Protein phosphorylation in yeast mitochondria: cAMP-dependence, submitochondrial localization and substrates of mitochondrial protein kinases

A high copy suppressor screen identifies factors enhancing the allotopic production of subunit II of cytochrome c oxidase

Allotopic expression refers to the artificial relocation of an organellar gene to the nucleus. Subunit 2 (Cox2) of cytochrome c oxidase, a subunit with 2 transmembrane domains (TMS1 and TMS2) residing in the inner mitochondrial membrane with a Nout-Cout topology, is typically encoded in the mitochondrial cox2 gene. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the cox2 gene can be allotopically expressed in the nucleus, yielding a functional protein that restores respiratory growth to a Δcox2 null mutant. In addition to a mitochondrial targeting sequence followed by its natural 15-residue leader peptide, the cytosol synthesized Cox2 precursor must carry one or several amino acid substitutions that decrease the mean hydrophobicity of TMS1 and facilitate its import into the matrix by the TIM23 translocase. Here, using a yeast strain that contains a COX2W56R gene construct inserted in a nuclear chromosome, we searched for genes whose overexpression could facilitate import into mitochondria of the Cox2W56R precursor and increase respiratory growth of the corresponding mutant strain. A COX2W56R expressing strain was transformed with a multicopy plasmid genomic library, and transformants exhibiting enhanced respiratory growth on nonfermentable carbon sources were selected. We identified 3 genes whose overexpression facilitates the internalization of the Cox2W56R subunit into mitochondria, namely: TYE7, RAS2, and COX12. TYE7 encodes a transcriptional factor, RAS2, a GTP-binding protein, and COX12, a non-core subunit of cytochrome c oxidase. We discuss potential mechanisms by which the TYE7, RAS2, and COX12 gene products could facilitate the import and assembly of the Cox2W56R subunit produced allotopically.

Mitochondrial protein phosphorylation in yeast revisited

Protein phosphorylation is one of the best-known post-translational modifications occurring in all domains of life. In eukaryotes, protein phosphorylation affects all cellular compartments including mitochondria. High-throughput techniques of mass spectrometry combined with cell fractionation and biochemical methods yielded thousands of phospho-sites on hundreds of mitochondrial proteins. We have compiled the information on mitochondrial protein kinases and phosphatases and their substrates in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and provide the current state-of-the-art overview of mitochondrial protein phosphorylation in this model eukaryote. Using several examples, we describe emerging features of the yeast mitochondrial phosphoproteome and present challenges lying ahead in this exciting field.

The basics of mitochondrial cAMP signalling: Where, when, why

Cytosolic cAMP signalling in live cells has been extensively investigated in the past, while only in the last decade the existence of an intramitochondrial autonomous cAMP homeostatic system began to emerge. Thanks to the development of novel tools to investigate cAMP dynamics and cAMP/PKA-dependent phosphorylation within the matrix and in other mitochondrial compartments, it is now possible to address directly and in intact living cells a series of questions that until now could be addressed only by indirect approaches, in isolated organelles or through subcellular fractionation studies. In this contribution we discuss the mechanisms that regulate cAMP dynamics at the surface and inside mitochondria, and its crosstalk with organelle Ca²⁺ handling. We then address a series of still unsolved questions, such as the intramitochondrial localization of key elements of the cAMP signaling toolkit, e.g., adenylate cyclases, phosphodiesterases, protein kinase A (PKA) and Epac. Finally, we discuss the evidence for and against the existence of an intramitochondrial PKA pool and the functional role of cAMP increases within the organelle matrix.

Role of soluble adenylyl cyclase in mitochondria

The soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) catalyzes the conversion of ATP into cyclic AMP (cAMP). Recent studies have shed new light on the role of sAC localized in mitochondria and its product cAMP, which drives mitochondrial protein phosphorylation and regulation of the oxidative phosphorylation system and other metabolic enzymes, presumably through the activation of intra-mitochondrial PKA. In this review article, we summarize recent findings on mitochondrial sAC activation by bicarbonate (HCO(3)(-)) and calcium (Ca²⁺) and the effects on mitochondrial metabolism. We also discuss putative mechanisms whereby sAC-mediated mitochondrial protein phosphorylation regulates mitochondrial metabolism. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The role of soluble adenylyl cyclase in health and disease.

cAMP-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of subunit I inhibits cytochrome c oxidase activity

Signaling pathways targeting mitochondria are poorly understood. We here examine phosphorylation by the cAMP-dependent pathway of subunits of cytochrome c oxidase (COX), the terminal enzyme of the electron transport chain. Using anti-phospho antibodies, we show that cow liver COX subunit I is tyrosinephosphorylated in the presence of theophylline, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that creates high cAMP levels, but not in its absence. The site of phosphorylation, identified by mass spectrometry, is tyrosine 304 of COX catalytic subunit I. Subunit I phosphorylation leads to a decrease of V(max) and an increase of K(m) for cytochrome c and shifts the reaction kinetics from hyperbolic to sigmoidal such that COX is fully or strongly inhibited up to 10 mum cytochrome c substrate concentrations, even in the presence of allosteric activator ADP. To assess our findings with the isolated enzyme in a physiological context, we tested the starvation signal glucagon on human HepG2 cells and cow liver tissue. Glucagon leads to COX inactivation, an effect also observed after incubation with adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin. Thus, the glucagon receptor/G-protein/cAMP pathway regulates COX activity. At therapeutic concentrations used for asthma relief, theophylline causes lung COX inhibition and decreases cellular ATP levels, suggesting a mechanism for its clinical action.

Minor participation of cAMP on the protein kinase phosphorylation of mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions from Ascaris suum: a comparative study with porcine heart muscle

In contrast to porcine heart muscle in which cAMP effectively activated the phosphorylation of cytosolic proteins, cAMP exerted a minor effect on the phosphorylation of proteins from the soluble fraction of Ascaris suum muscle. Similarly, cAMP did not enhance the kinase activity in the mitochondrial membranes from porcine heart and A. suum, although major differences in protein phosphorylation were observed between both fractions. However, cAMP-dependent protein kinases (PKA) were evidenced in the parasitic soluble mitochondrial fraction, since the phosphorylation of histone IIA and kemptide was augmented in this fraction, in the presence of cAMP. An increase in the phosphorylation of exogenously added A. suum phosphofructokinase was also obtained when cAMP was added to the parasite soluble mitochondrial fraction. The phosphorylation of phosphofructokinase by this fraction was inhibited when kemptide and cAMP were included in the reaction mixture, suggesting substrate competition for the same PKA. Although PKI (6-22), a reported inhibitor of the catalytic subunit of mammalian cAMP-dependent PKAs, did not affect the endogenous phosphorylation of proteins in the various A. suum fractions, an inhibition on the phosphorylation of exogenously added kemptide and phosphofructokinase was observed when PKI (6-22) was incubated with the parasite mitochondrial soluble fraction.

PKA, PKC, and AKAP localization in and around the neuromuscular junction

BACKGROUND

One mechanism that directs the action of the second messengers, cAMP and diacylglycerol, is the compartmentalization of protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC). A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) can recruit both enzymes to specific subcellular locations via interactions with the various isoforms of each family of kinases. We found previously that a new class of AKAPs, dual-specific AKAPs, denoted D-AKAP1 and D-AKAP2, bind to RIalpha in addition to the RII subunits.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy were used here to determine that D-AKAP1 colocalizes with RIalpha at the postsynaptic membrane of the vertebrate neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and the adjacent muscle, but not in the presynaptic region. The labeling pattern for RIalpha and D-AKAP1 overlapped with mitochondrial staining in the muscle fibers, consistent with our previous work showing D-AKAP1 association with mitochondria in cultured cells. The immunoreactivity of D-AKAP2 was distinct from that of D-AKAP1. We also report here that even though the PKA type II subunits (RIIalpha and RIIbeta) are localized at the NMJ, their patterns are distinctive and differ from the other R and D-AKAP patterns examined. PKCbeta appeared to colocalize with the AKAP, gravin, at the postsynaptic membrane.

CONCLUSIONS

The kinases and AKAPs investigated have distinct patterns of colocalization, which suggest a complex arrangement of signaling micro-environments. Because the labeling patterns for RIalpha and D-AKAP 1 are similar in the muscle fibers and at the postsynaptic membrane, it may be that this AKAP anchors RIalpha in these regions. Likewise, gravin may be an anchor of PKCbeta at the NMJ.

Mitochondrial protein phosphorylation: lessons from yeasts

The genome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae contains as many as 136 protein kinase encoding genes. However, only a limited number of mitochondrial protein kinases have been characterized. A computer-aided analysis revealed that only seven members of this large protein family are potentially localized in mitochondria. The low abundance of mitochondrially targeted protein kinases in yeast reflects the reductive evolution of mitochondrial signaling components and/or the apparent lack of selection pressure for acquiring mitochondrially localized protein kinases encoded by the host genome. This suggests that mitochondria, like obligatory intracellular bacterial parasites, are no longer dependent on signalling mechanisms mediated by protein kinases residing within the mitochondria. Instead, the nucleo-mitochondrial communication system requiring protein phosphorylation may be predominantly regulated by protein kinases, which are cytosolic and/or anchored to the outer mitochondrial membrane.

Mitochondrial energy metabolism is regulated via nuclear-coded subunits of cytochrome c oxidase

A new mechanism on regulation of mitochondrial energy metabolism is proposed on the basis of reversible control of respiration by the intramitochondrial ATP/ADP ratio and slip of proton pumping (decreased H+/e- stoichiometry) in cytochrome c oxidase (COX) at high proton motive force delta p. cAMP-dependent phosphorylation of COX switches on and Ca2+-dependent dephosphorylation switches off the allosteric ATP-inhibition of COX (nucleotides bind to subunit IV). Control of respiration via phosphorylated COX by the ATP/ADP ratio keeps delta p (mainly delta psi(m)) low. Hormone induced Ca2+-dependent dephosphorylation results in loss of ATP-inhibition, increase of respiration and delta p with consequent slip in proton pumping. Slip in COX increases the free energy of reaction, resulting in increased rates of respiration, thermogenesis and ATP-synthesis. Increased delta psi(m) stimulates production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mutations of mitochondrial DNA and accelerates aging. Slip of proton pumping without dephosphorylation and increase of delta p is found permanently in the liver-type isozyme of COX (subunit VIaL) and at high intramitochondrial ATP/ADP ratios in the heart-type isozyme (subunit VIaH). High substrate pressure (sigmoidal v/s kinetics), palmitate and 3,5-diiodothyronine (binding to subunit Va) increase also delta p, ROS production and slip but without dephosphorylation of COX.

ASC1/RAS2 suppresses the growth defect on glycerol caused by the atp1-2 mutation in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

To better define the regulatory role of the F(1)-ATPase alpha-subunit in the catalytic cycle of the ATP synthase complex, we isolated suppressors of mutations occurring in ATP1, the gene for the alpha-subunit in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. First, two atp1 mutations (atp1-1 and atp1-2) were characterized that prevent the growth of yeast on non-fermentable carbon sources. Both mutants contained full-length F(1)alpha-subunit proteins in mitochondria, but in lower amounts than that in the parental strain. Both mutants exhibited barely measurable F(1)-ATPase activity. The primary mutations in atp1-1 and atp1-2 were identified as Thr(383) --> Ile and Gly(291) --> Asp, respectively. From recent structural data, position 383 lies within the catalytic site. Position 291 is located near the region affecting subunit-subunit interaction with the F(1)beta-subunit. An unlinked suppressor gene, ASC1 (alpha-subunit complementing) of the atp1-2 mutation (Gly(291) --> Asp) restored the growth defect phenotype on glycerol, but did not suppress either atp1-1 or the deletion mutant Deltaatp1. Sequence analysis revealed that ASC1 was allelic with RAS2, a G-protein growth regulator. The introduction of ASC1/RAS2 into the atp1-2 mutant increased the F(1)-ATPase enzyme activity in this mutant when the transformant was grown on glycerol. The possible mechanisms of ASC1/RAS2 suppression of atp1-2 are discussed; we suggest that RAS2 is part of the regulatory circuit involved in the control of F(1)-ATPase subunit levels in mitochondria.

The allosteric ATP-inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase activity is reversibly switched on by cAMP-dependent phosphorylation

In previous studies the allosteric inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase at high intramitochondrial ATP/ADP-ratios via binding of the nucleotides to the matrix domain of subunit IV was demonstrated. Here we show that the allosteric ATP-inhibition of the isolated bovine heart enzyme is switched on by cAMP-dependent phosphorylation with protein kinase A of subunits II (and/or III) and Vb, and switched off by subsequent incubation with protein phosphatase 1. It is suggested that after cAMP-dependent phosphorylation of cytochrome c oxidase mitochondrial respiration is controlled by the ATP/ADP-ratio keeping the proton motive force Deltap low, and the efficiency of energy transduction high. After Ca(2+)-induced dephosphorylation this control is lost, accompanied by increase of Deltap, slip of proton pumping (decreased H(+)/e(-) stoichiometry), and increase of the rate of respiration and ATP-synthesis at a decreased efficiency of energy transduction.

Phosphorylation of mitochondrial telomere binding protein of Candida parapsilosis by camp-dependent protein kinase

Mitochondrial telomere-binding protein (mtTBP) of Candida parapsilosis binds with high affinity to 5' single-stranded overhang of the linear mitochondrial DNA of this yeast (Tomáska, L'., Nosek, J., and Fukuhara, H. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 3049-3056). Here it is reported that mtTBP is phosphorylated by catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase in vitro. Phosphorylated mtTBP has dramatically reduced ability to bind telomeric oligonucleotide in the gel-mobility retardation assay without affecting the oligomerization of mtTBP in vitro. MtTBP is one of the few mitochondrial proteins and the first mitochondrial single-strand DNA binding proteins that was demonstrated to serve as a substrate for cAMP-dependent protein kinase.

Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV is phosphorylated by an endogenous kinase

This study was undertaken to identify novel mitochondrial membrane proteins that are potential targets for phosphorylation. Mitochondrial membranes were incubated in the presence of [gamma-32P]ATP and the Triton X-114 extractable protein was subjected to ion-exchange and polyacrylamide gel chromatography to purify a major phosphorylated protein of approximately 17000 Da. The determined peptide sequence of the purified phosphoprotein corresponded to a segment of cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV, an inner membrane protein of 17160 Da. The identity of the phosphoprotein was confirmed by two-dimensional electrophoresis and Western blotting. The results identify mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV as a protein which is phosphorylated by an endogenous kinase.

The nuclear-encoded 18 kDa (IP) AQDQ subunit of bovine heart complex I is phosphorylated by the mitochondrial cAMP-dependent protein kinase

In bovine heart mitochondria a protein of M(r) 18 kDa, phosphorylated by mtPKA, is associated to the NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase in the inner membrane and is present in purified preparation of this complex. The 18 kDa phosphoprotein has now been isolated and sequenced. It is identified as the 18 kDa (IP) AQDQ subunit of complex I, a protein of 133 amino acids with a phosphorylation consensus site RVS at position 129-131.

Characterization of proteins phosphorylated by the cAMP-dependent protein kinase of bovine heart mitochondria

Characterization of two mitochondrial proteins of M(r) 42 and 18 kDa, respectively, phosphorylated by the cAMP-dependent protein kinase of bovine heart mitochondria (mtPKA), is presented. A 42 kDa protein is found to be loosely associated to complexes I, III and IV of the respiratory chain and complex V (ATP synthase) in the inner mitochondrial membrane. An 18 kDa protein is associated to complex I in the inner membrane and in a purified preparation of this complex where it can be phosphorylated by the isolated catalytic subunit of PKA.

Histidine and tyrosine phosphorylation in pea mitochondria: evidence for protein phosphorylation in respiratory redox signalling

A 37 kDa protein in pea mitochondria was found to contain phosphorylated residues. Phosphorylation was acid-labile but stable in alkali solution, a unique property of phosphorylation on histidine, indicating that a signal transduction pathway with homology to bacterial two-component systems might exist in plant mitochondria. We also describe the first example of tyrosine phosphorylation in plant organelles and the first indication of protein phosphorylation as part of a redox signalling mechanism in mitochondria. Labelling of three proteins (28, 27 and 12 kDa) was found to be dependent on the redox state of the reaction medium. Their phospho-groups were resistant to alkali as well as acid treatment and labelling was inhibited by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein.

cAMP-dependent protein phosphorylation in mitochondria of bovine heart

A study is presented of the cAMP-dependent phosphorylation in bovine heart mitochondria of three proteins of 42, 16 and 6.5 kDa associated to the inner membrane. These proteins are also phosphorylated by the cytosolic cAMP-dependent protein kinase and by the purified catalytic subunit of this enzyme. In the cytosol, proteins of 16 and 6.5 kDa are phosphorylated by the cAMP-dependent kinase. It is possible that cytosolic and mitochondrial cAMP-dependent kinases phosphorylate the same proteins in the two compartments.

The outer membrane of plant mitochondria contains a calcium-dependent protein kinase and multiple phosphoproteins

Highly purified mitochondria from potato (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Bintje) tubers were subfractionated into a matrix fraction, an inner membrane fraction and an outer membrane fraction with minimal cross-contamination. When the matrix and inner membrane fractions were incubated with [gamma-32P]ATP only one and three prominent phosphoproteins were detected after SDS-PAGE and autoradiography, respectively. In contrast, more than 20 phosphoproteins could be labelled in the outer membrane fraction, the main ones at 12, 18, 26, 43, 58, 60, 65, 74 and 110 kDa. Only one band, at 18 kDa, was detectable when the labelling was done in the presence of EGTA. We conclude that the outer membrane of plant mitochondria contains at least one Ca(2+)-dependent protein kinase and more than 20 endogenous substrates.

Structure, function and regulation of the tricarboxylate transport protein from rat liver mitochondria

Recent progress is summarized on the structure, function, and regulation of the tricarboxylate (i.e., citrate) transport protein (CTP) from the rat liver mitochondrial inner membrane. The transporter has been purified and its reconstituted function characterized. A cDNA clone encoding the CTP has been isolated and sequenced, thus enabling a deduction of the complete amino acid sequence of this 32.6 kDa transport protein. Dot matrix analysis and sequence alignment indicate that based on structural considerations the CTP can be assigned to the mitochondrial carrier family. Hydropathy analysis of the transporter sequence indicates six putative membrane-spanning alpha-helices and has permitted the development of an initial model for the topography of the CTP within the inner membrane. The questions as to whether more than one gene encodes the CTP and whether more than one isoform is expressed remain unanswered at this time. Studies documenting a diabetes-induced alteration in the function of several mitochondrial anion transporters, which can be reversed by treatment with insulin, provide a physiologically/pathologically relevant experimental system for studying the molecular mechanism(s) by which mitochondrial transporters are regulated. Potential future research directions are discussed.

Phosphorylation of mitochondrial proteins in bovine heart. Characterization of kinases and substrates

Protein phosphorylation by [gamma-32P]ATP in total extract and subfractions of bovine heart mitochondria has been studied. The results show that, in addition to pyruvate dehydrogenase, three mitochondrial proteins, with molecular weights of 44,000, 39,000 and 31,000 Da, are phosphorylated by a cAMP-independent mitochondrial protein kinase. Three other proteins associated with mitochondria, with molecular weights of 125,000, 19,000 and 6,500 Da, are phosphorylated by the cytoplasmic cAMP-dependent protein kinase (kinase A).

In vivo import of yeast adenylate kinase into mitochondria affected by site-directed mutagenesis

Site-directed mutagenesis and deletions were used to study mitochondrial import of a major yeast adenylate kinase, Aky2p. This enzyme lacks a cleavable presequence and occurs in active and apparently unprocessed form both in mitochondria and cytoplasm. Mutations were applied to regions known to be surface-exposed and to diverge between short and long isoforms. In vertebrates, short adenylate kinase isozymes occur exclusively in the cytoplasm, whereas long versions of the enzyme have mitochondrial locations. Mutations in the extra loop of the yeast (long-form) enzyme did not affect mitochondrial import of the protein, whereas variants altered in the central, N- or C-terminal parts frequently displayed increased or, in the case of a deletion of the 8 N-terminal triplets, decreased import efficiencies. Although the N-terminus is important for targeting adenylate kinase to mitochondria, other parameters like internal sequence determinants and folding velocity of the nascent protein may also play a role.

Two lipid-anchored cAMP-binding proteins in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae are unrelated to the R subunit of cytoplasmic protein kinase A

We show that the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, contains two cAMP-binding proteins in addition to the well-characterized regulatory (R) subunit of cytoplasmic cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). We provide evidence that they comprise a new type of cAMP receptor, membrane-anchored by covalently attached lipid structures. They are genetically not related to the cytoplasmic R subunit. The respective proteins can be detected in sral mutants, in which the gene for the R subunit of PKA has been disrupted and a monoclonal antibody raised against the cytoplasmic R subunit does not cross-react with the two membrane-bound cAMP-binding proteins. In addition, they differ from the cytoplasmic species also with respect to their location and the peptide maps of the photoaffinity-labeled proteins. Although they differ from one another in molecular mass and subcellular location, peptide maps of the cAMP-binding domains resemble each other and both proteins are membrane-anchored by lipid structures, one to the outer surface of the plasma membrane, the other to the outer surface of the inner mitochondrial membrane. Both anchors can be metabolically labeled by Etn, myo-Ins and fatty acids. In addition, the anchor structure of the cAMP receptor from plasma membranes can be radiolabeled by GlcN and Man. After cleavage of the anchor with glycosylphosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C from trypanosomes, the solubilized cAMP-binding protein from plasma membranes reacts with antibodies which specifically recognize the cross-reacting determinant from soluble trypanosomal coat protein, suggesting similarity of the anchors. Degradation studies also point to the glycosylphosphatidylinositol nature of the anchor from the plasma membrane, whereas the mitochondrial counterpart is less complex in that it lacks carbohydrates. The plasma membrane cAMP receptor is, in addition, modified by an N-glycosidically linked carbohydrate side chain, responsible mainly for its higher molecular mass.

A cAMP-binding ectoprotein in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Purified plasma membranes from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae bind about 1.2 pmol of cAMP/mg of protein with high affinity (Kd = 6 nM). By using photoaffinity labeling with 8-N3-[32P]cAMP, we have identified in plasma membrane vesicles a cAMP-binding protein (Mr = 54,000) that is present also in bcy1 disruption mutants, lacking the cytoplasmic R subunit of protein kinase A (PKA). This argues that it is genetically unrelated to PKA. Neither high salt, nor alkaline carbonate, nor cAMP extract the protein from the membrane, suggesting that it is not peripherally bound. The observation that (glycosyl)phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipases (or nitrous acid) release the amphiphilic protein from the membrane, thereby converting it to a hydrophilic form, indicates anchorage by a glycolipidic membrane anchor. Treatment with N-glycanase reduces the Mr to 44,000-46,000 indicative of a modification by N-linked carbohydrate side chain(s). In addition to the action of a phospholipase, the efficient release from the membrane requires the removal of the carbohydrate side chain(s) or the presence of high salt or methyl alpha-mannopyranoside, suggesting complex interactions with the membrane involving not only the glycolipidic anchor but also the glycan side chain(s). Topological studies show that the protein is exposed to the periplasmic space, raising intriguing questions for the function of this protein.

Protein phosphorylation by inorganic pyrophosphate in yeast mitochondria

Inorganic pyrophosphate can function as phosphate donor in protein phosphorylation reactions in yeast mitochondria. It was shown that, when PPi substitutes for ATP as inhibitor of the pyruvate dehydrogenase reaction, maximal activity is reached after a lag-period of 30-60 minutes. 32P-labeling of peptides shows that [32P]PPi gives about 25% of the labeling obtained by [gamma-32P]ATP in the protein kinase reaction. The PPi dependent phosphorylation is increased several fold by the presence of cold ATP.

Sensory transduction in eukaryotes. A comparison between Dictyostelium and vertebrate cells

The organization of multicellular organisms depends on cell-cell communication. The signal molecules are often soluble components in the extracellular fluid, but also include odors and light. A large array of surface receptors is involved in the detection of these signals. Signals are then transduced across the plasma membrane so that enzymes at the inner face of the membrane are activated, producing second messengers, which by a complex network of interactions activate target proteins or genes. Vertebrate cells have been used to study hormone and neurotransmitter action, vision, the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. Sensory transduction in lower eukaryotes is predominantly used for other functions, notably cell attraction for mating and food seeking. By comparing sensory transduction in lower and higher eukaryotes general principles may be recognized that are found in all organisms and deviations that are present in specialised systems. This may also help to understand the differences between cell types within one organism and the importance of a particular pathway that may or may not be general. In a practical sense, microorganisms have the advantage of their easy genetic manipulation, which is especially advantageous for the identification of the function of large families of signal transducing components.

Endogenous protein phosphorylation in purified plant mitochondria

Purified mitochondria from potato (Solanum tuberosum L. cv Bintje) tubers were incubated with [gamma-32P]ATP. Total 32P incorporation into proteins saturated after about 2 min and showed a Km (ATP) of 0.2 mM and a broad pH optimum of 6.5-8. About 30 polypeptides were labelled as shown by SDS-PAGE and autoradiography. The major labelled polypeptides were at 11, 14, 16 22-23, 40, 42 (the alpha-subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex), 45-46, 60, 62, 69, 84-86 and 97 kDa. By the use of atractylate, EGTA and trypsin the major phosphoproteins of 40 and 42 kDa and possibly some minor phosphoproteins in the range 26-33 kDa were localized to the matrix or the inner surface of the inner membrane. All other labelled polypeptides as well as (at least) two kinases (one Ca2(+)-dependent, the other Ca2(+)-independent) are outside the inner membrane.

Cyclic AMP-dependent phosphorylation of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and other proteins in the yeast Candida maltosa

In crude extracts of Candida maltosa, about 12 proteins are phosphorylated in the presence of cAMP or of a catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. A strongly labelled protein spot occurred in the position of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase both after electrophoresis of crude extracts incubated with cAMP and of a partially purified fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase incubated with a catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. No phosphorylation of the cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase could be detected. From these results it was concluded that cAMP-dependent phosphorylation plays an important role in the catabolite inactivation of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase in Candida maltosa, as described for Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

An amphitropic cAMP-binding protein in yeast mitochondria. 1. Synergistic control of the intramitochondrial location by calcium and phospholipid

A cAMP-binding protein is found to be integrated into the inner mitochondrial membrane of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae under normal conditions. It resists solubilization by high salt and chaotropic agents. The protein is, however, converted to a soluble form which then resides in the intermembrane space, when isolated mitochondria are incubated with low concentrations of calcium. Phospholipids or diacylglycerol (or analogues) dramatically increases the efficiency of receptor release from the inner membrane, whereas these compounds alone are ineffective. Also, cAMP does not effect or enhance liberation from the membrane of the cAMP-binding protein. Photoaffinity labeling with 8-N3-[32P]cAMP followed by mitochondrial subfractionation and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis does not reveal differences in the apparent molecular weight between the membrane-bound and the soluble form of the cAMP receptor. The two forms differ, however, in their partitioning behavior in Triton X-114 as well as in their protease resistance, indicating that the release from the membrane is accompanied by a change in lipophilicity and conformation of the receptor protein. Evidence is presented that a change of the intramitochondrial location of the yeast cAMP-binding protein also occurs in vivo and leads to the activation of a mitochondrial cAMP-dependent protein kinase. The cAMP-binding protein is the first example of a mitochondrial protein with amphitropic character; i.e., it has the property to occur in two different locations, as a membrane-embedded and a soluble form.

An amphitropic cAMP-binding protein in yeast mitochondria. 3. Membrane release requires both Ca2(+)-dependent phosphorylation of the cAMP-binding protein and a phospholipid-activated mitochondrial phospholipase

The amphitropic cAMP-binding protein in mitochondria of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is released from the inner membrane into the intermembrane space by the degradation of its lipid membrane anchor consisting of or containing phosphatidylinositol. The releasing reaction depends on the presence of an N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive protein (releasing factor) in the intermembrane space and is controlled by Ca2+ and phospholipid (or lipid derivatives). Here we demonstrate that these two effector molecules act on different activation steps within a complex releasing pathway involving both the cAMP receptor and the releasing factor: Ca2(+)-dependent phosphorylation of the receptor protein seems to be prerequisite for its subsequent lipolytic liberation from the inner membrane. In the presence of phospholipid (or lipid derivatives) the previously soluble releasing factor, which may be identical with a soluble diacylglycerol-binding protein in the mitochondrial intermembrane space, associates with the inner membrane. This change in the intramitochondrial location of the releasing factor, which thus exhibits amphitropic behavior itself, may be required for (direct or indirect) activation of the mitochondrial phospholipase which then releases the cAMP receptor from the inner membrane in a form liable to dissociation from the C subunit by cAMP.

An amphitropic cAMP-binding protein in yeast mitochondria. 2. Phospholipid nature of the membrane anchor

We describe the first example of a mitochondrial protein with a covalently attached phosphatidylinositol moiety acting as a membrane anchor. The protein can be metabolically labeled with both stearic acid and inositol. The stearic acid label is removed by phospholipase D whereupon the protein with the retained inositol label is released from the membrane. This protein is a cAMP receptor of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and tightly associated with the inner mitochondrial membrane. However, it is converted into a soluble form during incubation of isolated mitochondria with Ca2+ and phospholipid (or lipid derivatives). This transition requires the action of a proteinaceous, N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive component of the intermembrane space and is accompanied by a decrease in the lipophilicity of the cAMP receptor. We propose that the component of the intermembrane space triggers the amphitropic behavior of the mitochondrial lipid-modified cAMP-binding protein through a phospholipase activity.

Cyclic AMP controls the plasma membrane H+-ATPase activity from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The thermosensitive G1-arrested cdc35-10 mutant from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, defective in adenylate cyclase activity, was shifted to restrictive temperature. After 1 h incubation at this temperature, the plasma membrane H+-ATPase activity of cdc35-10 was reduced to 50%, whereas that in mitochondria doubled. Similar data were obtained with cdc25, another thermosensitive G1-arrested mutant modified in the cAMP pathway. In contrast, the ATPase activities of the G1-arrested mutant cdc19, defective in pyruvate kinase, were not affected after 2 h incubation at restrictive temperature. In the double mutants cdc35-10 cas1 and cdc25 cas1, addition of extracellular cAMP prevented the modifications of ATPase activities observed in the single mutants cdc35-10 and cdc25. These data indicate that cAMP acts as a positive effector on the H+-ATPase activity of plasma membranes and as a negative effector on that of mitochondria.

Yeast adenylate kinase is transcribed constitutively from a promoter in the short intergenic region to the histone H2A-1 gene

Yeast mitochondrial adenylate kinase (high molecular mass form, gene locus: AKY2) is encoded on chromosome IV of the same DNA strand as histone H2A-1. The nontranslated intergenic region spans 560 bp, the nontranscribed spacer can be estimated to comprise at most 300 bp. The TATA-box sequence is contained in a striking environment consisting of 20 alternating pyrimidines and purines. The AKY2 transcript is made constitutively: (i) the cellular mRNA concentration does not vary significantly with either growth conditions or elapse of the cell cycle; (ii) beta-galactosidase activity is about constant in yeast cells grown on various carbon sources after transformation with AKY2-promoter/lacZ fusions; (iii) primer elongation analysis shows that utilization of 5 initiation sites is qualitatively and quantitatively independent of the growth conditions and the carbon source used; (iv) Western blot analysis and adenylate kinase activity measurements indicate the absence of post-transcriptional controls as well.

Yeast adenylate kinase is active simultaneously in mitochondria and cytoplasm and is required for non-fermentative growth

Displacement of the single copy structural gene for yeast adenylate kinase (long version) by a disrupted nonfunctional allele is tolerated in haploid cells. Since adenylate kinase activity is a pre-requisite for cell viability, the survival of haploid disruption mutants is indicative of the presence of an adenylate kinase isozyme in yeast, capable of forming ADP from AMP and, thus, of complementing the disrupted allele. The phenotype of these disruption mutants is pet, showing that complementation occurs only under fermentative conditions. Even on glucose, growth of the disruption mutants is slow. Adenylate kinase activity is found both in mitochondria and cytoplasm of wild type yeast. The disruption completely destroys the activity in mitochondria, whereas in the cytoplasmic fraction about 10% is retained. An antibody raised against yeast mitochondrial adenylate kinase recognizes cross-reacting material both in mitochondria and cytoplasm of the wild type, but fails to do so in each of the respective mutant fractions. The data indicate that yeast adenylate kinase (long version, AKY2) simultaneously occurs and is active in mitochondria and cytoplasm of the wild type. Nevertheless, it lacks a cleavable pre-sequence for import into mitochondria. A second, minor isozyme, encoded by a separate gene, is present exclusively in the cytoplasm.

Yeast cAMP-dependent protein kinase can be associated to the plasma membrane

Using an anti-yeast regulatory subunit antibody and the synthetic peptide Kemptide as specific substrate we show in this work that purified preparations of yeast plasma membrane have an associated form of the regulatory subunit and cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity. Treatment of the plasma membrane "in vitro" with 1 microM cAMP releases cAMP-independent protein kinase activity while regulatory subunit remains on the membrane as revealed by immunoblotting. Incubation of the plasma membrane with [gamma-32P]ATP results in the phosphorylation of the regulatory subunit.