Mitochondrial cation transport systems

Ocean warming and acidification affect the transitional C:N:P ratio and macromolecular accumulation in the harmful raphidophyte Heterosigma akashiwo

Despite an increase in ocean warming and acidification that is expected to increase the number of harmful algal species worldwide, the population of the raphidophyte Heterosigma akashiwo has been reported to be reduced. However, how this species physically and metabolically modifies transitional C:N:P ratio and macromolecule accumulation is unknown. Considering 1st, 10th, and 20th culture generations under present (low-temperature; low-carbon-dioxide [LTLC] 21 °C; pCO2 400 ppm) and future (high-temperature; high-carbon-dioxide [HTHC] 25 °C; pCO2 1000 ppm) ocean conditions, we examined transitional C:N:P ratio and macromolecule level changes and performed transcriptome sequencing. The results showed that compared to 1st generation cells, 20th generation cells under HTHC conditions showed a large decrease in carbon quota (QC: 34%), nitrogen quota (QN: 36%), and phosphorus quota (QP: 32%), which were reflected in an overall reduction in DNA and RNA quantity. Decreased activation of photosynthetic, carbon fixation and lipid metabolic pathways coincided with changes in photosynthetic efficiency, carbon concentration, and lipid accumulation after long-term (20th generation) exposure to HTHC conditions. We observed that these variations in internal metabolic pathways were caused by external changes in temperature, which activated the (Ca+) signaling pathway, and external changes in pCO2, which altered proton exchange pathways. Our results suggest that H. akashiwo in a temperate environment will undergo profound changes in C:N:P ratio and macromolecular properties, leading to programmed cell death, in the future.

A multimodal fluorescent probe for portable colorimetric detection of pH and it's application in mitochondrial bioimaging

Mitochondria, as vital energy supplying organelles, play important roles in cellular metabolism, which are closely related with mitochondrial pH (∼8.0). In this work, a novel multimodal fluorescent probe was employed for ratiometric and colorimetric detection of pH. The probe is designed to work by controlling benzothiazole phenol-hemicyanine system as the interaction site and hemicyanine connected by conjugate bonds as the mitochondrial targeting, which also could make the fluorescence of probe red-shifted. This system results in a perfect ratiometric fluorescent response, whose emission changed from red to blue under pH 2.0-10.0, having a broad linear range (pH = 3.0-10.0). And the marked colour change (light yellow to deep purple via naked eye under pH 2.0-11.0) could be used to construct the test strip colorimetry and smartphone APP detection method, realizing the fast, portable, and accurate detection of pH in vitro and environment. Besides, the probe owns the characteristics of easy loading, high selectivity and staining ability of mitochondria, and low cytotoxicity, thereby allowing imaging of pH values and real-time monitor the subcellular mitochondria pH changes caused by drugs in living cells. It thus could be used to monitor the organ-specific dynamics related to transitions between pathological and physiological states.

The electrochemical transmission in I-Band segments of the mitochondrial reticulum

Within the mitochondrial reticulum of skeletal muscle, the I-Band segments (IBS) traverse the cell and form a contiguous matrix with the mitochondrial segments at the periphery (PS) of the cell. A tight electrical coupling via the matrix between the PS and IBS has been demonstrated. In addition, oxidative phosphorylation complexes that generate the proton motive force (PMF) are preferentially located in the PS, while Complex V, which utilizes the PMF, is primarily located along the IBS. This has led to the hypothesis that PS can support the production of ATP in the IBS by maintaining the potential energy available to produce ATP deep in the muscle cell via conduction of the PMF down the IBS. However, the mechanism of transmitting the PMF down the IBS is poorly understood. This theoretical study was undertaken to establish the physical limits governing IBS conduction as well as potential mechanisms for balancing the protons entering the matrix along the IBS with the ejection of protons in the PS. The IBS was modeled as a 300 nm diameter, water-filled tube, with an insulated circumferential wall. Two mechanisms were considered to drive ion transport along the IBS: the electrical potential and/or concentration gradients between the PS to the end of the IBS. The magnitude of the flux was estimated from the maximum ATP production rate for skeletal muscle. The major transport ions in consideration were H(+), Na(+), and K(+) using diffusion coefficients from the literature. The simulations were run using COMSOL Multiphysics simulator. These simulations suggest conduction along the IBS via H(+) alone is unlikely requiring un-physiological gradients, while Na(+) or K(+) could carry the current with minor gradients in concentration or electrical potential along the IBS. The majority of conduction down the IBS is likely dependent on these abundant ions; however, this presents a question as to how H(+) is recycled from the matrix of the IBS to the PS for active extrusion. We propose that the abundant cation-proton antiporter in skeletal muscle mitochondria operates in opposite directions in the IBS and PS to permit local recycling of H(+) at each site driven by cooperative gradients in H(+) and Na(+)/K(+) which favor H(+) entry in the PS and H(+) efflux in the IBS. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'EBEC 2016: 19th European Bioenergetics Conference, Riva del Garda, Italy, July 2-6, 2016,' edited by Prof. Paolo Bernardi.

Mitochondria-targeted ratiometric fluorescent probe for real time monitoring of pH in living cells

Pyridinium functioned 7-hydroxy coumarin was presented as the first mitochondria-targeted ratiometric fluorescent probe CP for real time monitoring pH in living cells. Compared with commercially available mitochondrial trackers, CP possesses high specificity to mitochondria in living cells as well as good biocompatibility. Meanwhile, CP displays excellent pH sensitivity and anti-interference capability. Confocal image experiments confirm that CP can monitor mitochondrial pH changes associated with the mitochondrial acidification, cellular apoptosis and stress response efficiently in real time.

Mitochondria-immobilized pH-sensitive off-on fluorescent probe

We report here a mitochondria-targetable pH-sensitive probe that allows for a quantitative measurement of mitochondrial pH changes, as well as the real-time monitoring of pH-related physiological effects in live cells. This system consists of a piperazine-linked naphthalimide as a fluorescence off–on signaling unit, a cationic triphenylphosphonium group for mitochondrial targeting, and a reactive benzyl chloride subunit for mitochondrial fixation. It operates well in a mitochondrial environment within whole cells and displays a desirable off–on fluorescence response to mitochondrial acidification. Moreover, this probe allows for the monitoring of impaired mitochondria undergoing mitophagic elimination as the result of nutrient starvation. It thus allows for the monitoring of the organelle-specific dynamics associated with the conversion between physiological and pathological states.

Viruses as modulators of mitochondrial functions

Mitochondria are multifunctional organelles with diverse roles including energy production and distribution, apoptosis, eliciting host immune response, and causing diseases and aging. Mitochondria-mediated immune responses might be an evolutionary adaptation by which mitochondria might have prevented the entry of invading microorganisms thus establishing them as an integral part of the cell. This makes them a target for all the invading pathogens including viruses. Viruses either induce or inhibit various mitochondrial processes in a highly specific manner so that they can replicate and produce progeny. Some viruses encode the Bcl2 homologues to counter the proapoptotic functions of the cellular and mitochondrial proteins. Others modulate the permeability transition pore and either prevent or induce the release of the apoptotic proteins from the mitochondria. Viruses like Herpes simplex virus 1 deplete the host mitochondrial DNA and some, like human immunodeficiency virus, hijack the host mitochondrial proteins to function fully inside the host cell. All these processes involve the participation of cellular proteins, mitochondrial proteins, and virus specific proteins. This review will summarize the strategies employed by viruses to utilize cellular mitochondria for successful multiplication and production of progeny virus.

Sensors and regulators of intracellular pH

Protons dictate the charge and structure of macromolecules and are used as energy currency by eukaryotic cells. The unique function of individual organelles therefore depends on the establishment and stringent maintenance of a distinct pH. This, in turn, requires a means to sense the prevailing pH and to respond to deviations from the norm with effective mechanisms to transport, produce or consume proton equivalents. A dynamic, finely tuned balance between proton-extruding and proton-importing processes underlies pH homeostasis not only in the cytosol, but in other cellular compartments as well.

Kinetics and ion specificity of Na+/Ca2+ exchange mediated by the reconstituted beef heart mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ antiporter

The Na(+)/Ca(2+) antiporter was purified from beef heart mitochondria and reconstituted into liposomes containing fluorescent probes selective for Na(+) or Ca(2+). Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange was strongly inhibited at alkaline pH, a property that is relevant to rapid Ca(2+) oscillations in mitochondria. The effect of pH was mediated entirely via an effect on the K(m) for Ca(2+). When present on the same side as Ca(2+), K(+) activated exchange by lowering the K(m) for Ca(2+) from 2 to 0.9 microM. The K(m) for Na(+) was 8 mM. In the absence of Ca(2+), the exchanger catalyzed high rates of Na(+)/Li(+) and Na(+)/K(+) exchange. Diltiazem and tetraphenylphosphonium cation inhibited both Na(+)/Ca(2+) and Na(+)/K(+) exchange with IC(50) values of 10 and 0.6 microM, respectively. The V(max) for Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange was increased about fourfold by bovine serum albumin, an effect that may reflect unmasking of an autoregulatory domain in the carrier protein.

Functional distinctions between the mitochondrial ATP-dependent K+ channel (mitoKATP) and its inward rectifier subunit (mitoKIR)

The ATP-sensitive potassium channel from the inner mitochondrial membrane (mitoK(ATP)) is a highly selective conductor of K(+) ions. When isolated in the presence of nonionic detergent and reconstituted in liposomes, mitoK(ATP) is inhibited with high affinity by ATP (K((1/2)) = 20-30 microM). We have suggested that holo-mitoK(ATP) is a heteromultimer consisting of an inwardly rectifying K(+) channel (mitoKIR) and a sulfonylurea receptor (Grover, G. J., and Garlid, K. D. (2000) J. Mol. Cell. Cardiol. 32, 677-695). Here, we show that a 55-kDa protein isolated by ethanol extraction and reconstituted in bilayer lipid membranes and liposomes is the mitoKIR. This protein, which lacks the sulfonylurea receptor subunit, is inhibited with low affinity by ATP, with K(1/2) approximately 550 microM. ATP inhibition of both mitoKIR and holo-mitoK(ATP) is reversed by UDP (K((1/2))1/2 = 10-15 microM). Holo-mitoK(ATP) is and diazoxide, and the opened by cromakalim flux through the open channel is inhibited by glibenclamide and 5-hydroxydecanoate. None of these agents has any effect upon mitoKIR. We have identified two compounds that act specifically on mitoKIR. p-diethylaminoethylbenzoate reverses inhibition of mitoKIR by ATP and ADP at micromolar concentrations and also opens mitoK(ATP) in isolated mitochondria. Tetraphenylphosphonium inhibits K(+) flux through both mitoKIR and mitoK(ATP) with the same apparent affinity. These findings support the hypothesis that the 55-kDa mitoKIR is the channel component of mitoK(ATP).

The mitochondrial transporter family (SLC25): physiological and pathological implications

The mitochondrial carriers (MCs) shuttle a variety of metabolites across the inner mitochondrial membrane (i.m.m.). In man they are encoded by the SLC25 genes. Some MCs have isoforms encoded by different SLC25 genes, whereas the phosphate carrier has two variants arising from an alternative splicing of SLC25A3. Six MCs have been sequenced after purification, and many more have been identified from their transport and kinetic properties following heterologous over-expression and reconstitution into liposomes. All MCs of known function belong to the same protein family, since their polypeptide chains consist of three tandemly related sequences of about 100 amino acids, and the repeats of the different carriers are homologous. They probably function as homodimers, each monomer being folded in the membrane into six transmembrane segments. The functional information obtained in studies with mitochondria and/or the reconstituted system has helped to gain an insight into the physiological role of the MCs in cell metabolism, as have tissue distribution, the use of knock-out mice (and/or yeast) and over-expression in human cell lines (or yeast) of individual carriers and isoforms. At the same time, the cloning and functional identification of many SLC25 genes has made it possible (i) to identify the genes (and their defects) responsible for some diseases, e.g. Stanley syndrome and Amish microcephaly, and (ii) where the genes were already known, to characterize the function of the gene products and hence understand the molecular basis and the symptoms of the diseases, e.g. hyperornithinaemia, hyperammonaemia and homocitrullinuria (HHH) syndrome and type II citrullinemia. It is likely that further extension and functional characterization of the SLC25 gene family will elucidate other diseases caused by MC deficiency.

Mitochondrial potassium transport: the K(+) cycle

Potassium transport plays three distinct roles in mitochondria. Volume homeostasis to prevent excess matrix swelling is a housekeeping function that is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the organelle. This function is mediated by the K(+)/H(+) antiporter and was first proposed by Peter Mitchell. Volume homeostasis to prevent excess matrix contraction is a recently discovered function that maintains a fully expanded matrix when diffusive K(+) influx declines due to membrane depolarization caused by high rates of electron transport. Maintaining matrix volume under these conditions is important because matrix contraction inhibits electron transport and also perturbs the structure-function of the intermembrane space (IMS). This volume regulation is mediated by the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K(+) channel (mitoK(ATP)). Cell signaling functions to protect the cell from ischemia-reperfusion injury and also to trigger transcription of genes required for cell growth. This function depends on the ability of mitoK(ATP) opening to trigger increased mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This review discusses the properties of the mitochondrial K(+) cycle that help to understand the basis of these diverse effects.

Reconstitution of recombinant uncoupling proteins: UCP1, -2, and -3 have similar affinities for ATP and are unaffected by coenzyme Q10

The successful development of recombinant expression and reconstitution protocols has enabled a detailed study of the transport properties and regulation of the uncoupling proteins (UCP). We optimized conditions of isolation and refolding of bacterially expressed uncoupling proteins and reexamined the transport properties and regulation of bacterially expressed UCP1, -2, and -3 reconstituted in liposomes. We show for the first time that ATP inhibits UCP1, -2, and -3 with similar affinities. The Ki values for ATP inhibition were 50 microm (UCP1), 70 microm (UCP2), and 120 microm (UCP3) at pH 7.2. These affinities for ATP are similar to those obtained with native UCP1 isolated from brown adipose tissue mitochondria (Ki = 65 microm at pH 7.2). The Vmax values for proton transport were also similar among the UCPs, ranging from 8 to 20 micromol.min(-1).mg(-1), depending on experimental conditions. We also examined the effect of coenzyme Q on fatty acid-catalyzed proton flux in liposomes containing recombinant UCP1, -2, and -3. We found that coenzyme Q had no effect on the fatty acid-dependent proton transport catalyzed by any of the UCPs nor did it affect nucleotide regulation of the UCPs. We conclude that coenzyme Q is not a cofactor of UCP-mediated proton transport.

Modulation of a plant mitochondrial K+ATP channel and its involvement in cytochrome c release

Pea stem mitochondria, resuspended in a KCl medium (de-energized mitochondria), underwent a swelling, as a consequence of K+ entry, that was inhibited by ATP. This inhibition was partially restored by GTP and diazoxide (K+ATP channel openers). In addition, glyburide and 5-hydroxydecanate (K+ATP channel blockers) induced an inhibition of the GTP-stimulated swelling. Mitochondrial swelling was inhibited by H2O2, but stimulated by NO. The same type of responses was also obtained in succinate-energized mitochondria. When the succinate-dependent transmembrane electrical potential (deltapsi) had reached a steady state, the addition of KCl induced a dissipation that was inhibited by H2O2 and stimulated by NO. The latter stimulation was prevented by carboxy-PTIO, a NO scavenger. Phenylarsine oxide (a thiol oxidant) and NEM (a thiol blocker) stimulated the KCl-induced dissipation of deltapsi, while DTE prevented this effect in both cases. In addition, DTE transiently inhibited the NO-induced dissipation of deltapsi, but then it caused a more rapid collapse. These results, therefore, show that the plant mitochondrial K+ATP channel resembles that present in mammalian mitochondria and that it appears to be modulated by dithiol-disulfide interconversion, NO and H2O2. The aperture of this channel was linked to the partial rupture of the outer membrane. The latter effect led to a release of cytochrome c, thus suggesting that this release may be involved in the manifestation of programmed cell death.

Ischemic preconditioning improves mitochondrial tolerance to experimental calcium overload

BACKGROUND

Ca(2+) overload leads to mitochondrial uncoupling, decreased ATP synthesis, and myocardial dysfunction. Pharmacologically opening of mitochondrial K(ATP) channels decreases mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake, improving mitochondrial function during Ca(2+) overload. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC), by activating mitochondrial K(ATP) channels, may attenuate mitochondrial Ca(2+) overload and improve mitochondrial function during reperfusion. The purpose of these experiments was to study the effect of IPC (1) on mitochondrial function and (2) on mitochondrial tolerance to experimental Ca(2+) overload.

METHODS

Rat hearts (n = 6/group) were subjected to (a) 30 min of equilibration, 25 min of ischemia, and 30 min of reperfusion (Control) or (b) two 5-min episodes of ischemic preconditioning, 25 min of ischemia, and 30 min of reperfusion (IPC). Developed pressure (DP) was measured. Heart mitochondria were isolated at end-Equilibration (end-EQ) and at end-Reperfusion (end-RP). Mitochondrial respiratory function (state 2, oxygen consumption with substrate only; state 3, oxygen consumption stimulated by ADP; state 4, oxygen consumption after cessation of ADP phosphorylation; respiratory control index (RCI, state 3/state 4); rate of oxidative phosphorylation (ADP/Deltat), and ADP:O ratio) was measured with polarography using alpha-ketoglutarate as a substrate in the presence of different Ca(2+) concentrations (0 to 5 x 10(-7) M) to simulate Ca(2+) overload.

RESULTS

IPC improved DP at end-RP. IPC did not improve preischemic mitochondrial respiratory function or preischemic mitochondrial response to Ca(2+) loading. IPC improved state 3, ADP/Deltat, and RCI during RP. Low Ca(2+) levels (0.5 and 1 x 10(-7) M) stimulated mitochondrial function in both groups predominantly in IPC. The Control group showed evidence of mitochondrial uncoupling at lower Ca(2+) concentrations (1 x 10(-7) M). IPC preserved state 3 at high Ca(2+) concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

The cardioprotective effect of IPC results, in part, from preserving mitochondrial function during reperfusion and increasing mitochondrial tolerance to Ca(2+) loading at end-RP. Activation of mitochondrial K(ATP) channels by IPC and their improvement in Ca(2+) homeostasis during RP may be the mechanism underlying this protection.

Characteristics and superoxide-induced activation of reconstituted myocardial mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels

Mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium (mitoK(ATP)) channels have been suggested as triggers and end effectors in myocardial ischemic preconditioning. However, the intracellular mechanism regulating mitoK(ATP) channels remains unclear. In the present study, mitoK(ATP) channels from bovine ventricular myocardium were reconstituted using planar lipid bilayers, and the effect of superoxide (O(2-.)) on the activity of these reconstituted channels was examined. After incorporation, a potassium-selective current was recorded. The mean conductance of this current was 56 pS at 150 mmol/L KCl, which was substantially inhibited by 1 mmol/L MgATP. 5-Hydroxydecanoate (5-HD, 10 to 100 micromol/L), a selective mitoK(ATP) antagonist, reduced the open state probability (NPo) of these channels in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas diazoxide (10 micromol/L), a selective mitoK(ATP) agonist, significantly increased channel activity. HMR-1098 (100 micromol/L), a selective sarcolemmal K(ATP) antagonist, had no effect on the activity of reconstituted channels. Addition of xanthine/xanthine oxidase (100 micromol/L per 0.038 U/mL), an O(2-.)-generating system, resulted in a marked activation of mitoK(ATP) channels; the NPo of the channels was increased from 0.60+/-0.10 to 1.94+/-0.02. This O(2)(-.)-induced channel activation was completely abolished by pretreatment with 5-HD (100 micromol/L) or a sulfhydryl alkylating compound, N-ethylmaleimide (2 mmol/L). It is concluded that myocardial mitoK(ATP) channels can be reconstituted into lipid bilayers and that O(2-.) activates these channels. The effect of O(2-.) may be associated with its direct action on the sulfhydryl groups of the channel protein.

Identification and properties of a novel intracellular (mitochondrial) ATP-sensitive potassium channel in brain

Protection of heart against ischemia-reperfusion injury by ischemic preconditioning and K(ATP) channel openers is known to involve the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K(+) channel (mitoK(ATP)). Brain is also protected by ischemic preconditioning and K(ATP) channel openers, and it has been suggested that mitoK(ATP) may also play a key role in brain protection. However, it is not known whether mitoK(ATP) exists in brain mitochondria, and, if so, whether its properties are similar to or different from those of heart mitoK(ATP). We report partial purification and reconstitution of a new mitoK(ATP) from rat brain mitochondria. We measured K(+) flux in proteoliposomes and found that brain mitoK(ATP) is regulated by the same ligands as those that regulate mitoK(ATP) from heart and liver. We also examined the effects of opening and closing mitoK(ATP) on brain mitochondrial respiration, and we estimated the amount of mitoK(ATP) by means of green fluorescence probe BODIPY-FL-glyburide labeling of the sulfonylurea receptor of mitoK(ATP) from brain and liver. Three independent methods indicate that brain mitochondria contain six to seven times more mitoK(ATP) per milligram of mitochondrial protein than liver or heart.

Alkylsulfonates as probes of uncoupling protein transport mechanism. Ion pair transport demonstrates that direct H(+) translocation by UCP1 is not necessary for uncoupling

The mechanism of fatty acid-dependent uncoupling by mitochondrial uncoupling proteins (UCP) is still in debate. We have hypothesized that the anionic fatty acid head group is translocated by UCP, and the proton is transported electroneutrally in the bilayer by flip-flop of the protonated fatty acid. Alkylsulfonates are useful as probes of the UCP transport mechanism. They are analogues of fatty acids, and they are transported by UCP1, UCP2, and UCP3. We show that undecanesulfonate and laurate are mutually competitive inhibitors, supporting the hypothesis that fatty acid anion is transported by UCP1. Alkylsulfonates cannot be protonated because of their low pK(a), consequently, they cannot catalyze electroneutral proton transport in the bilayer and cannot support uncoupling by UCP. We report for the first time that propranolol forms permeant ion pairs with the alkylsulfonates, thereby removing this restriction. Because a proton is transported with the neutral ion pair, the sulfonate is able to deliver protons across the bilayer, behaving as if it were a fatty acid. When ion pair transport is combined with UCP1, we now observe electrophoretic proton transport and uncoupling of brown adipose tissue mitochondria. These experiments confirm that the proton transport of UCP-mediated uncoupling takes place in the lipid bilayer and not via UCP itself. Thus, UCP1, like other members of its gene family, translocates anions and does not translocate protons.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a novel (Na+,K+)/H+ exchanger localized to the trans-Golgi network

The luminal pH of organelles along the secretory and endocytic pathways of mammalian cells is acidic and tightly regulated, with the [H+] varying up to 100-fold between compartments. Steady-state organellar pH is thought to reflect a balance between the rates of H+ pumping by the vacuolar-type H+-ATPase and H+ efflux through ill-defined pathways. Here, we describe the cloning of a novel gene (NHE7) in humans that is homologous to Na+/H+ exchangers, is ubiquitously expressed, and localizes predominantly to the trans-Golgi network. Significantly, NHE7 mediates the influx of Na+ or K+ in exchange for H+. The activity of NHE7 was also found to be relatively insensitive to inhibition by amiloride but could be antagonized by the analogue benzamil and the unrelated compound quinine. Thus, NHE7 displays unique functional and pharmacological properties and may play an important role in maintaining cation homeostasis of this important organelle.

Cyclosporin A induces the opening of a potassium-selective channel in higher plant mitochondria

The immunosuppressive drug, cyclosporin A (CsA), induces the generation of a transmembrane electrical potential difference (deltapsi) in deenergized plant mitochondria incubated in sucrose-based media. Build up of deltapsi is prevented by external monovalent cations in the order K+ > Rb+ = Li+ > Na+, or by the protonophore carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone, which also collapses the deltapsi generated by CsA. Entry of K+ into mitochondria can be monitored as swelling by incubating the organelles in a medium containing KCl to maintain constant osmolarity. This swelling is inhibited by ATP and stimulated by CsA or valinomycin. In addition, in mitochondria energized by succinate, KCl causes a dissipation of deltapsi, with sigmoidal kinetics, which is favored by CsA. Therefore, plant mitochondria appear to possess a K+ selective, voltage-dependent channel, which is opened by CsA, regulated by the redox state, and inhibited by nucleotides. The hypothetical roles of this new K+ATP channel are discussed in relation to its potential involvement in mitochondrial volume regulation, thermogenesis, apoptosis, and/or prevention of reactive oxygen species formation in plants.

Opening of potassium channels protects mitochondrial function from calcium overload

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) protects myocardium from ischemia reperfusion injury by activating mitochondrial K(ATP) channels. However, the mechanism underlying the protective effect of K(ATP) channel activation has not been elucidated. It has been suggested that activation of mitochondrial K(ATP) channels may prevent mitochondrial dysfunction associated with Ca(2+) overload during reperfusion. The purpose of this experiment was to study, in an isolated mitochondrial preparation, the effects of mitochondrial K(ATP) channel opening on mitochondrial function and to determine whether it protects mitochondria form Ca(2+) overload. Mitochondria (mito) were isolated from rat hearts by differential centrifugation (n = 5/group). Mito respiratory function was measured by polarography without (CONTROL) or with a potassium channel opener (PINACIDIL, 100 microM). Different Ca(2+) concentrations (0 to 5 x 10(-7) M) were used to simulate the effect of Ca(2+) overload; state 2, mito oxygen consumption with substrate only; state 3, oxygen consumption stimulated by ADP; state 4, oxygen consumption after cessation of ADP phosphorylation; respiratory control index (RCI: ratio of state 3 to state 4); rate of oxidative phosphorylation (ADP/Deltat); and ADP:O ratio were measured. PINACIDIL increased state 2 respiration and decreased RCI compared to CONTROL. Low Ca(2+) concentrations stimulated state 2 and state 4 respiration and decreased RCI and ADP:O ratios. High Ca(2+) concentrations increased state 2 and state 4 respiration and further decreased RCI, state 3, and ADP/Deltat. PINACIDIL improved state 3, ADP/Deltat, and RCI at high Ca(2+) concentrations compared to CONTROL. Pinacidil depolarized inner mitochondrial membrane, as evidenced by decreased RCI and increased state 2 at baseline. Depolarization may decrease Ca(2+) influx into mito, protecting mito from Ca(2+) overload, as evidenced by improved state 3 and RCI at high Ca(2+) concentrations. The myocardial protective effects resulting from activating K(ATP) channels either pharmacologically or by IPC may be the result of protecting mito from Ca(2+) overload.

Reconstitution of purified, active and malonyl-CoA-sensitive rat liver carnitine palmitoyltransferase I: relationship between membrane environment and malonyl-CoA sensitivity

Carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT I) catalyses the initial step of fatty acid import into the mitochondrial matrix, the site of beta-oxidation, and its inhibition by malonyl-CoA is a primary control point for this process. The enzyme exists in at least two isoforms, denoted L-CPT I (liver type) and M-CPT I (skeletal-muscle type), which differ in their kinetic characteristics and tissue distributions. A property apparently unique to L-CPT I is that its sensitivity to malonyl-CoA decreases in vivo with fasting or experimentally induced diabetes. The mechanism of this important regulatory effect is unknown and has aroused much interest. CPT I is an integral outer-membrane protein and displays little activity after removal from the membrane by detergents, precluding direct purification of active protein by conventional means. Here we describe the expression of a 6 x His-tagged rat L-CPT I in Pichia pastoris and purification of the detergent-solubilized enzyme in milligram quantities. Reconstitution of the purified product into a liposomal environment yielded a 200--400-fold increase in enzymic activity and restored malonyl-CoA sensitivity. This is the first time that a CPT I protein has been available for study in a form that is both pure and active. Comparison of the kinetic properties of the reconstituted material with those of L-CPT I as it exists in mitochondria prepared from yeast over-expressing the enzyme and in livers from fed or fasted rats permitted novel insight into several aspects of the enzyme's behaviour. The malonyl-CoA response of the liposomal enzyme was found to be greater when the reconstitution procedure was carried out at 22 degrees C compared with 4 degrees C (IC(50) approximately 11 microM versus 30 microM, respectively). When the sensitivities of L-CPT I in each of the different environments were compared, they were found to decrease in the following order: fed liver>fasted liver approximately liposomes prepared at 22 degrees C approximately P. pastoris mitochondria>liposomes prepared at 4 degrees C. In addition, pre-treatment of L-CPT I liposomes with the membrane-fluidizing reagent benzyl alcohol caused densensitization to the inhibitor. In contrast with the variable response to malonyl-CoA, the liposomal L-CPT I displayed a pH profile and kinetics with regard to the carnitine and acyl-CoA substrates similar to those of the enzyme in fed or fasted liver mitochondria. However, despite a normal sensitivity to malonyl-CoA, L-CPT I in P. pastoris mitochondria displayed aberrant behaviour with regard to each of these other parameters. The kinetic data establish several novel points. First, even after stringent purification procedures in the presence of detergent, recombinant L-CPT I could be reconstituted in active, malonyl-CoA sensitive form. Second, the kinetics of the reconstituted, 6 x His-tagged L-CPT I with regard to substrate and pH responses were similar to what is observed with rat liver mitochondria (whereas in P. pastoris mitochondria the enzyme behaved anomalously), confirming that the purified preparation is a suitable model for studying the functional properties of the enzyme. Third, wide variation in the response to the inhibitor, malonyl-CoA, was observed depending only on the enzyme's membrane environment and independent of interaction with other proteins. In particular, the fluidity of the membrane had a direct influence on this parameter. These observations may help to explain the mechanism of the physiological changes in the properties of L-CPT I that occur in vivo and are consistent with the current topographical model of the enzyme.

Copper sensitizes the mitochondrial permeability transition to carboxytractyloside and oleate

Addition of 5 microM copper to rat kidney mitochondria enhances the effect of carboxyatractyloside and oleate on pore opening, in a cyclosporin A-sensitive fashion. The effects of the pair copper-carboxyatractyloside were observed on matrix Ca2+ efflux, mitochondrial swelling and on the transmembrane electric gradient. The effect of Cu2+ emphasizes the importance of membrane thiol groups located, probably, in the ADP/ATP translocase (ANT), on permeability transition. It was also found that Cu2+ does not block the fluorescent label of ANT by eosin 5-maleimide, but abolishes the inhibition by CAT on the labeling. This suggests that the binding of Cu2+ to cysteine residues of ANT promotes a conformational change in the carrier, strengthening the effect of CAT and oleate on membrane leakage.

Roles of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K channels and PKC in anti-infarct tolerance afforded by adenosine A1 receptor activation

OBJECTIVES

This study intended to assess the role of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium (mitoK ATP) channels and the sequence of signal transduction with protein kinase C (PKC) and adenosine A1 receptors in rabbits.

BACKGROUND

To our knowledge, the link between trigger receptors of preconditioning, PKC and mitoK ATP channels has not been examined in a whole heart model of infarction.

METHODS

In the first series of experiments, myocardial infarction was induced in isolated buffer-perfused rabbit hearts by 30-min global ischemia and 2-h reperfusion. Infarct size in the left ventricle was determined by tetrazolium staining and expressed as a percentage of area at risk (i.e., the whole left ventricle) (%IS/AR). In the second series of experiments, mitochondria were isolated from the heart, and their respiratory function was examined using glutamate as a substrate.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with R-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA, 1 micromol/liter), an A1-receptor agonist, reduced %IS/AR from 49.8 +/- 6.5% to 13.4 +/- 2.9%. This protection was abolished by calphostin C, a PKC inhibitor, and by 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD), a selective inhibitor of mitoK ATP channels. A selective mitoK ATP channel opener, diazoxide (100 micromol/liter), mimicked the effect of R-PIA on infarct size (%IS/AR = 11.6 +/- 4.0%), and this protective effect was also abolished by 5-HD. However, calphostin C failed to block the infarct size-limiting effect of diazoxide. Neither calphostin C nor 5-HD alone modified %IS/AR. State III respiration (QO2) and respiratory control index (RCI) were reduced after 30 min of ischemia (QO2 = 147.3 +/- 5.3 vs. 108.5 +/- 12.3, RCI = 22.3 +/- 1.1 vs. 12.1 +/- 1.8, p < 0.05). This mitochondrial dysfunction was persistent after 10 min of reperfusion (QO2 = 96.1 +/- 15.5, RCI = 9.5 +/- 1.9). Diazoxide significantly attenuated the respiratory dysfunction after 30 min of ischemia (QO2 = 142.8 +/- 9.7, RCI = 16.2 +/- 0.8) and subsequent 10-min reperfusion (QO2 = 135.3 +/- 7.2, RCI = 19.1 +/- 0.8).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that mitoK ATP channels are downstream of PKC in the mechanism of infarct-size limitation by A1-receptor activation and that the anti-infarct tolerance afforded by opening of mitoK ATP channels is associated with preservation of mitochondrial function during ischemia/reperfusion.

Transport function and regulation of mitochondrial uncoupling proteins 2 and 3

Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) dissipates energy and generates heat by catalyzing back-flux of protons into the mitochondrial matrix, probably by a fatty acid cycling mechanism. If the newly discovered UCP2 and UCP3 function similarly, they will enhance peripheral energy expenditure and are potential molecular targets for the treatment of obesity. We expressed UCP2 and UCP3 in Escherichia coli and reconstituted the detergent-extracted proteins into liposomes. Ion flux studies show that purified UCP2 and UCP3 behave identically to UCP1. They catalyze electrophoretic flux of protons and alkylsulfonates, and proton flux exhibits an obligatory requirement for fatty acids. Proton flux is inhibited by purine nucleotides but with much lower affinity than observed with UCP1. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that UCP2 and UCP3 behave as uncoupling proteins in the cell.

Affinity chromatography purification of mitochondrial inner membrane proteins with calcium transport activity

Immobilized calcium affinity chromatography was used to obtain a preparation enriched in calcium transporters from Triton X-100 extracts of rat liver mitochondria inner membranes (PPCT). The PPCT were reconstituted into preformed asolectin liposomes which contained 120 mM KCl as internal high K+ medium. 45Ca2+ uptake into proteoliposomes was studied under conditions favoring electrophoretic uptake, and H+i/45Ca2+o or Na+i/45Ca2+o exchange, to test for the presence of the three calcium transport modes present in mitochondria. 45Ca2+ uptake in liposomes was studied in parallel. Na+i/45Ca2+o exchange activity was not detectable. H+i/45Ca2+o exchange activity measured in the presence of a pH gradient (acid inside) obtained after suspension in low K medium in the presence of nigericin, was 100-200 nmoles 45Ca2+ per mg protein in 30 s. 45Ca2+ uptake in voltage-dependent assays (a K+ diffusion membrane potential induced by valinomycin in the presence of methylamine) was not electrophoretic since it was stimulated by carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP) and probably due to secondary Ca2+/H+ countertransport. H+i/45Ca2+o uptake showed a saturable component at around 80 microM Ca and was coupled to an increase in internal pH in pyranine-loaded PPCT proteoliposomes. 45Ca2+ uptake in PPCT proteoliposomes could also be driven by a pH gradient obtained by raising external pH in high K+ medium. The results are consistent with the presence of a functional nH+/Ca2+ antiporter. Polyclonal antibodies raised against the PPCT were able to immunoprecipitate the H+/45Ca2+ uptake activity and recognized two major bands in the PPCT with molecular masses of about 66 kDa and 55 kDa. This is the first report of a partial purified protein(s) which may represent the H+/Ca2+ exchanger of the inner mitochondrial membrane, and represents an important step towards its identification.

Identification of a mitochondrial Na+/H+ exchanger

The electroneutral exchange of protons for Na+ and K+ across the mitochondrial inner membrane contributes to organellar volume and Ca2+ homeostasis. The molecular nature of these transporters remains unknown. In this report, we characterize a novel gene (YDR456w; renamed NHA2) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae whose deduced protein sequence is homologous to members of the mammalian Na+/H+ exchanger gene family. Fluorescence microscopy showed that a Nha2-green fluorescent protein chimera colocalizes with 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining of mitochondrial DNA. To assess the function of Nha2, we deleted the NHA2 gene by homologous disruption and found that benzamil-inhibitable, acid-activated 22Na+ uptake into mitochondria was abolished in the mutant strain. It also showed retarded growth on nonfermentable carbon sources and severely reduced survival during the stationary phase of the cell cycle compared with the parental strain, consistent with a defect in aerobic metabolism. Sequence comparisons revealed that Nha2 has highest identity to a putative Na+/H+ exchanger homologue (KIAA0267; renamed NHE6) in humans. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that NHE6 is ubiquitously expressed but is most abundant in mitochondrion-rich tissues such as brain, skeletal muscle, and heart. Fluorescence microscopy showed that a NHE6-green fluorescent protein chimera also accumulates in mitochondria of transfected HeLa cells. These data indicate that NHA2 and NHE6 encode homologous Na+/H+ exchangers and suggest they may be important for mitochondrial function in lower and higher eukaryotes, respectively.

Toward understanding the assembly and structure of KATP channels

Adenosine 5'-triphosphate-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels couple metabolic events to membrane electrical activity in a variety of cell types. The cloning and reconstitution of the subunits of these channels demonstrate they are heteromultimers of inwardly rectifying potassium channel subunits (KIR6.x) and sulfonylurea receptors (SUR), members of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily. Recent studies indicate that SUR and KIR6.x associate with 1:1 stoichiometry to assemble a large tetrameric channel, (SUR/KIR6.x)4. The KIR6.x subunits form the channel pore, whereas SUR is required for activation and regulation. Two KIR6.x genes and two SUR genes have been identified, and combinations of subunits give rise to KATP channel subtypes found in pancreatic beta-cells, neurons, and cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle. Mutations in both the SUR1 and KIR6.2 genes have been shown to cause familial hyperinsulinism, indicating the importance of the pancreatic beta-cell channel in the regulation of insulin secretion. The availability of cloned KATP channel genes opens the way for characterization of this family of ion channels and identification of additional genetic defects.

Cardioprotective effect of diazoxide and its interaction with mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K+ channels. Possible mechanism of cardioprotection

Previous studies showed a poor correlation between sarcolemmal K+ currents and cardioprotection for ATP-sensitive K+ channel (KATP) openers. Diazoxide is a weak cardiac sarcolemmal KATP opener, but it is a potent opener of mitochondrial KATP, making it a useful tool for determining the importance of this mitochondrial site. In reconstituted bovine heart KATP, diazoxide opened mitochondrial KATP with a K1/2 of 0.8 mumol/L while being 1000-fold less potent at opening sarcolemmal KATP. To compare cardioprotective potency, diazoxide or cromakalim was given to isolated rat hearts subjected to 25 minutes of global ischemia and 30 minutes of reperfusion. Diazoxide and cromakalim increased the time to onset of contracture with a similar potency (EC25, 11.0 and 8.8 mumol/L, respectively) and improved postischemic functional recovery in a glibenclamide (glyburide)-reversible manner. In addition, sodium 5-hydroxydecanoic acid completely abolished the protective effect of diazoxide. While-myocyte studies showed that diazoxide was significantly less potent than cromakalim in increasing sarcolemmal K+ currents. Diazoxide shortened ischemic action potential duration significantly less than cromakalim at equicardioprotective concentrations. We also determined the effects of cromakalim and diazoxide on reconstituted rat mitochondrial cardiac KATP activity. Cromakalim and diazoxide were both potent activators of K+ flux in this preparation (K1/2 values, 1.1 +/- 0.1 and 0.49 +/- 0.05 mumol/L, respectively). Both glibenclamide and sodium 5-hydroxydecanoic acid inhibited K+ flux through the diazoxide-opened mitochondrial KATP. The profile of activity of diazoxide (and perhaps KATP openers in general) suggests that they protect ischemic hearts in a manner that is consistent with an interaction with mitochondrial KATP.

Reconstitution of highly expressed human heart muscle carnitine palmitoyltransferase I

The human heart muscle carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (M-CPTI) gene was expressed at high levels from a strain of the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris containing approximately 24 copies of the expression vector. Levels of M-CPTI were more than ten-fold higher than previously reported by our group with a single-copy strain (Arch. Biochem. Biophys., in press) and were sufficient to perform reconstitution studies on the membrane protein, a key step in purification and structural analysis of the enzyme. Solubilization of yeast mitochondria containing M-CPTI in 5% Triton X-100 abolished M-CPTI activity. The detergent-inactivated M-CPTI was then reconstituted by removal of the detergent in the presence of phospholipids. The reconstituted proteoliposomes exhibited M-CPTI activity of 2.4 nmol palmitoylcarnitine formed/mg protein/min, a recovery of 23% of the activity present in the starting mitochondrial preparation. The malonyl-CoA sensitivity of the reconstituted reactivated M-CPTI was 88%. This is the first demonstration of direct reactivation of malonyl-CoA-sensitive M-CPTI activity from solubilized materials from any organism. Previously, M-CPTI was presumed to be irreversibly inactivated by detergents.

Identification by site-directed mutagenesis of three arginines in uncoupling protein that are essential for nucleotide binding and inhibition

Primary regulation of uncoupling protein is mediated by purine nucleotides, which bind to the protein and allosterically inhibit fatty acid-induced proton transport. To gain increased understanding of nucleotide regulation, we evaluated the role of basic amino acid residues using site-directed mutagenesis. Mutant and wild-type proteins were expressed in yeast, purified, and reconstituted into liposomes. We studied nucleotide binding as well as inhibition of fatty acid-induced proton transport in wild-type and six mutant uncoupling proteins. None of the mutations interfered with proton transport. Two lysine mutants and a histidine mutant had no effect on nucleotide binding or inhibition. Arg83 and Arg182 mutants completely lost both the ability to bind nucleotides and nucleotide inhibition. Surprisingly, the Arg276 mutant exhibited normal nucleotide binding, but completely lost nucleotide inhibition. To account for this dissociation between binding and inhibition, we propose a three-stage binding-conformational change model of nucleotide regulation of uncoupling protein. We have now identified three nucleotides by site-directed mutagenesis that are essential for nucleotide interaction with uncoupling protein.

The nucleotide regulatory sites on the mitochondrial KATP channel face the cytosol

The mitochondrial KATP channel (mitoKATP) is richly endowed with regulatory sites for metabolites and drugs, but the topological location of these sites is unknown. Thus, it is not known whether ATP, GTP and acyl CoA esters regulate mitoKATP from the matrix or cytosolic side of the inner membrane, nor whether they all act from the same side. The experiments reported in this paper provide an unambiguous answer to these questions. Electrophysiological experiments in bilayer membranes containing purified mitoKATP showed that current is blocked asymmetrically by ATP. K+ flux experiments using proteoliposomes containing purified mitoKATP showed that mitoKATP is unipolar with respect to regulation by Mg2+, ATP, GTP, and palmitoyl CoA and that all of these ligands react on the same pole of the protein. This demonstration was made possible by the new finding that mitoKATP is 85-90% oriented inward or outward in liposomes, depending on the presence or absence of Mg2+ in the reconstitution buffer. K+ flux experiments in respiring rat liver mitochondria showed that mitoKATP was inhibited by palmitoyl CoA and activated by GTP when these agents were added to the external medium. Given that the inner membrane is impermeant to these ligands and that mitoKATP is unipolar with respect to nucleotide regulation, it follows that the regulatory sites on mitoKATP face the cytosol.

Inhibition of the mitochondrial KATP channel by long-chain acyl-CoA esters and activation by guanine nucleotides

The mitochondrial KATP channel (mitoKATP) is highly sensitive to ATP, which inhibits K+ flux with K1/2 values of 20-40 microM. This raises the question, how can mitoKATP be opened in the presence of physiological concentrations of ATP? We measured K+ flux in liposomes reconstituted with purified mitoKATP and found that guanine nucleotides are potent activators of this channel. ATP-inhibited K+ flux was completely reactivated by both GTP (K1/2 = 7 microM) and GDP (K1/2 = 140 microM). These ligands had no effect in the absence of ATP. The K1/2 for ATP inhibition exhibited quadratic dependence on [GTP] and [GDP], consistent with two binding sites for guanine nucleotides. We also found that palmitoyl-CoA and oleoyl-CoA inhibited K+ flux through reconstituted mitoKATP with K1/2 values of 260 nM and 80 nM, respectively. This inhibition was reversed by GTP (K1/2 = 232 microM) as well as by the K+ channel openers cromakalim (20 microM) and diazoxide (10 microM). Inhibition of mitoKATP by long-chain acyl-CoA esters, like that of ATP, exhibited an absolute requirement for Mg2+ ions. We propose that the open-closed state of the mitochondrial KATP channel is determined by the relative cytosolic concentrations of GTP and long-chain acyl-CoA esters.

Cation transport in mitochondria--the potassium cycle

The existence in mitochondria of separate, highly regulated pathways for K+ influx and efflux strongly implies that mitochondrial volume is subject to regulation in vivo. Volume, in turn has been shown to regulate activity of the electron transport chain. Thus, the mitochondrial K+ cycle appears to play a key signalling role in regulating cellular bioenergetics, including the metabolic fate of fatty acids. Consistent with this role, the channel is inhibited by long-chain acyl-CoA esters and activated by GTP, and these ligands interact with sites that face the cytosol. The work to be summarized shows that KATP channels from mitochondria and plasma membranes are regulated by the same biochemical and pharmacological ligands. We hypothesize that the mitochondrial KATP channel, like its counterparts in the plasma membrane, is heteromultimeric, consisting of a regulatory sulfonylurea receptor (mitoSUR) and an inward-rectifying K+ channel (mitoKIR).

The mitochondrial KATP channel as a receptor for potassium channel openers

The biochemical properties of the mitochondrial KATP channel are very similar to those of plasma membrane KATP channels, including inhibition by low concentrations of ATP and glyburide (Paucek, P., Mironova, G., Mahdi, F., Beavis, A. D., Woldegiorgis, G., and Garlid, K. D. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 26062-26069). Plasma membrane KATP channels are highly sensitive to the family of drugs known as K+ channel openers, raising the question whether mitochondrial KATP channels are similarly sensitive to these agents. We addressed this question by measuring K+ flux in intact rat liver mitochondria and in liposomes containing KATP channels purified from rat liver and beef heart mitochondria. K+ channel openers completely reversed ATP inhibition of K+ flux in both systems. In liposomes, ATP-inhibited K+ flux was restored by diazoxide (K1/2 = 0.4 microM), cromakalim (K1/2 = 1 microM), and two developmental cromakalim analogues, EMD60480 and EMD57970 (K1/2 = 6 nM). Similar K1/2 values were observed in intact mitochondria. These potencies are well within the range observed with plasma membrane KATP channels. We also compared the potencies of these K+ channel openers on the plasma membrane KATP channel purified from beef heart myocytes. The KATP channel from cardiac mitochondria is 2000-fold more sensitive to diazoxide than the channel from cardiac sarcolemma, indicating that two distinct receptor subtypes coexist within the myocyte. We suggest that the mitochondrial KATP channel is an important intracellular receptor that should be taken into account in considering the pharmacology of K+ channel openers.

On the mechanism of fatty acid-induced proton transport by mitochondrial uncoupling protein

Uncoupling protein mediates electrophoretic transport of protons and anions across the inner membrane of brown adipose tissue mitochondria. The mechanism and site of proton transport, the mechanism by which fatty acids activate proton transport, and the relationship between fatty acids and anion transport are unknown. We used fluorescent probes to measure H+ and anion transport in vesicles reconstituted with purified uncoupling protein and carried out a comparative study of the effects of laurate and its close analogue, undecanesulfonate. Undecanesulfonate was transported by uncoupling protein with a Km value similar to that observed for laurate as it activated H+ transport. Both laurate and undecanesulfonate inhibited Cl- with competitive kinetics. Undecanesulfonate inhibited laurate-induced H+ transport with competitive kinetics. Undecanesulfonate and laurate differed in two important respects. (i) Laurate caused uncoupling protein-mediated H+ transport, whereas undecanesulfonate did not. (ii) Lauric acid was rapidly transported across the bilayer by nonionic diffusion, whereas undecanesulfonic was not. We infer that the role of uncoupling protein in H+ transport is to transport fatty acid anions and that fatty acids induce H+ transport because they can diffuse electroneutrally across the membrane. According to this hypothesis, uncoupling protein is a pure anion porter and does not transport protons; rather it is designed to enable fatty acids to behave as cycling protonophores.