family's regulation of the apoptotic pathway in melanoma, and suggest that inhibiting the major anti-apoptotic proteins is sufficient to induce cell death even without involvement from major pro-apoptotic proteins. Importantly, our study also indicates that DRP-1 inhibition is a promising adjuvant for BH3 mimetics in melanoma treatment.

Mortal engines: Mitochondrial bioenergetics and dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases

Mitochondria are best known for their role in ATP generation. However, studies over the past two decades have shown that mitochondria do much more than that. Mitochondria regulate both necrotic and apoptotic cell death pathways, they store and therefore coordinate cellular Ca²⁺ signaling, they generate and metabolize important building blocks, by-products and signaling molecules, and they also generate and are targets of free radical species that modulate many aspects of cell physiology and pathology. Most estimates suggest that although the brain makes up only 2 percent of body weight, utilizes about 20 percent of the body's total ATP. Thus, mitochondrial dysfunction greatly impacts brain functions and is indeed associated with numerous neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, a number of abnormal disease-associated proteins have been shown to interact directly with mitochondria, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequent neuronal cell death. Here, we discuss the role of mitochondrial dynamics impairment in the pathological processes associated with neurodegeneration and suggest that a therapy targeting mitochondrialdysfunction holds a great promise.

Swine Influenza Virus Induces RIPK1/DRP1-Mediated Interleukin-1 Beta Production

Nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays a pivotal role in modulating lung inflammation in response to the influenza A virus infection. We previously showed that the swine influenza virus (SIV) infection induced NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated IL-1β production in primary porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs), and we were interested in examining the upstream signaling events that are involved in this process. Here, we report that the SIV-infection led to dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) phosphorylation at serine 579 and mitochondrial fission in PAMs. IL-1β production was dependent on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and DRP1 phosphorylation resulted in the upregulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Furthermore, the requirement of the kinase activity of receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) for the IL-1β production and RIPK1-DRP1 association suggested that RIPK1 is an upstream kinase for DRP1 phosphorylation. Our results reveal a critical role of the RIPK1/DRP1 signaling axis, whose activation leads to mitochondrial fission and ROS release, in modulating porcine NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated IL-1β production in SIV-infected PAMs.

Mitochondria in cancer metabolism, an organelle whose time has come?

Mitochondria have long been controversial organelles in cancer. Early discoveries in cancer metabolism placed much emphasis on cytosolic contributions. Initial debate focused on if mitochondria had a role in cancer formation and progression at all. More recently the contributions of mitochondria to cancer development and progression have become firmly established. This has led to the identification of novel targets and inhibitors being studied as new therapeutic approaches. This review will summarize the role of mitochondria in cancer and highlight several agents under development.

Effect evaluation of methylprednisolone plus mitochondrial division inhibitor-1 on spinal cord injury rats

PURPOSE

To investigate the combination effect of methylprednisolone (MP) and mitochondrial division inhibitor-1 (Mdivi-1) on the neurological function recovery of rat spinal cord injury (SCI) model.

METHODS

The weight-drop method was used to establish the rat SCI model; then, rats were randomized into sham group, SCI group, MP group, Mdivi-1 group and MP+Mdivi-1 group. Motor function scores were quantified to evaluate locomotor ability; HE staining was used to assess spinal cord histopathology; tissue water content, oxidative stress, tissue mitochondrial function, neurons apoptosis, and apoptosis-related protein expression were detected.

RESULTS

From the third day after SCI, BBB score of the MP+Mdivi-1 group was obviously higher than the other experimental groups (p < 0.05). Compared with the SCI group, tissue water content of the Mdivi-1 group and MP+Mdivi-1 group reduced obviously (p < 0.05), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) level and ATP content in the Mdivi-1 group and MP+Mdivi-1 group were both higher (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, three kinds of treatment all reduced apoptosis significantly, while MP plus Mdivi-1 exhibited the best inhibition effect on apoptosis (p < 0.05). The expression levels of Drp1, cytochrome c, and caspase-3 were all upregulated obviously; Mdivi-1 could inhibit Drp1 upregulation induced by SCI; for the upregulation of cytochrome c and caspase-3, the inhibition effect of Mdivi-1 approached MP. When MP combined with Mdivi-1, there was the best inhibition effect.

CONCLUSIONS

MP combined with Mdivi-1 may produce better neurological function recovery, through improving functional status of mitochondria and inhibiting lipid peroxidation in damaged tissue of SCI rats, and thus alleviating apoptosis.

Histone deacetylase 8 protects human proximal tubular epithelial cells from hypoxia-mimetic cobalt- and hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced mitochondrial fission and cytotoxicity

Cell death by hypoxia followed by reoxygenation (H/R) is responsible for tissue injury in multiple pathological conditions. Recent studies found that epigenetic reprogramming mediated by histone deacetylases (HDACs) is implicated in H/R-induced cell death. However, among 18 different isoforms comprising 4 classes (I-IV), the role of each HDAC in cell death is largely unknown. This study examined the role of HDAC8, which is the most distinct isoform of class I, in the hypoxia mimetic cobalt- and H/R-induced cytotoxicity of human proximal tubular HK-2 cells. Using the HDAC8-specific activator TM-2-51 (TM) and inhibitor PCI34051, we found that HDAC8 played a protective role in cytotoxicity. TM or overexpression of wild-type HDAC8, but not a deacetylase-defective HDAC8 mutant, prevented mitochondrial fission, loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential and release of cytochrome C into the cytoplasm. TM suppressed expression of dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) which is a key factor required for mitochondrial fission. Suppression of DRP1 by HDAC8 was likely mediated by decreasing the level of acetylated histone H3 lysine 27 (a hallmark of active promoters) at the DRP1 promoter. Collectively, this study shows that HDAC8 inhibits cytotoxicity induced by cobalt and H/R, in part, through suppressing DRP1 expression and mitochondrial fission.

Mitochondrial abnormalities in Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease: can mitochondria be targeted therapeutically?

Mitochondrial abnormalities have been identified as a central mechanism in multiple neurodegenerative diseases and, therefore, the mitochondria have been explored as a therapeutic target. This review will focus on the evidence for mitochondrial abnormalities in the two most common neurodegenerative diseases, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. In addition, we discuss the main strategies which have been explored in these diseases to target the mitochondria for therapeutic purposes, focusing on mitochondrially targeted antioxidants, peptides, modulators of mitochondrial dynamics and phenotypic screening outcomes.

Increased Drp1-Mediated Mitochondrial Fission Promotes Proliferation and Collagen Production by Right Ventricular Fibroblasts in Experimental Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Introduction: Right ventricular (RV) fibrosis contributes to RV failure in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The mechanisms underlying RV fibrosis in PAH and the role of RV fibroblasts (RVfib) are unknown. Activation of the mitochondrial fission mediator dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) contributes to dysfunction of RV myocytes in PAH through interaction with its binding partner, fission protein 1 (Fis1). However, the role of mitochondrial fission in RVfib and RV fibrosis in PAH is unknown. Objective: We hypothesize that mitochondrial fission is increased in RVfib of rats with monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH. We evaluated the contribution of Drp1 and Drp1-Fis1 interaction to RVfib proliferation and collagen production in culture and to RV fibrosis in vivo. Methods: Vimentin (+) RVfib were enzymatically isolated and cultured from the RVs of male Sprague-Dawley rats that received MCT (60 mg/kg) or saline. Mitochondrial morphology, proliferation, collagen production, and expression of Drp1, Drp1 binding partners and mitochondrial fusion mediators were measured. The Drp1 inhibitor mitochondrial division inhibitor 1 (Mdivi-1), P110, a competitive peptide inhibitor of Drp1-Fis1 interaction, and siRNA targeting Drp1 were assessed. Subsequently, prevention and regression studies tested the antifibrotic effects of P110 (0.5 mg/kg) in vivo. At week 4 post MCT, echocardiography and right heart catheterization were performed. The RV was stained for collagen. Results: Mitochondrial fragmentation, proliferation rates and collagen production were increased in MCT-RVfib versus control-RVfib. MCT-RVfib had increased expression of activated Drp1 protein and a trend to decreased mitofusin-2 expression. Mdivi-1 and P110 inhibited mitochondrial fission, proliferation and collagen III expression in MCT-RVfib. However, P110 was only effective at high doses (1 mM). siDrp1 also reduced fission in MCT-RVfib. Despite promising results in cell therapy, in vivo therapy with P110 failed to prevent or regress RV fibrosis in MCT rats, perhaps due to failure to achieve adequate P110 levels or to the greater importance of interaction of Drp1 with other binding partners. Conclusion: PAH RVfib have increased Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission. Inhibiting Drp1 prevents mitochondrial fission and reduces RVfib proliferation and collagen production. This is the first description of disordered mitochondrial dynamics in RVfib and suggests that Drp1 is a potential new antifibrotic target.

Aberrant Mitochondrial Fission Is Maladaptive in Desmin Mutation-Induced Cardiac Proteotoxicity

Background

Desmin filament proteins interlink the contractile myofibrillar apparatus with mitochondria, nuclei and the sarcolemma. Mutations in the human desmin gene cause cardiac disease, remodeling, and heart failure but the pathophysiological mechanisms remain unknown.

Methods and Results

Cardiomyocyte‐specific overexpression of mutated desmin (a 7 amino acid deletion R172‐E178, D7‐Des Tg) causes accumulations of electron‐dense aggregates and myofibrillar degeneration associated with cardiac dysfunction. Though extensive studies demonstrated that these altered ultrastructural changes cause impairment of cardiac contractility, the molecular mechanism of cardiomyocyte death remains elusive. In the present study, we report that the D7‐Des Tg mouse hearts undergo aberrant mitochondrial fission associated with increased expression of mitochondrial fission regulatory proteins. Mitochondria isolated from D7‐Des Tg hearts showed decreased mitochondrial respiration and increased apoptotic cell death. Overexpression of mutant desmin by adenoviral infection in cultured cardiomyocytes led to increased mitochondrial fission, inhibition of mitochondrial respiration, and activation of cellular toxicity. Inhibition of mitochondrial fission by mitochondrial division inhibitor mdivi‐1 significantly improved mitochondrial respiration and inhibited cellular toxicity associated with D7‐Des overexpression in cardiomyocytes.

Conclusions

Aberrant mitochondrial fission results in mitochondrial respiratory defects and apoptotic cell death in D7‐Des Tg hearts. Inhibition of aberrant mitochondrial fission using mitochondrial division inhibitor significantly preserved mitochondrial function and decreased apoptotic cell death. Taken together, our study shows that maladaptive aberrant mitochondrial fission causes desminopathy‐associated cellular dysfunction.

Mitochondrial fission protein, dynamin-related protein 1, contributes to the promotion of hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in Dahl-salt sensitive rats

BACKGROUND

Hypertension promotes cardiac hypertrophy which finally leads to cardiac dysfunction. Although aberrant mitochondrial dynamics is known to be a relevant contributor of pathogenesis in heart disease, little is known about the relationship between mitochondrial dynamics and cardiac hypertrophy. We investigated the pathophysiological roles of Dynamin-related protein1 (Drp1, a mitochondrial fission protein) on the hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy.

METHODS & RESULTS

Dahl salt-sensitive rats were fed with a low-salt (0.3% NaCl) or a high-salt (8% NaCl) chow to promote hypertension with and without administration of mdivi1 (an inhibitor of Drp1: 1 mg/kg/every alternative day), and then the hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy was assessed. High-salt fed rats exhibited left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), myocytes hypertrophy, and cardiac fibrosis, and mdivi-1 suppressed them without alteration of the blood pressure. Mdivi1 also reduced ROS production by hypertension, which subsequently suppressed the Ca²⁺-activated protein phosphatase calcineurin and Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that Drp1 contributes to the pathogenesis of hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy via ROS production and the Drp1 suppression may be effective to prevent the hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy.

Mitostemness

Unraveling the key mechanisms governing the retention versus loss of the cancer stem cell (CSC) state would open new therapeutic avenues to eradicate cancer. Mitochondria are increasingly recognized key drivers in the origin and development of CSC functional traits. We here propose the new term "mitostemness" to designate the mitochondria-dependent signaling functions that, evolutionary rooted in the bacterial origin of mitochondria, regulate the maintenance of CSC self-renewal and resistance to differentiation. Mitostemness traits, namely mitonuclear communication, mitoproteome components, and mitochondrial fission/fusion dynamics, can be therapeutically exploited to target the CSC state. We briefly review the pre-clinical evidence of action of investigational compounds on mitostemness traits and discuss ongoing strategies to accelerate the clinical translation of new mitostemness drugs. The recognition that the bacterial origin of present-day mitochondria can drive decision-making signaling phenomena may open up a new therapeutic dimension against life-threatening CSCs. New therapeutics aimed to target mitochondria not only as biochemical but also as biophysical and morpho-physiological hallmarks of CSC might certainly guide improvements to cancer treatment.

Mitochondrial Dynamics: Shaping Metabolic Adaptation

Despite their classic bean-shaped depiction, mitochondria have very different aspects in each cell type. From long filamentous structures to punctuated small round organelles. These shapes can dynamically change in response to nutrients and in situations of metabolic disease. However, why do mitochondria adapt different shapes and how is this determined? In this review, we will aim to understand different visions on how metabolic cues influence mitochondrial shape and vice-versa. This response can be dramatically different between tissues and cells, as illustrated by a large array of genetically engineered mouse models reported to date. We will use these models to understand the role of different mitochondrial dynamics-related proteins and processes.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Stroke: Implications of Stem Cell Therapy

Stroke is a debilitating condition which is also the second leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Despite the benefits and promises shown by numerous neuroprotective agents in animal stroke models, their clinical translation has not been a complete success. Hence, search for treatment options have directed researchers towards utilising stem cells. Mitochondria has a major involvement in the pathophysiology of stroke and a number of other conditions. Stem cells have shown the ability to transfer mitochondria to the damaged cells and to help revive cell energetics in the recipient cell. The present review discusses how stem cells could be employed to protect neurons and mitochondria in stroke and also the various mechanisms involved in neuroprotection.

Mitochondria-Targeting Small Molecules Effectively Prevent Cardiotoxicity Induced by Doxorubicin

Doxorubicin (Dox) is a chemotherapeutic agent widely used for the treatment of numerous cancers. However, the clinical use of Dox is limited by its unwanted cardiotoxicity. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been associated with Dox-induced cardiotoxicity. To mitigate Dox-related cardiotoxicity, considerable successful examples of a variety of small molecules that target mitochondria to modulate Dox-induced cardiotoxicity have appeared in recent years. Here, we review the related literatures and discuss the evidence showing that mitochondria-targeting small molecules are promising cardioprotective agents against Dox-induced cardiac events.

Hippo/Mst signalling couples metabolic state and immune function of CD8α+ dendritic cells

Dendritic cells orchestrate the crosstalk between innate and adaptive immunity. CD8α⁺ dendritic cells present antigens to CD8⁺ T cells and elicit cytotoxic T cell responses to viruses, bacteria and tumours ¹ . Although lineage-specific transcriptional regulators of CD8α⁺ dendritic cell development have been identified ² , the molecular pathways that selectively orchestrate CD8α⁺ dendritic cell function remain elusive. Moreover, metabolic reprogramming is important for dendritic cell development and activation^3,4, but metabolic dependence and regulation of dendritic cell subsets are largely uncharacterized. Here we use a data-driven systems biology algorithm (NetBID) to identify a role of the Hippo pathway kinases Mst1 and Mst2 (Mst1/2) in selectively programming CD8α⁺ dendritic cell function and metabolism. Our NetBID analysis reveals a marked enrichment of the activities of Hippo pathway kinases in CD8α⁺ dendritic cells relative to CD8α^- dendritic cells. Dendritic cell-specific deletion of Mst1/2-but not Lats1 and Lats2 (Lats1/2) or Yap and Taz (Yap/Taz), which mediate canonical Hippo signalling-disrupts homeostasis and function of CD8⁺ T cells and anti-tumour immunity. Mst1/2-deficient CD8α⁺ dendritic cells are impaired in presentation of extracellular proteins and cognate peptides to prime CD8⁺ T cells, while CD8α^- dendritic cells that lack Mst1/2 have largely normal function. Mechanistically, compared to CD8α^- dendritic cells, CD8α⁺ dendritic cells exhibit much stronger oxidative metabolism and critically depend on Mst1/2 signalling to maintain bioenergetic activities and mitochondrial dynamics for their functional capacities. Further, selective expression of IL-12 by CD8α⁺ dendritic cells depends on Mst1/2 and the crosstalk with non-canonical NF-κB signalling. Our findings identify Mst1/2 as selective drivers of CD8α⁺ dendritic cell function by integrating metabolic activity and cytokine signalling, and highlight that the interplay between immune signalling and metabolic reprogramming underlies the unique functions of dendritic cell subsets.

Increased mitochondrial fission is critical for hypoxia-induced pancreatic beta cell death

Hypoxia-mediated pancreatic beta cell death is one of the main causes of pancreatic beta celldeath, which leads to the loss of functional pancreatic beta cell mass and type 1 diabetes andtype 2 diabetes.However, the molecular mechanisms that control life and death of pancreatic beta cells remain poorly understood. Here we showed that mitochondrial fission was strongly induced in pancreatic beta cellsmainly due to an elevation of DRP1^S616 phosphorylation through HIF-1αactivation and subsequent DRP1 mitochondrial translocation. Hypoxia-induced pancreatic beta cell death can be reversed by the inhibition of mitochondrial fission viaDRP1 knockdown. We further demonstrated that hypoxia-induced mitochondrial fission untightened the cristae formation, which subsequently triggers mitochondrial cytochrome c release and consequent caspase activation. Moreover, treatment with mitochondrial division inhibitor-1 (Mdivi-1), a specific inhibitor of DRP1-mediated mitochondrial fission, significantly suppressedbeta cell death in vitro, indicating a promising therapeutic strategy for treatment of diabetes.Taken together, our results reveal a crucial role for the DRP1-mediated mitochondrial fission in hypoxia-induced beta cell death, which provides a strong evidence for thisprocess as drug target indiabetestreatment.

CoCl2 induces apoptosis via a ROS-dependent pathway and Drp1-mediated mitochondria fission in periodontal ligament stem cells

Oxygen deficiency is associated with various oral diseases, including chronic periodontitis, age-related alveolar bone loss, and mechanical stress-linked cell injury from orthodontic appliances. Nevertheless, our understanding of the impact of hypoxia on periodontal tissues and its biochemical mechanism is still rudimentary. The purpose of this research was to elucidate the effects of hypoxia on the apoptosis of human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) in vitro and the underlying mechanism. Herein, we showed that cobalt chloride (CoCl₂) triggered cell dysfunction in human PDLSCs in a concentration-dependent manner and resulted in cell apoptosis and oxidative stress overproduction and accumulation in PDLSCs. In addition, CoCl₂ promoted mitochondrial fission in PDLSCs. Importantly, CoCl₂ increased the expression of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), the major regulator in mitochondrial fission, in PDLSCs. Mitochondrial division inhibitor-1, pharmacological inhibition of Drp1, not only inhibited mitochondrial fission but also protected against CoCl₂-induced PDLSC dysfunction, as shown by increased mitochondrial membrane potential, increased ATP level, reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and decreased apoptosis. Furthermore, N-acety-l-cysteine, a pharmacological inhibitor of ROS, also abolished CoCl₂-induced expression of Drp1 and protected against CoCl₂-induced PDLSC dysfunction, as shown by restored mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP level, inhibited mitochondrial fission, and decreased apoptosis. Collectively, our data provide new insights into the role of the ROS-Drp1-dependent mitochondrial pathway in CoCl₂-induced apoptosis in PDLSCs, indicating that ROS and Drp1 are promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of CoCl₂-induced PDLSC dysfunction.

Different mitochondrial fragmentation after irradiation with X-rays and carbon ions in HeLa cells and its influence on cellular apoptosis

Although mitochondria are known to play an important role in radiation-induced cellular damage, the mechanisms by which ionizing radiation modulates mitochondrial dynamics are largely unknown. In this study, human cervical carcinoma cell line HeLa was used to demonstrate the different modes of mitochondrial network in response to different quality radiations such as low linear energy transfer (LET) X-rays and high-LET carbon ions. Mitochondria fragmented into punctate and clustered ones upon carbon ion irradiation in a dose- and LET-dependent manner, which was associated with apoptotic cell death. In contrast, low-dose X-ray irradiation promoted mitochondrial fusion while mitochondrial fission was detected until the radiation dose was more than 1 Gy. This fission was driven by ERK1/2-mediated phosphorylation of Drp1 on Serine 616. Inhibition of mitochondrial fragmentation suppressed the radiation-induced apoptosis and thus enhanced the resistance of cells to carbon ions and high-dose X-rays, but not for cells irradiated with X-rays at the low dose. Our results suggest that radiations of different qualities cause diverse changes of mitochondrial dynamics in cancer cells, which play an important role in determining the cell fate.