Protein import and processing reconstituted with isolated rat liver mitochondria and recombinant mitochondrial processing peptidase

Combined effects of aging and inflammation on renin-angiotensin system mediate mitochondrial dysfunction and phenotypic changes in cardiomyopathies

Although the effects of aging and inflammation on the health of the cardiac muscle are well documented, the combined effects of aging and chronic inflammation on cardiac muscle are largely unknown. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been linked independently to both aging and inflammation, but is understudied in the context of their collective effect. Thus, we investigated localized cardiac angiotensin II type I and type II receptors (AT₁R, AT₂R), downstream effectors, and phenotypic outcomes using mouse models of the combination of aging and inflammation and compared it to a model of aging and a model of inflammation. We show molecular distinction in the combined effect of aging and inflammation as compared to each independently. The combination maintained an increased AT₁R:AT₂R and expression of Nox2 and exhibited the lowest activity of antioxidants. Despite signaling pathway differences, the combined effect shared phenotypic similarities with aging including oxidative damage, fibrosis, and hypertrophy. These phenotypic similarities have dubbed inflammatory conditions as premature aging, but they are, in fact, molecularly distinct. Moreover, treatment with an AT₁R blocker, losartan, selectively reversed the signaling changes and ameliorated adverse phenotypic effects in the combination of aging and inflammation as well as each independently.

Quantification of mitochondrial S-nitrosylation by CysTMT⁶ switch assay

S-nitrosylation (SNO) is an important oxidative posttranslational modification in the regulation of cardiac mitochondria. SNO modification of several mitochondrial proteins has been associated with cardiac preconditioning and improved cell survival following ischemia/reperfusion injury. Due to their labile nature, SNO modifications are challenging to study using traditional biochemical techniques; particularly, the identification of individual modified cysteine residues. Here, we describe the details of the cysTMT(6) switch assay, a variation of the classic biotin switch protocol. The cysTMT(6) reagent provides a simplified and powerful approach to SNO detection by combining unambiguous identification of the modified cysteine residue and relative quantification of up to six samples by mass spectrometry analysis.

Identification and characterization of a functional mitochondrial angiotensin system

The renin-angiotensin (Ang) system regulates multiple physiological functions through Ang II type 1 and type 2 receptors. Prior studies suggest an intracellular pool of Ang II that may be released in an autocrine manner upon stretch to activate surface membrane Ang receptors. Alternatively, an intracellular renin-Ang system has been proposed, with a primary focus on nuclear Ang receptors. A mitochondrial Ang system has not been previously described. Here we report that functional Ang II type 2 receptors are present on mitochondrial inner membranes and are colocalized with endogenous Ang. We demonstrate that activation of the mitochondrial Ang system is coupled to mitochondrial nitric oxide production and can modulate respiration. In addition, we present evidence of age-related changes in mitochondrial Ang receptor expression, i.e., increased mitochondrial Ang II type 1 receptor and decreased type 2 receptor density that is reversed by chronic treatment with the Ang II type 1 receptor blocker losartan. The presence of a functional Ang system in human mitochondria provides a foundation for understanding the interaction between mitochondria and chronic disease states and reveals potential therapeutic targets for optimizing mitochondrial function and decreasing chronic disease burden with aging.

What limits the allotopic expression of nucleus-encoded mitochondrial genes? The case of the chimeric Cox3 and Atp6 genes

Allotopic expression is potentially a gene therapy for mtDNA-related diseases. Some OXPHOS proteins like ATP6 (subunit a of complex V) and COX3 (subunit III of complex IV) that are typically mtDNA-encoded, are naturally nucleus-encoded in the alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The mitochondrial proteins whose genes have been relocated to the nucleus exhibit long mitochondrial targeting sequences ranging from 100 to 140 residues and a diminished overall mean hydrophobicity when compared with their mtDNA-encoded counterparts. We explored the allotopic expression of the human gene products COX3 and ATP6 that were re-designed for mitochondrial import by emulating the structural properties of the corresponding algal proteins. In vivo and in vitro data in homoplasmic human mutant cells carrying either a T8993G mutation in the mitochondrial atp6 gene or a 15bp deletion in the mtDNA-encoded cox3 gene suggest that these human mitochondrial proteins re-designed for nuclear expression are targeted to the mitochondria, but fail to functionally integrate into their corresponding OXPHOS complexes.

G(alpha)12/13 inhibition enhances the anticancer effect of bortezomib through PSMB5 downregulation

Bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor approved for anticancer therapy. However, variable sensitivity of tumor cells exists in this therapy probably due to differences in the expression of proteasome subunits. G(alpha)(12/13) serves modulators or signal transducers in diverse pathways. This study investigated whether cancer cells display differential sensitivity to bortezomib with reference to G(alpha)(12/13) expression, and if so, whether G(alpha)(12/13) affects the expression of proteasome subunits and their activities. Bortezomib treatment exhibited greater sensitivities in Huh7 and SNU886 cells (epithelial type) than SK-Hep1 and SNU449 cells (mesenchymal type) that exhibited higher levels of G(alpha)(12/13). Overexpression of an active mutant of G(alpha)(12) (Galpha(12)QL) or G(alpha)(13) (G(alpha)(13)QL) diminished the ability of bortezomib to induce cytotoxicity in Huh7 cells. Moreover, transfection with the minigene that disturbs G protein-coupled receptor-G protein coupling (CT12 or CT13) increased it in SK-Hep1 cells. Consistently, MiaPaCa2 cells transfected with CT12 or CT13 exhibited a greater sensitivity to bortezomib. Evidence of G(alpha)(12/13)'s antagonism on the anticancer effect of bortezomib was verified in the reversal by G(alpha)(12)QL or G(alpha)(13)QL of the minigenes' enhancement of cytotoxity. Real-time polymerase chain reaction assay enabled us to identify PSMB5, multicatalytic endopeptidase complex-like-1, and proteasome activator subunit-1 repression by CT12 or CT13. Furthermore, G(alpha)(12/13) inhibition enhanced the ability of bortezomib to repress PSMB5, as shown by immunoblotting and proteasome activity assay. Moreover, this inhibitory effect on PSMB5 was attenuated by G(alpha)G(alpha)(12)QL or G(alpha)(13)QL. In conclusion, the inhibition of G(alpha)(12/13) activities may enhance the anticancer effect of bortezomib through PSMB5 repression, providing insight into the G(alpha)(12/13) pathway for the regulation of proteasomal activity.

Mammalian pitrilysin: substrate specificity and mitochondrial targeting

The substrate specificity of the mitochondrial metallopeptidase proteinase 1 (MP1) was investigated and its mitochondrial targeting signal identified. The substrate specificity of MP1 was examined with physiological peptides as substrates. Although the enzyme exhibits broad substrate specificity, there is a trend for peptides containing 13 or more residues to exhibit K(m) values of 2 muM or less. Three of four peptides containing 11 or fewer residues exhibited K(m) values above 10 muM. Similarly, peptides containing 13 or more residues exhibited k(cat) values below 10 min(-1), while three of four peptides containing 11 or fewer residues exhibited k(cat) values above 30 min(-1). Many of the peptide cleavage sites of MP1 resemble that of the mitochondrial processing protease (MPP); however, MP1 does not process the precursor form of citrate synthase. The enzyme, however, does cleave the released prepeptide from precitrate synthase. A mitochondria localization was shown in MP1 transfected NT2 and HepG2 cells. Deletion of the N-terminal 15 amino acids caused MP1 to be mislocalized to the cytoplasm and nucleus. Furthermore, when fused to green flourescent protein, this 15-amino acid N-terminal sequence directed the fusion protein to the mitochondria.

Expression of algal nuclear ATP synthase subunit 6 in human cells results in protein targeting to mitochondria but no assembly into ATP synthase

Artificial transfer of mitochondrial genes to the nucleus has implications for the understanding of mitochondrial function, evolution, and human health. Therefore, we created nuclear compatible versions of human subunit a (A6) of ATP synthase, linked to a mitochondrial targeting signal. Expression and targeting of human nuclear subunit a were compared to subunit a of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, which naturally occurs in the nucleus. Algal subunit a was targeted to mitochondria more efficiently than human nuclear subunit a variants. However, there was no evidence of improved mitochondrial function in cultured cells; on the contrary, long-term expression of algal subunit a was associated with poor survival and intolerance of growth conditions that demand heavy reliance on oxidative phosphorylation. Analysis of enriched mitochondrial membrane fractions on native gels revealed a high-molecular- weight complex containing FLAG-tagged subunit a; however, this complex did not colocalize with ATP synthase. Thus, there was no evidence of assembly of algal subunit a into holoenzyme, nor did human nuclear subunit a colocalize with ATP synthase holoenzyme. In conclusion, obstacles remain to functional expression of mitochondrial genes transferred to the nucleus.

Mitochondrial association of myocilin, product of a glaucoma gene, in human trabecular meshwork cells

The trabecular meshwork (TM), an ocular tissue next to the cornea, is a major site for regulation of the aqueous humor outflow. Malfunctioning of this tissue is believed to be responsible for development of glaucoma, a major blinding disease. Myocilin is a gene directly linked to the most common form of glaucoma. Its protein product has been localized to both intra- and extra-cellular sites in TM cells. This study was to investigate the association of myocilin with mitochondria in TM cells. In vitro mitochondrial import assays showed that myocilin was imported to the TM mitochondria, targeting to mitochondrial membranes and/or the intermembrane space. The targeting was mediated mostly via the amino-terminal region of myocilin. When myocilin expression was induced either by treatment with dexamethasone or transfection with a myocilin construct, the mitochondrial membrane potential in TM cells, as assessed by JC-1 staining, was lowered. Subcellular fractionation and Western blot analyses confirmed that a portion of myocilin sedimented with the mitochondrial fractions. Upon anti-Fas treatment to provoke apoptosis, an increase of myocilin distribution in cytosolic fraction was observed, suggesting that myocilin was partially released from mitochondrial compartments. These results confirmed the association of myocilin with TM cell mitochondria and indicated that myocilin may have a proapoptotic role in TM cells.

Matrix protein of Vesicular stomatitis virus harbours a cryptic mitochondrial-targeting motif

Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is a rhabdovirus that has attracted attention of late as an oncolytic virus and as a vaccine vector. Mutations in the matrix (M) gene of VSV yield attenuated strains that may be very useful in both settings. As a result of this interest in the M protein, this study analysed various M-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion constructs. Remarkably, fusion of the N terminus of the M protein to GFP targeted the fluorescent protein to the surface of mitochondria. Mutational analysis indicated that a mitochondrial-targeting motif exists within aa 33-67. Expression of these fusion proteins led to loss of mitochondrial membrane permeability and to an alteration in mitochondrial organization mirroring that seen during viral infection. In addition, a portion of the M protein present in infected cells co-purified with mitochondria. This work may indicate a novel function for this multifunctional viral protein.

Inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 4 precursor processing by the hypoxia mimic cobalt chloride

Cobalt is often used as a hypoxia mimic in cell culture, because it stabilizes the alpha subunits of the transcription factor, HIF (hypoxia-inducible factor). We have previously shown that HIF stabilization due to a deficiency of the von Hippel Lindau protein (pVHL) in clear cell renal carcinoma (CRCC) was correlated to a down-regulation of oxidative phosphorylation. To better understand this mechanism, we have used CoCl2 in CRCC expressing stably transfected vhl. We show that, in addition to its effect on HIF-alpha subunits, CoCl2 prevented the normal processing of the precursor of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) subunit 4 and induced COX degradation very likely by inhibiting the mitochondrial intermediate peptidase (MIP) that cleaves the COX4 precursor protein. This cobalt-induced MIP inhibition was however not observed in other human mitochondrial precursor sequences as previously predicted from comparison between human and yeast mitochondrial precursor sequences.

The diverse involvement of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K in mitochondrial response to insulin

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K protein) is an RNA/DNA-binding protein that acts in several compartments, including mitochondria. It integrates cellular signaling cascades with multiple processes of gene expression mechanisms. Our studies demonstrate that: (1) insulin activates the import of hnRNP K protein into mitochondria in vitro and in vivo; (2) overexpression of hnRNP K protein modulates insulin-activated mitochondrial gene expression; and (3) insulin treatment stimulates binding of hnRNP K protein to mitochondrial DNA. Based on these and our previously reported results we conclude that hnRNP K protein may be a mediator of mitochondrial response to insulin.

Human acyl-CoA dehydrogenase-9 plays a novel role in the mitochondrial beta-oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids

Unsaturated fatty acids play an important role in the prevention of human diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, and neurodegeneration. However, their oxidation in vivo by acyl-CoA dehydrogenases (ACADs) that catalyze the first step of each cycle of mitochondrial fatty acid beta-oxidation is not entirely understood. Recently, a novel ACAD (ACAD-9) of unknown function that is highly homologous to human very-long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase was identified by large-scale random sequencing. To characterize its enzymatic role, we have expressed ACAD-9 in Escherichia coli, purified it, and determined its pattern of substrate utilization. The N terminus of the mature form of the enzyme was identified by in vitro mitochondrial import studies of precursor protein. A 37-amino acid leader peptide was cleaved sequentially by two mitochondrial peptidases to yield a predicted molecular mass of 65 kDa for the mature subunit. Submitochondrial fractionation studies found native ACAD-9 to be associated with the mitochondrial membrane. Gel filtration analysis indicated that, like very-long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, ACAD-9 is a dimer, in contrast to the other known ACADs, which are tetramers. Purified mature ACAD-9 had maximal activity with long-chain unsaturated acyl-CoAs as substrates (C16:1-, C18:1-, C18:2-, C22:6-CoA). These results suggest a previously unrecognized role for ACAD-9 in the mitochondrial beta-oxidation of long-chain unsaturated fatty acids. Because of the substrate specificity and abundance of ACAD-9 in brain, we speculate that it may play a role in the turnover of lipid membrane unsaturated fatty acids that are essential for membrane integrity and structure.

Limitations of Allotopic Expression of Mitochondrial Genes in Mammalian Cells

The possibility of expressing mitochondrial DNA-coded genes in the nuclear-cytoplasmic compartment provides an attractive system for genetic treatment of mitochondrial disorders associated with mitochondrial DNA mutations. In theory, by recoding mitochondrial genes to adapt them to the universal genetic code and by adding a DNA sequence coding for a mitochondrial-targeting sequence, one could achieve correct localization of the gene product. Such transfer has occurred in nature, and certain species of algae and plants express a number of polypeptides that are commonly coded by mtDNA in the nuclear-cytoplasmic compartment. In the present study, allotopic expression of three different mtDNA-coded polypeptides (ATPase8, apocytochrome b, and ND4) into COS-7 and HeLa cells was analyzed. Among these, only ATPase8 was correctly expressed and localized to mitochondria. The full-length, as well as truncated forms, of apocytochrome b and ND4 decorated the periphery of mitochondria, but also aggregated in fiber-like structures containing tubulin and in some cases also vimentin. The addition of a hydrophilic tail (EGFP) to the C terminus of these polypeptides did not change their localization. Overexpression of molecular chaperones also did not have a significant effect in preventing aggregations. Allotopic expression of apocytochrome b and ND4 induced a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in transfected cells, which can lead to cell death. Our observations suggest that only a subset of mitochondrial genes can be replaced allotopically. Analyses of the hydrophobic patterns of different polypeptides suggest that hydrophobicity of the N-terminal segment is the main determinant for the importability of peptides into mammalian mitochondria.