Mitochondrial pyruvate carrier influences ganoderic acid biosynthesis in Ganoderma lucidum

The effect of mitochondrial-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAMs) modulation: New insights into therapeutic targets for depression

Depression is a prevalent mental disorder with high morbidity and mortality and its pathogenesis remains exactly unclarified. However, mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are two highly dynamic organelles that perform an indispensable role in the development of depression. Mitochondrial dysfunction and ER stress are recognized as vital pathological hallmarks in depression. The changes of intracellular activities such as mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy, energy metabolism and ER stress are closely correlated with the progression of depression. Moreover, organelles interactions are conducive to homeostasis and cellular functions, and mitochondrial-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAMs) serve as signaling hubs of the two organelles and the coupling of the pathological progression. The main roles of MAMs are involved in metabolism, signal transduction, lipid transport, and maintenance of its structure and function. At present, accumulating studies elucidated that MAMs have gradually become a novel therapeutic target in treatment of depression. In the review, we focus on influence of mitochondria dysfunction and ER stress on depression. Furthermore, we discuss the underlying role of MAMs in depression and highlight natural products targeting MAMs as potential antidepressants to treat depression.

Use of microalgal-fungal pellets for hydroponics effluent recycling and high-value biomass production

Hydroponic effluent (HE), enriched with inorganic nutrients, presents a viable, low-cost cultivation medium for microalgal biomass production and subsequent resource recovery. However, downstream processing, particularly biomass harvesting, remains a critical challenge for microalgal biorefineries. Therefore, the present study explored the potential of microalgal-fungal pellets (MAFP) in HE recycling for the production of biochemical-rich biomass. The optimized fungi-to-microalgae ratio (F:A) of 1:3 resulted in 100 % microalgal pelletization within 6 h. Surface characteristics suggested that metabolically active fungi with opposite charges facilitate microalgal pelletization. Further, MAFP exhibited a packed porous structure that was resilient to shear forces and had a high capacity for nutrient uptake. MAFP cultivation in HE demonstrated complete removal of ammonia-nitrogen (NH₃-N), phosphate (PO₄³⁻), and nitrate-nitrogen (NO₃⁻-N) within 7-9 days. The produced biomass was rich in biomolecules, including lipids (18.36 ± 0.12 % TS), protein (52.06 ± 2.1 % TS), and carbohydrates (28.95 ± 0.05 % TS). Besides, the high methane potential of MAFP (SMP ≈ 502.74 ± 19.1 mL CH4 g-1 VS, and TMP ≈ 817.68 ± 12.5 mL CH4 g-1 VS) indicated its suitability for biogas production. In essence, MAFP offers efficient HE recycling and biochemically rich biomass production, advancing towards a green and circular bioeconomy.

Energy Metabolism Enhance Perylenequinone Biosynthesis in Shiraia sp. Slf14 through Promoting Mitochondrial ROS Accumulation

Perylenequinones (PQs) are important natural compounds that have been extensively utilized in recent years as agents for antimicrobial, anticancer, and antiviral photodynamic therapies. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms regulating PQ biosynthesis by comparing Shiraia sp. Slf14 with its low PQ titer mutant, Slf14(w). The results indicated that the strain Slf14 exhibited a higher PQ yield, a more vigorous energy metabolism, and a more pronounced oxidation state compared to Slf14(w). Transcriptome analysis consistently revealed that the differences in gene expression between Slf14 and Slf14(w) are primarily associated with genes involved in redox processes and energy metabolism. Additionally, reactive oxygen species (ROS) were shown to play a crucial role in promoting PQ synthesis, as evidenced by the application of ROS-related inhibitors and promoters. Further results demonstrated that mitochondria are significant sources of ROS, which effectively regulate PQ biosynthesis in Shiraia sp. Slf14. In summary, this research revealed a noteworthy finding: the higher energy metabolism of the strain Slf14 is associated with increased intracellular ROS accumulation, which in turn triggers the activation and expression of gene clusters responsible for PQ synthesis.

Mitochondria in depression: The dysfunction of mitochondrial energy metabolism and quality control systems

BACKGROUND

Depression is the most disabling neuropsychiatric disorder, causing difficulties in daily life activities and social interactions. The exact mechanisms of depression remain largely unclear. However, some studies have shown that mitochondrial dysfunction would play a crucial role in the occurrence and development of depression.

AIMS

To summarize the known knowledge about the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of depression.

METHODS

We review the recent literature， including 105 articles, to summarize the mitochondrial energy metabolism and quality control systems in the occurrence and development of depression. Some antidepressants which may exert their effects by improving mitochondrial function are also discussed.

RESULTS

Impaired brain energy metabolism and (or) damaged mitochondrial quality control systems have been reported not only in depression patients but in animal models of depression. Although the classical antidepressants have not been specially designed to target mitochondria, the evidence suggests that many antidepressants may exert their effects by improving mitochondrial function.

CONCLUSIONS

This brief review focuses on the findings that implicate mitochondrial dysfunction and the quality control systems as important etiological factors in the context of depressive disorders. It will help us to understand the various concepts of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of depression, and to explore novel and more targeted therapeutic approaches for depression.