Respiratory dysfunction by AFG3L2 deficiency causes decreased mitochondrial calcium uptake via organellar network fragmentation

Sustained OMA1-mediated integrated stress response is beneficial for spastic ataxia type 5

AFG3L2 is a mitochondrial protease exerting protein quality control in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Heterozygous AFG3L2 mutations cause spinocerebellar ataxia type 28 (SCA28) or dominant optic atrophy type 12 (DOA12), while biallelic AFG3L2 mutations result in the rare and severe spastic ataxia type 5 (SPAX5). The clinical spectrum of SPAX5 includes childhood-onset cerebellar ataxia, spasticity, dystonia and myoclonic epilepsy. We previously reported that the absence or mutation of AFG3L2 leads to the accumulation of mitochondria-encoded proteins, causing the overactivation of the stress-sensitive protease OMA1, which over-processes OPA1, leading to mitochondrial fragmentation. Recently, OMA1 has been identified as the pivotal player communicating mitochondrial stress to the cytosol via a pathway involving the inner mitochondrial membrane protein DELE1 and the cytosolic kinase HRI, thus eliciting the integrated stress response. In general, the integrated stress response reduces global protein synthesis and drives the expression of cytoprotective genes that allow cells to endure proteotoxic stress. However, the relevance of the OMA1-DELE1-HRI axis in vivo, and especially in a human CNS disease context, has been poorly documented thus far. In this work, we demonstrated that mitochondrial proteotoxicity in the absence/mutation of AFG3L2 activates the OMA1-DELE1-HRI pathway eliciting the integrated stress response. We found enhanced OMA1-dependent processing of DELE1 upon depletion of AFG3L2. Also, in both skin fibroblasts from SPAX5 patients (including a novel case) and in the cerebellum of Afg3l2-/- mice we detected increased phosphorylation of the α-subunit of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2α), increased levels of ATF4 and strong upregulation of its downstream targets (Chop, Chac1, Ppp1r15a and Ffg21). Silencing of DELE1 or HRI in SPAX5 fibroblasts (where OMA1 is overactivated at basal state) reduces eIF2α phosphorylation and affects cell growth. In agreement, pharmacological potentiation of integrated stress response via Sephin-1, a drug that selectively inhibits the stress-induced eIF2alpha phosphatase GADD34 (encoded by Ppp1r15a), improved cell growth of SPAX5 fibroblasts and cell survival and dendritic arborization ex vivo in primary Afg3l2-/- Purkinje neurons. Notably, Sephin-1 treatment in vivo extended the lifespan of Afg3l2-/- mice, improved Purkinje neuron morphology, mitochondrial ultrastructure and respiratory capacity. These data indicate that activation of the OMA1-DELE1-HRI pathway is protective in the context of SPAX5. Pharmacological tuning of the integrated stress response may represent a future therapeutic strategy for SPAX5 and other cerebellar ataxias caused by impaired mitochondrial proteostasis.

Multifaceted Roles of AFG3L2, a Mitochondrial ATPase in Relation to Neurological Disorders

AFG3L2 is a zinc metalloprotease and an ATPase localized in an inner mitochondrial membrane involved in mitochondrial quality control of several nuclear- and mitochondrial-encoded proteins. Mutations in AFG3L2 lead to diseases like slow progressive ataxia, which is a neurological disorder. This review delineates the cellular functions of AFG3L2 and its dysfunction that leads to major clinical outcomes, which include spinocerebellar ataxia type 28, spastic ataxia type 5, and optic atrophy type 12. It summarizes all relevant AFG3L2 mutations associated with the clinical outcomes to understand the detailed mechanisms attributable to its structure-related multifaceted roles in proteostasis and quality control. We face early diagnostic challenges of ataxia and optic neuropathy due to asymptomatic parents and variable clinical manifestations due to heterozygosity/homozygosity of AFG3L2 mutations. This review intends to promote AFG3L2 as a putative prognostic or diagnostic marker. Functions, mutations, and clinical manifestations in AFG3L2, a mitochondrial AAA + ATPases.

Ataxia and spastic paraplegia in mitochondrial disease

Degenerative ataxias and hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) form a continuous, often overlapping disease spectrum sharing not only phenotypic features and underlying genes, but also cellular pathways and disease mechanisms. Mitochondrial metabolism presents a major molecular theme underlying both multiple ataxias and HSPs, thus indicating a heightened vulnerability of Purkinje cells, spinocerebellar tracts, and motor neurons to mitochondrial dysfunction, which is of particular interest for translational approaches. Mitochondrial dysfunction might be the primary (upstream) or secondary (downstream) result of a genetic defect, with underlying genetic defects in nuclear-encoded genes being much more frequent than in mtDNA genes in both, ataxias and HSPs. Here, we outline the substantial number of ataxias, spastic ataxias and HSPs caused by mutated genes implicated in (primary or secondary) mitochondrial dysfunction, highlighting several key "mitochondrial" ataxias and HSPs which are of particular interest for their frequency, pathogenesis and translational opportunities. We then showcase prototypic mitochondrial mechanisms by which disruption of these ataxia and HSP genes contributes to Purkinje cells or corticospinal neuron dysfunction, thus elucidating hypotheses on Purkinje cells and corticospinal neuron vulnerability to mitochondrial dysfunction.

Tumor suppressor p53 restrains cancer cell dissemination by modulating mitochondrial dynamics

Tumor suppressor p53 plays a central role in preventing tumorigenesis. Here, we unravel how p53 modulates mitochondrial dynamics to restrain the metastatic properties of cancer cells. p53 inhibits the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling to attenuate the protein level of mitochondrial fission process 1 (MTFP1), which fosters the pro-fission dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) phosphorylation. This regulatory mechanism allows p53 to restrict cell migration and invasion governed by Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission. Downregulating p53 expression or elevating the molecular signature of mitochondrial fission correlates with aggressive tumor phenotypes and poor prognosis in cancer patients. Upon p53 loss, exaggerated mitochondrial fragmentation stimulates the activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling resulting in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like changes in cell morphology, accompanied by accelerated matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) expression and invasive cell migration. Notably, blocking the activation of mTORC1/MTFP1/Drp1/ERK1/2 axis completely abolishes the p53 deficiency-driven cellular morphological switch, MMP9 expression, and cancer cell dissemination. Our findings unveil a hitherto unrecognized mitochondria-dependent molecular mechanism underlying the metastatic phenotypes of p53-compromised cancers.

Severe neonatal MEGDHEL syndrome with a homozygous truncating mutation in SERAC1

In the diagnostic work-up of a newborn infant with a metabolic crisis, lethal multiorgan failure on day six of life, and increased excretion of 3-methylglutaconic acid, we found using whole genome sequencing a homozygous SERAC1 mutation indicating MEGDHEL syndrome (3-methylglutaconic aciduria with deafness-dystonia, hepatopathy, encephalopathy, and Leigh-like syndrome). The SERAC1 protein is located at the contact site between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and is crucial for cholesterol trafficking. Our aim was to investigate the effect of the homozygous truncating mutation on mitochondrial structure and function. In the patient fibroblasts, no SERAC1 protein was detected, the mitochondrial network was severely fragmented, and the cristae morphology was altered. Filipin staining showed uneven localization of unesterified cholesterol. The calcium buffer function between cytoplasm and mitochondria was deficient. In liver mitochondria, complexes I, III, and IV were clearly decreased. In transfected COS-1 cells the mutant protein with the a 45-amino acid C-terminal truncation was distributed throughout the cell, whereas wild-type SERAC1 partially colocalized with the mitochondrial marker MT-CO1. The structural and functional mitochondrial abnormalities, caused by the loss of SERAC1, suggest that the crucial disease mechanism is disrupted interplay between the ER and mitochondria leading to decreased influx of calcium to mitochondria and secondary respiratory chain deficiency.

OMA1-An integral membrane protease?

OMA1 is a mitochondrial protease. Among its substrates are DELE1, a signaling peptide, which can elicit the integrated stress response, as well as the membrane-shaping dynamin-related GTPase OPA1, which can drive mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization. OMA1 is dormant under physiological conditions but rapidly activated upon mitochondrial stress, such as loss of membrane potential or excessive reactive oxygen species. Accordingly, OMA1 was found to be activated in a number of disease conditions, including cancer and neurodegeneration. OMA1 has a predicted transmembrane domain and is believed to be tethered to the mitochondrial inner membrane. Yet, its structure has not been resolved and its context-dependent regulation remains obscure. Here, I review the literature with focus on OMA1's biochemistry. I provide a good homology model of OMA1's active site with a root-mean-square deviation of 0.9 Å and a DALI Z-score of 19.8. And I build a case for OMA1 actually being an integral membrane protease based on OMA1's role in the generation of small signaling peptides, its functional overlap with PARL, and OMA1's homology with ZMPSTE24. The refined understanding of this important enzyme can help with the design of tool compounds and development of chemical probes in the future.

Impaired flickering of the permeability transition pore causes SPG7 spastic paraplegia

Background

Mutations of the mitochondrial protein paraplegin cause hereditary spastic paraplegia type 7 (SPG7), a so-far untreatable degenerative disease of the upper motoneuron with still undefined pathomechanism.

The intermittent mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening, called flickering, is an essential process that operates to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis by reducing intra-matrix Ca²⁺ and reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration, and is critical for efficient synaptic function.

Methods

We use a fluorescence-based approach to measure mPTP flickering in living cells and biochemical and molecular biology techniques to dissect the pathogenic mechanism of SPG7. In the SPG7 animal model we evaluate the potential improvement of the motor defect, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration by means of an mPTP inducer, the benzodiazepine Bz-423.

Findings

We demonstrate that paraplegin is required for efficient transient opening of the mPTP, that is impaired in both SPG7 patients-derived fibroblasts and primary neurons from Spg7^−/− mice. We show that dysregulation of mPTP opening at the pre-synaptic terminal impairs neurotransmitter release leading to ineffective synaptic transmission. Lack of paraplegin impairs mPTP flickering by a mechanism involving increased expression and activity of sirtuin3, which promotes deacetylation of cyclophilin D, thus hampering mPTP opening. Pharmacological treatment with Bz-423, which bypasses the activity of CypD, normalizes synaptic transmission and rescues the motor impairment of the SPG7 mouse model.

Interpretation

mPTP targeting opens a new avenue for the potential therapy of this form of spastic paraplegia.

Funding

Telethon Foundation grant (TGMGCSBX16TT); Dept. of Defense, US Army, grant W81XWH-18–1–0001

A novel AFG3L2 mutation close to AAA domain leads to aberrant OMA1 and OPA1 processing in a family with optic atrophy

Autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA) is a neuro-ophthalmic condition characterized by bilateral degeneration of the optic nerves. Although heterozygous mutations in OPA1 represent the most common genetic cause of ADOA, a significant number of cases remain undiagnosed.

Here, we describe a family with a strong ADOA history with most family members spanning three generation having childhood onset of visual symptoms. The proband, in addition to optic atrophy, had neurological symptoms consistent with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. Clinical exome analysis detected a novel mutation in the AFG3L2 gene (NM_006796.2:c.1010G > A; p.G337E), which segregated with optic atrophy in family members. AFG3L2 is a metalloprotease of the AAA subfamily which exerts quality control in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Interestingly, the identified mutation localizes close to the AAA domain of AFG3L2, while those localized in the proteolytic domain cause dominant spinocerebellar ataxia type 28 (SCA28) or recessive spastic ataxia with epilepsy (SPAX5). Functional studies in patient fibroblasts demonstrate that the p.G337E AFG3L2 mutation strongly destabilizes the long isoforms of OPA1 via OMA hyper-activation and leads to mitochondrial fragmentation, thus explaining the family phenotype. This study widens the clinical spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases caused by AFG3L2 mutations, which shall be considered as genetic cause of ADOA.

ATPase Domain AFG3L2 Mutations Alter OPA1 Processing and Cause Optic Neuropathy

OBJECTIVE

Dominant optic atrophy (DOA) is the most common inherited optic neuropathy, with a prevalence of 1:12,000 to 1:25,000. OPA1 mutations are found in 70% of DOA patients, with a significant number remaining undiagnosed.

METHODS

We screened 286 index cases presenting optic atrophy, negative for OPA1 mutations, by targeted next generation sequencing or whole exome sequencing. Pathogenicity and molecular mechanisms of the identified variants were studied in yeast and patient-derived fibroblasts.

RESULTS

Twelve cases (4%) were found to carry novel variants in AFG3L2, a gene that has been associated with autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxia 28 (SCA28). Half of cases were familial with a dominant inheritance, whereas the others were sporadic, including de novo mutations. Biallelic mutations were found in 3 probands with severe syndromic optic neuropathy, acting as recessive or phenotype-modifier variants. All the DOA-associated AFG3L2 mutations were clustered in the ATPase domain, whereas SCA28-associated mutations mostly affect the proteolytic domain. The pathogenic role of DOA-associated AFG3L2 mutations was confirmed in yeast, unraveling a mechanism distinct from that of SCA28-associated AFG3L2 mutations. Patients' fibroblasts showed abnormal OPA1 processing, with accumulation of the fission-inducing short forms leading to mitochondrial network fragmentation, not observed in SCA28 patients' cells.

INTERPRETATION

This study demonstrates that mutations in AFG3L2 are a relevant cause of optic neuropathy, broadening the spectrum of clinical manifestations and genetic mechanisms associated with AFG3L2 mutations, and underscores the pivotal role of OPA1 and its processing in the pathogenesis of DOA. ANN NEUROL 2020 ANN NEUROL 2020;88:18-32.

Mitochondrial Nascent Chain Quality Control Determines Organelle Form and Function

Proteotoxicity has long been considered a key factor in mitochondrial dysfunction and human disease. The origin of the endogenous offending toxic substrates and the regulatory pathways to deal with these insults, however, have remained unclear. Mitochondria maintain a compartmentalized gene expression system that in animals is only responsible for synthesis of 1% of the organelle proteome. Because of the relatively small contribution of the mitochondrial genome to the overall proteome, the synthesis and quality control of these nascent chains to maintain organelle proteostasis has long been overlooked. However, recent research has uncovered mechanisms by which defects to the quality control of mitochondrial gene expression are linked to a novel cellular stress response that impinges upon organelle form and function and cell fitness. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms for a key event in the response: activation of the metalloprotease OMA1. This severs the membrane tether of the dynamin-related GTPase OPA1, which is a critical determinant for mitochondrial morphology and function. We also highlight the evolutionary conservation from bacteria of these quality-control mechanisms to maintain membrane integrity, gene expression, and cell fitness.

Upregulation of Peroxiredoxin 3 Protects Afg3l2-KO Cortical Neurons In Vitro from Oxidative Stress: A Paradigm for Neuronal Cell Survival under Neurodegenerative Conditions

Several neurodegenerative disorders exhibit selective vulnerability, with subsets of neurons more affected than others, possibly because of the high expression of an altered gene or the presence of particular features that make them more susceptible to insults. On the other hand, resilient neurons may display the ability to develop antioxidant defenses, particularly in diseases of mitochondrial origin, where oxidative stress might contribute to the neurodegenerative process. In this work, we investigated the oxidative stress response of embryonic fibroblasts and cortical neurons obtained from Afg3l2-KO mice. AFG3L2 encodes a subunit of a protease complex that is expressed in mitochondria and acts as both quality control and regulatory enzyme affecting respiration and mitochondrial dynamics. When cells were subjected to an acute oxidative stress protocol, the survival of AFG3L2-KO MEFs was not significantly influenced and was comparable to that of WT; however, the basal level of the antioxidant molecule glutathione was higher. Indeed, glutathione depletion strongly affected the viability of KO, but not of WT MEF, thereby indicating that oxidative stress is more elevated in KO MEF even though well controlled by glutathione. On the other hand, when cortical KO neurons were put in culture, they immediately appeared more vulnerable than WT to the acute oxidative stress condition, but after few days in vitro, the situation was reversed with KO neurons being more resistant than WT to acute stress. This compensatory, protective competence was not due to the upregulation of glutathione, rather of two mitochondrial antioxidant proteins: superoxide dismutase 2 and, at an even higher level, peroxiredoxin 3. This body of evidence sheds light on the capability of neurons to activate neuroprotective pathways and points the attention to peroxiredoxin 3, an antioxidant enzyme that might be critical for neuronal survival also in other disorders affecting mitochondria.

Astrocyte-specific deletion of the mitochondrial m-AAA protease reveals glial contribution to neurodegeneration

Mitochondrial dysfunction causes neurodegeneration but whether impairment of mitochondrial homeostasis in astrocytes contributes to this pathological process remains largely unknown. The m‐AAA protease exerts quality control and regulatory functions crucial for mitochondrial homeostasis. AFG3L2, which encodes one of the subunits of the m‐AAA protease, is mutated in spinocerebellar ataxia SCA28 and in infantile syndromes characterized by spastic‐ataxia, epilepsy and premature death. Here, we investigate the role of Afg3l2 and its redundant homologue Afg3l1 in the Bergmann glia (BG), radial astrocytes of the cerebellum that have functional connections with Purkinje cells (PC) and regulate glutamate homeostasis. We show that astrocyte‐specific deletion of Afg3l2 in the mouse leads to late‐onset motor impairment and to degeneration of BG, which display aberrant morphology, altered expression of the glutamate transporter EAAT2, and a reactive inflammatory signature. The neurological and glial phenotypes are drastically exacerbated when astrocytes lack both Afg31l and Afg3l2, and therefore, are totally depleted of the m‐AAA protease. Moreover, mitochondrial stress responses and necroptotic markers are induced in the cerebellum. In both mouse models, targeted BG show a fragmented mitochondrial network and loss of mitochondrial cristae, but no signs of respiratory dysfunction. Importantly, astrocyte‐specific deficiency of Afg3l1 and Afg3l2 triggers secondary morphological degeneration and electrophysiological changes in PCs, thus demonstrating a non‐cell‐autonomous role of glia in neurodegeneration. We propose that astrocyte dysfunction amplifies both neuroinflammation and glutamate excitotoxicity in patients carrying mutations in AFG3L2, leading to a vicious circle that contributes to neuronal death.

Pathogenic variants in the AFG3L2 proteolytic domain cause SCA28 through haploinsufficiency and proteostatic stress-driven OMA1 activation

Background

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 28 (SCA28) is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disease caused by pathogenic variants in AFG3L2. The AFG3L2 protein is a subunit of mitochondrial m-AAA complexes involved in protein quality control. Objective of this study was to determine the molecular mechanisms of SCA28, which has eluded characterisation to date.

Methods

We derived SCA28 patient fibroblasts carrying different pathogenic variants in the AFG3L2 proteolytic domain (missense: the newly identified p.F664S and p.M666T, p.G671R, p.Y689H and a truncating frameshift p.L556fs) and analysed multiple aspects of mitochondrial physiology. As reference of residual m-AAA activity, we included SPAX5 patient fibroblasts with homozygous p.Y616C pathogenic variant, AFG3L2^+/− HEK293 T cells by CRISPR/Cas9-genome editing and Afg3l2^−/− murine fibroblasts.

Results

We found that SCA28 cells carrying missense changes have normal levels of assembled m-AAA complexes, while the cells with a truncating pathogenic variant had only half of this amount. We disclosed inefficient mitochondrial fusion in SCA28 cells caused by increased OPA1 processing operated by hyperactivated OMA1. Notably, we found altered mitochondrial proteostasis to be the trigger of OMA1 activation in SCA28 cells, with pharmacological attenuation of mitochondrial protein synthesis resulting in stabilised levels of OMA1 and OPA1 long forms, which rescued mitochondrial fusion efficiency. Secondary to altered mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial calcium uptake resulted decreased in SCA28 cells.

Conclusion

Our data identify the earliest events in SCA28 pathogenesis and open new perspectives for therapy. By identifying similar mitochondrial phenotypes between SCA28 cells and AFG3L2^+/− cells, our results support haploinsufficiency as the mechanism for the studied pathogenic variants.

Loss of Mitochondrial AAA Proteases AFG3L2 and YME1L Impairs Mitochondrial Structure and Respiratory Chain Biogenesis

Mitochondrial protein quality control is crucial for the maintenance of correct mitochondrial homeostasis. It is ensured by several specific mitochondrial proteases located across the various mitochondrial subcompartments. Here, we focused on characterization of functional overlap and cooperativity of proteolytic subunits AFG3L2 (AFG3 Like Matrix AAA Peptidase Subunit 2) and YME1L (YME1 like ATPase) of mitochondrial inner membrane AAA (ATPases Associated with diverse cellular Activities) complexes in the maintenance of mitochondrial structure and respiratory chain integrity. We demonstrate that loss of AFG3L2 and YME1L, both alone and in combination, results in diminished cell proliferation, fragmentation of mitochondrial reticulum, altered cristae morphogenesis, and defective respiratory chain biogenesis. The double AFG3L2/YME1L knockdown cells showed marked upregulation of OPA1 protein forms, with the most prominent increase in short OPA1 (optic atrophy 1). Loss of either protease led to marked elevation in OMA1 (OMA1 zinc metallopeptidase) (60 kDa) and severe reduction in the SPG7 (paraplegin) subunit of the m-AAA complex. Loss of the YME1L subunit led to an increased Drp1 level in mitochondrial fractions. While loss of YME1L impaired biogenesis and function of complex I, knockdown of AFG3L2 mainly affected the assembly and function of complex IV. Our results suggest cooperative and partly redundant functions of AFG3L2 and YME1L in the maintenance of mitochondrial structure and respiratory chain biogenesis and stress the importance of correct proteostasis for mitochondrial integrity.

Mice harbouring a SCA28 patient mutation in AFG3L2 develop late-onset ataxia associated with enhanced mitochondrial proteotoxicity

Spinocerebellar ataxia 28 is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by missense mutations affecting the proteolytic domain of AFG3L2, a major component of the mitochondrial m-AAA protease. However, little is known of the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms or how to treat patients with SCA28. Currently available Afg3l2 mutant mice harbour deletions that lead to severe, early-onset neurological phenotypes that do not faithfully reproduce the late-onset and slowly progressing SCA28 phenotype. Here we describe production and detailed analysis of a new knock-in murine model harbouring an Afg3l2 allele carrying the p.Met665Arg patient-derived mutation. Heterozygous mutant mice developed normally but adult mice showed signs of cerebellar ataxia detectable by beam test. Although cerebellar pathology was negative, electrophysiological analysis showed a trend towards increased spontaneous firing in Purkinje cells from heterozygous mutants with respect to wild-type controls. As homozygous mutants died perinatally with evidence of cardiac atrophy, for each genotype we generated mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) to investigate mitochondrial function. MEFs from mutant mice showed altered mitochondrial bioenergetics, with decreased basal oxygen consumption rate, ATP synthesis and mitochondrial membrane potential. Mitochondrial network formation and morphology was altered, with greatly reduced expression of fusogenic Opa1 isoforms. Mitochondrial alterations were also detected in cerebella of 18-month-old heterozygous mutants and may be a hallmark of disease. Pharmacological inhibition of de novo mitochondrial protein translation with chloramphenicol caused reversal of mitochondrial morphology in homozygous mutant MEFs, supporting the relevance of mitochondrial proteotoxicity for SCA28 pathogenesis and therapy development.

Intracellular calcium is a rheostat for the STING signaling pathway

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) is essential for the DNA-sensing innate immune pathway. Recently, evidence is emerging that suggests STING also plays important roles in autoimmunity, cancer therapy, and senescence. Although a multitude of post-translational modifications that regulate the STING pathway have been discovered, the cellular events that guide STING translocation remain unclear. Here, we show, paradoxically, that both BAPTA-AM-mediated calcium depletion and ionomycin-induced calcium elevation suppress STING translocation and STING-mediated IFN-β production. We demonstrate that the mitochondria fission mediator DRP1 is crucial for ionomycin-induced inhibition of IFN-β production. Furthermore, knockout of DRP1 suppressed ionomycin-induced increases in calcium as well as mitochondrial fragmentation. Collectively, our findings reveal that the induction of STING signaling is contingent on a fine-tuning of intracellular calcium levels.

m-AAA and i-AAA complexes coordinate to regulate OMA1, the stress-activated supervisor of mitochondrial dynamics

The proteolytic processing of dynamin-like GTPase OPA1, mediated by the activity of both YME1L1 [intermembrane (i)-AAA protease complex] and OMA1, is a crucial step in the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics. OMA1 is a zinc metallopeptidase of the inner mitochondrial membrane that undergoes pre-activating proteolytic and auto-proteolytic cleavage after mitochondrial import. Here, we identify AFG3L2 [matrix (m)-AAA complex] as the major protease mediating this event, which acts by maturing the 60 kDa pre-pro-OMA1 to the 40 kDa pro-OMA1 form by severing the N-terminal portion without recognizing a specific consensus sequence. Therefore, m-AAA and i-AAA complexes coordinately regulate OMA1 processing and turnover, and consequently control which OPA1 isoforms are present, thus adding new information on the molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial dynamics and neurodegenerative diseases affected by these phenomena.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

Oxysterol-binding protein related-proteins (ORPs) 5 and 8 regulate calcium signaling at specific cell compartments

Oxysterol-binding protein related-protein 5 and 8 (ORP5/8) localize to the membrane contact sites (MCS) of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the mitochondria, as well as to the ER-plasma membrane (PM) MCS. The MCS are emerging as important regulators of cell signaling events, including calcium (Ca²⁺) signaling. ORP5/8 have been shown to interact with phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP₂) in the PM, and to modulate mitochondrial respiration and morphology. PIP₂ is the direct precursor of inositol trisphosphate (IP₃), a key second messenger responsible for Ca²⁺-release from the intracellular Ca²⁺ stores. Further, mitochondrial respiration is linked to Ca²⁺ transfer from the ER to the mitochondria. Hence, we asked whether ORP5/8 would affect Ca²⁺ signaling in these cell compartments, and employed genetically engineered aequorin Ca²⁺ probes to investigate the effect of ORP5/8 in the regulation of mitochondrial and caveolar Ca²⁺. Our results show that ORP5/8 overexpression leads to increased mitochondrial matrix Ca²⁺ as well as to increased Ca²⁺ concentration at the caveolar subdomains of the PM during histamine stimulation, while having no effect on the cytoplasmic Ca²⁺. Also, we found that ORP5/8 overexpression increases cell proliferation. Our results show that ORP5/8 regulate Ca²⁺ signaling at specific MCS foci. These local ORP5/8-mediated Ca²⁺ signaling events are likely to play roles in processes such as mitochondrial respiration and cell proliferation.

m-AAA proteases, mitochondrial calcium homeostasis and neurodegeneration

The function of mitochondria depends on ubiquitously expressed and evolutionary conserved m-AAA proteases in the inner membrane. These ATP-dependent peptidases form hexameric complexes built up of homologous subunits. AFG3L2 subunits assemble either into homo-oligomeric isoenzymes or with SPG7 (paraplegin) subunits into hetero-oligomeric proteolytic complexes. Mutations in AFG3L2 are associated with dominant spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA28) characterized by the loss of Purkinje cells, whereas mutations in SPG7 cause a recessive form of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP7) with motor neurons of the cortico-spinal tract being predominantly affected. Pleiotropic functions have been assigned to m-AAA proteases, which act as quality control and regulatory enzymes in mitochondria. Loss of m-AAA proteases affects mitochondrial protein synthesis and respiration and leads to mitochondrial fragmentation and deficiencies in the axonal transport of mitochondria. Moreover m-AAA proteases regulate the assembly of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) complex. Impaired degradation of the MCU subunit EMRE in AFG3L2-deficient mitochondria results in the formation of deregulated MCU complexes, increased mitochondrial calcium uptake and increased vulnerability of neurons for calcium-induced cell death. A reduction of calcium influx into the cytosol of Purkinje cells rescues ataxia in an AFG3L2-deficient mouse model. In this review, we discuss the relationship between the m-AAA protease and mitochondrial calcium homeostasis and its relevance for neurodegeneration and describe a novel mouse model lacking MCU specifically in Purkinje cells. Our results pledge for a novel view on m-AAA proteases that integrates their pleiotropic functions in mitochondria to explain the pathogenesis of associated neurodegenerative disorders.

Why do so many genetic insults lead to Purkinje Cell degeneration and spinocerebellar ataxia?

The genetically heterozygous spinocerebellar ataxias are all characterized by cerebellar atrophy and pervasive Purkinje Cell degeneration. Up to date, more than 35 functionally diverse spinocerebellar ataxia genes have been identified. The main question that remains yet unsolved is why do some many genetic insults lead to Purkinje Cell degeneration and spinocerebellar ataxia? To address this question it is important to identify intrinsic pathways important for Purkinje Cell function and survival. In this review, we discuss the current consensus on shared mechanisms underlying the pervasive Purkinje Cell loss in spinocerebellar ataxia. Additionally, using recently published cell type specific expression data, we identified several Purkinje Cell-specific genes and discuss how the corresponding pathways might underlie the vulnerability of Purkinje Cells in response to the diverse genetic insults causing spinocerebellar ataxia.

Drp-1 dependent mitochondrial fragmentation and protective autophagy in dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells overexpressing alpha-synuclein

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative movement disorder caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons from substantia nigra. It is characterized by the accumulation of aggregated α-synuclein as the major component of the Lewy bodies. Additional common features of this disease are the mitochondrial dysfunction and the activation/inhibition of autophagy both events associated to the intracellular accumulation of α-synuclein. The mechanism by which these events contribute to neural degeneration remains unknown. In the present work we investigated the effect of α-synuclein on mitochondrial dynamics and autophagy/mitophagy in SH-SY5Y cells, an in vitro model of Parkinson disease. We demonstrated that overexpression of wild type α-synuclein causes moderated toxicity, ROS generation and mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition, α-synuclein induces the mitochondrial fragmentation on a Drp-1-dependent fashion. Overexpression of the fusion protein Opa-1 prevented both mitochondrial fragmentation and cytotoxicity. On the other hand, cells expressing α-synuclein showed activated autophagy and particularly mitophagy. Employing a genetic strategy we demonstrated that autophagy is triggered in order to protect cells from α-synuclein-induced cell death. Our results clarify the role of Opa-1 and Drp-1 in mitochondrial dynamics and cell survival, a controversial α-synuclein research issue. The findings presented point to the relevance of mitochondrial homeostasis and autophagy in the pathogenesis of PD. Better understanding of the molecular interaction between these processes could give rise to novel therapeutic methods for PD prevention and amelioration.

Caveolin-1 controls mitochondrial function through regulation of m-AAA mitochondrial protease

Mitochondrial proteases ensure mitochondrial integrity and function after oxidative stress by providing mitochondrial protein quality control. However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate this basic biological function in eukaryotic cells remain largely unknown. Caveolin-1 is a scaffolding protein involved in signal transduction. We find that AFG3L2, a m-AAA type of mitochondrial protease, is a novel caveolin-1-interacting protein in vitro. We show that oxidative stress promotes the translocation of both caveolin-1 and AFG3L2 to mitochondria, enhances the interaction of caveolin-1 with AFG3L2 in mitochondria and stimulates mitochondrial protease activity in wild-type fibroblasts. Localization of AFG3L2 to mitochondria after oxidative stress is inhibited in fibroblasts lacking caveolin-1, which results in impaired mitochondrial protein quality control, an oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis switch and reduced ATP production. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that a lack of caveolin-1 does not alter either mitochondrial number or morphology but leads to the cytoplasmic and proteasome-dependent degradation of complexes I, III, IV and V upon oxidant stimulation. Restoration of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes in caveolin-1 null fibroblasts reverts the enhanced glycolysis observed in these cells. Expression of a mutant form of AFG3L2, which has reduced affinity for caveolin-1, fails to localize to mitochondria and promotes degradation of complex IV after oxidative stress. Thus, caveolin-1 maintains mitochondrial integrity and function when cells are challenged with free radicals by promoting the mitochondrial localization of m-AAA protease and its quality control functions.

Mitochondrial Fission Promotes the Continued Clearance of Apoptotic Cells by Macrophages

Clearance of apoptotic cells (ACs) by phagocytes (efferocytosis) prevents post-apoptotic necrosis and dampens inflammation. Defective efferocytosis drives important diseases, including atherosclerosis. For efficient efferocytosis, phagocytes must be able to internalize multiple ACs. We show here that uptake of multiple ACs by macrophages requires dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1)-mediated mitochondrial fission, which is triggered by AC uptake. When mitochondrial fission is disabled, AC-induced increase in cytosolic calcium is blunted owing to mitochondrial calcium sequestration, and calcium-dependent phagosome formation around secondarily encountered ACs is impaired. These defects can be corrected by silencing the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU). Mice lacking myeloid Drp1 showed defective efferocytosis and its pathologic consequences in the thymus after dexamethasone treatment and in advanced atherosclerotic lesions in fat-fed Ldlr^-/- mice. Thus, mitochondrial fission in response to AC uptake is a critical process that enables macrophages to clear multiple ACs and to avoid the pathologic consequences of defective efferocytosis in vivo.

Recessive AFG3L2 Mutation Causes Progressive Microcephaly, Early Onset Seizures, Spasticity, and Basal Ganglia Involvement

BACKGROUND

Mutations in AFG3L2, a gene encoding a subunit of the mitochondrion m-AAA protease, cause spinocerebellar ataxia type 28 and recessive spastic ataxia type 5. Neuroimaging shows cerebellar atrophy.

METHODS

Retrospective review of the patient charts including their clinical evaluation and molecular genetic, neurodiagnostic, and neuroradiological investigations.

RESULTS

We describe five members of a large consanguineous family with a severe mitochondrial disease phenotype in the form of regression of the developmental milestones in the first year of life, refractory epilepsy, progressive microcephaly, increased blood lactate, basal ganglia involvement, and premature death. Exome sequencing showed homozygous mutation of the AFG3L2 gene in all individuals: c.1714G>A (p.Ala572Thr).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings add to the phenotypic, neuroradiological, genetic, and biochemical spectrum of AFG3L2 mutations.

The Mitochondrial m-AAA Protease Prevents Demyelination and Hair Greying

The m-AAA protease preserves proteostasis of the inner mitochondrial membrane. It ensures a functional respiratory chain, by controlling the turnover of respiratory complex subunits and allowing mitochondrial translation, but other functions in mitochondria are conceivable. Mutations in genes encoding subunits of the m-AAA protease have been linked to various neurodegenerative diseases in humans, such as hereditary spastic paraplegia and spinocerebellar ataxia. While essential functions of the m-AAA protease for neuronal survival have been established, its role in adult glial cells remains enigmatic. Here, we show that deletion of the highly expressed subunit AFG3L2 in mature mouse oligodendrocytes provokes early-on mitochondrial fragmentation and swelling, as previously shown in neurons, but causes only late-onset motor defects and myelin abnormalities. In contrast, total ablation of the m-AAA protease, by deleting both Afg3l2 and its paralogue Afg3l1, triggers progressive motor dysfunction and demyelination, owing to rapid oligodendrocyte cell death. Surprisingly, the mice showed premature hair greying, caused by progressive loss of melanoblasts that share a common developmental origin with Schwann cells and are targeted in our experiments. Thus, while both neurons and glial cells are dependant on the m-AAA protease for survival in vivo, complete ablation of the complex is necessary to trigger death of oligodendrocytes, hinting to cell-autonomous thresholds of vulnerability to m-AAA protease deficiency.

Quality control of mitochondrial protein synthesis is required for membrane integrity and cell fitness

Impaired turnover of newly synthesized mitochondrial proteins of the oxidative phosphorylation complexes leads to protein over-accumulation in the inner mitochondrial membrane, thereby generating a stress that dissipates the mitochondrial membrane potential and therefore compromises organelle and cellular fitness.

Mitochondrial ribosomes synthesize a subset of hydrophobic proteins required for assembly of the oxidative phosphorylation complexes. This process requires temporal and spatial coordination and regulation, so quality control of mitochondrial protein synthesis is paramount to maintain proteostasis. We show how impaired turnover of de novo mitochondrial proteins leads to aberrant protein accumulation in the mitochondrial inner membrane. This creates a stress in the inner membrane that progressively dissipates the mitochondrial membrane potential, which in turn stalls mitochondrial protein synthesis and fragments the mitochondrial network. The mitochondrial m-AAA protease subunit AFG3L2 is critical to this surveillance mechanism that we propose acts as a sensor to couple the synthesis of mitochondrial proteins with organelle fitness, thus ensuring coordinated assembly of the oxidative phosphorylation complexes from two sets of ribosomes.

Down-regulation of the mitochondrial matrix peptidase ClpP in muscle cells causes mitochondrial dysfunction and decreases cell proliferation

The caseinolytic peptidase P (ClpP) is the endopeptidase component of the mitochondrial matrix ATP-dependent ClpXP protease. ClpP degrades unfolded proteins to maintain mitochondrial protein homeostasis and is involved in the initiation of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPR(mt)). Outside of an integral role in the UPR(mt), the cellular function of ClpP is not well characterized in mammalian cells. To investigate the role of ClpP in mitochondrial function, we generated C2C12 muscle cells that are deficient in ClpP using siRNA or stable knockdown using lentiviral transduction. Reduction of ClpP levels by ~70% in C2C12 muscle cells resulted in a number of mitochondrial alterations including reduced mitochondrial respiration and reduced oxygen consumption rate in response to electron transport chain (ETC) complex I and II substrates. The reduction in ClpP altered mitochondrial morphology, changed the expression level of mitochondrial fission protein Drp1 and blunted UPR(mt) induction. In addition, ClpP deficient cells showed increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased membrane potential. At the cellular level, reduction of ClpP impaired myoblast differentiation, cell proliferation and elevated phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 alpha (eIF2α) suggesting an inhibition of translation. Our study is the first to define the effects of ClpP deficiency on mitochondrial function in muscle cells in vitro. In addition, we have uncovered novel effects of ClpP on mitochondrial morphology, cell proliferation and protein translation pathways in muscle cells.

A novel mutation of AFG3L2 might cause dominant optic atrophy in patients with mild intellectual disability

Dominant optic neuropathies causing fiber loss in the optic nerve are among the most frequent inherited mitochondrial diseases. In most genetically resolved cases, the disease is associated to a mutation in OPA1, which encodes an inner mitochondrial dynamin involved in network fusion, cristae structure and mitochondrial genome maintenance. OPA1 cleavage is regulated by two m-AAA proteases, SPG7 and AFG3L2, which are, respectively involved in Spastic Paraplegia 7 and Spino-Cerebellar Ataxia 28. Here, we identified a novel mutation c.1402C>T in AFG3L2, modifying the arginine 468 in cysteine in an evolutionary highly conserved arginine-finger motif, in a family with optic atrophy and mild intellectual disability. Ophthalmic examinations disclosed a loss of retinal nerve fibers on the temporal and nasal sides of the optic disk and a red–green dyschromatopsia. Thus, our results suggest that neuro-ophthalmological symptom as optic atrophy might be associated with AFG3L2 mutations, and should prompt the screening of this gene in patients with isolated and syndromic inherited optic neuropathies.

Transcriptional activation of LON Gene by a new form of mitochondrial stress: A role for the nuclear respiratory factor 2 in StAR overload response (SOR)

High output of steroid hormone synthesis in steroidogenic cells of the adrenal cortex and the gonads requires the expression of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) that facilitates cholesterol mobilization to the mitochondrial inner membrane where the CYP11A1/P450scc enzyme complex converts the sterol to the first steroid. Earlier studies have shown that StAR is active while pausing on the cytosolic face of the outer mitochondrial membrane while subsequent import of the protein into the matrix terminates the cholesterol mobilization activity. Consequently, during repeated activity cycles, high level of post-active StAR accumulates in the mitochondrial matrix. To prevent functional damage due to such protein overload effect, StAR is degraded by a sequence of three to four ATP-dependent proteases of the mitochondria protein quality control system, including LON and the m-AAA membranous proteases AFG3L2 and SPG7/paraplegin. Furthermore, StAR expression in both peri-ovulatory ovarian cells, or under ectopic expression in cell line models, results in up to 3-fold enrichment of the mitochondrial proteases and their transcripts. We named this novel form of mitochondrial stress as StAR overload response (SOR). To better understand the SOR mechanism at the transcriptional level we analyzed first the unexplored properties of the proximal promoter of the LON gene. Our findings suggest that the human nuclear respiratory factor 2 (NRF-2), also known as GA binding protein (GABP), is responsible for 88% of the proximal promoter activity, including the observed increase of transcription in the presence of StAR. Further studies are expected to reveal if common transcriptional determinants coordinate the SOR induced transcription of all the genes encoding the SOR proteases.

What is the function of mitochondrial networks? A theoretical assessment of hypotheses and proposal for future research

Mitochondria can change their shape from discrete isolated organelles to a large continuous reticulum. The cellular advantages underlying these fused networks are still incompletely understood. In this paper, we describe and compare hypotheses regarding the function of mitochondrial networks. We use mathematical and physical tools both to investigate existing hypotheses and to generate new ones, and we suggest experimental and modelling strategies. Among the novel insights we underline from this work are the possibilities that (i) selective mitophagy is not required for quality control because selective fusion is sufficient; (ii) increased connectivity may have non-linear effects on the diffusion rate of proteins; and (iii) fused networks can act to dampen biochemical fluctuations. We hope to convey to the reader that quantitative approaches can drive advances in the understanding of the physiological advantage of these morphological changes.

Control of mitochondrial integrity in ageing and disease

Various molecular and cellular pathways are active in eukaryotes to control the quality and integrity of mitochondria. These pathways are involved in keeping a 'healthy' population of this essential organelle during the lifetime of the organism. Quality control (QC) systems counteract processes that lead to organellar dysfunction manifesting as degenerative diseases and ageing. We discuss disease- and ageing-related pathways involved in mitochondrial QC: mtDNA repair and reorganization, regeneration of oxidized amino acids, refolding and degradation of severely damaged proteins, degradation of whole mitochondria by mitophagy and finally programmed cell death. The control of the integrity of mtDNA and regulation of its expression is essential to remodel single proteins as well as mitochondrial complexes that determine mitochondrial functions. The redundancy of components, such as proteases, and the hierarchies of the QC raise questions about crosstalk between systems and their precise regulation. The understanding of the underlying mechanisms on the genomic, proteomic, organellar and cellular levels holds the key for the development of interventions for mitochondrial dysfunctions, degenerative processes, ageing and age-related diseases resulting from impairments of mitochondria.

Purkinje neuron Ca2+ influx reduction rescues ataxia in SCA28 model

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 28 (SCA28) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations of the mitochondrial protease AFG3L2. The SCA28 mouse model, which is haploinsufficient for Afg3l2, exhibits a progressive decline in motor function and displays dark degeneration of Purkinje cells (PC-DCD) of mitochondrial origin. Here, we determined that mitochondria in cultured Afg3l2-deficient PCs ineffectively buffer evoked Ca²⁺ peaks, resulting in enhanced cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ concentrations, which subsequently triggers PC-DCD. This Ca²⁺-handling defect is the result of negative synergism between mitochondrial depolarization and altered organelle trafficking to PC dendrites in Afg3l2-mutant cells. In SCA28 mice, partial genetic silencing of the metabotropic glutamate receptor mGluR1 decreased Ca²⁺ influx in PCs and reversed the ataxic phenotype. Moreover, administration of the β-lactam antibiotic ceftriaxone, which promotes synaptic glutamate clearance, thereby reducing Ca²⁺ influx, improved ataxia-associated phenotypes in SCA28 mice when given either prior to or after symptom onset. Together, the results of this study indicate that ineffective mitochondrial Ca²⁺ handling in PCs underlies SCA28 pathogenesis and suggest that strategies that lower glutamate stimulation of PCs should be further explored as a potential treatment for SCA28 patients.

Consensus paper: pathological mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in spinocerebellar ataxias

Intensive scientific research devoted in the recent years to understand the molecular mechanisms or neurodegeneration in spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are identifying new pathways and targets providing new insights and a better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis in these diseases. In this consensus manuscript, the authors discuss their current views on the identified molecular processes causing or modulating the neurodegenerative phenotype in spinocerebellar ataxias with the common opinion of translating the new knowledge acquired into candidate targets for therapy. The following topics are discussed: transcription dysregulation, protein aggregation, autophagy, ion channels, the role of mitochondria, RNA toxicity, modulators of neurodegeneration and current therapeutic approaches. Overall point of consensus includes the common vision of neurodegeneration in SCAs as a multifactorial, progressive and reversible process, at least in early stages. Specific points of consensus include the role of the dysregulation of protein folding, transcription, bioenergetics, calcium handling and eventual cell death with apoptotic features of neurons during SCA disease progression. Unresolved questions include how the dysregulation of these pathways triggers the onset of symptoms and mediates disease progression since this understanding may allow effective treatments of SCAs within the window of reversibility to prevent early neuronal damage. Common opinions also include the need for clinical detection of early neuronal dysfunction, for more basic research to decipher the early neurodegenerative process in SCAs in order to give rise to new concepts for treatment strategies and for the translation of the results to preclinical studies and, thereafter, in clinical practice.

Calcium in health and disease

Evolution has exploited the chemical properties of Ca(2+), which facilitate its reversible binding to the sites of irregular geometry offered by biological macromolecules, to select it as a carrier of cellular signals. A number of proteins bind Ca(2+) to specific sites: those intrinsic to membranes play the most important role in the spatial and temporal regulation of the concentration and movements of Ca(2+) inside cells. Those which are soluble, or organized in non-membranous structures, also decode the Ca(2+) message to be then transmitted to the targets of its regulation. Since Ca(2+) controls the most important processes in the life of cells, it must be very carefully controlled within the cytoplasm, where most of the targets of its signaling function reside. Membrane channels (in the plasma membrane and in the organelles) mediate the entrance of Ca(2+) into the cytoplasm, ATPases, exchangers, and the mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake system remove Ca(2+) from it. The concentration of Ca(2+) in the external spaces, which is controlled essentially by its dynamic exchanges in the bone system, is much higher than inside cells, and can, under conditions of pathology, generate a situation of dangerous internal Ca(2+) overload. When massive and persistent, the Ca(2+) overload culminates in the death of the cell. Subtle conditions of cellular Ca(2+) dyshomeostasis that affect individual systems that control Ca(2+), generate cell disease phenotypes that are particularly severe in tissues in which the signaling function of Ca(2+) has special importance, e.g., the nervous system.

Mutations in the SPG7 gene cause chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia through disordered mitochondrial DNA maintenance

Despite being a canonical presenting feature of mitochondrial disease, the genetic basis of progressive external ophthalmoplegia remains unknown in a large proportion of patients. Here we show that mutations in SPG7 are a novel cause of progressive external ophthalmoplegia associated with multiple mitochondrial DNA deletions. After excluding known causes, whole exome sequencing, targeted Sanger sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification analysis were used to study 68 adult patients with progressive external ophthalmoplegia either with or without multiple mitochondrial DNA deletions in skeletal muscle. Nine patients (eight probands) were found to carry compound heterozygous SPG7 mutations, including three novel mutations: two missense mutations c.2221G>A; p.(Glu741Lys), c.2224G>A; p.(Asp742Asn), a truncating mutation c.861dupT; p.Asn288*, and seven previously reported mutations. We identified a further six patients with single heterozygous mutations in SPG7, including two further novel mutations: c.184-3C>T (predicted to remove a splice site before exon 2) and c.1067C>T; p.(Thr356Met). The clinical phenotype typically developed in mid-adult life with either progressive external ophthalmoplegia/ptosis and spastic ataxia, or a progressive ataxic disorder. Dysphagia and proximal myopathy were common, but urinary symptoms were rare, despite the spasticity. Functional studies included transcript analysis, proteomics, mitochondrial network analysis, single fibre mitochondrial DNA analysis and deep re-sequencing of mitochondrial DNA. SPG7 mutations caused increased mitochondrial biogenesis in patient muscle, and mitochondrial fusion in patient fibroblasts associated with the clonal expansion of mitochondrial DNA mutations. In conclusion, the SPG7 gene should be screened in patients in whom a disorder of mitochondrial DNA maintenance is suspected when spastic ataxia is prominent. The complex neurological phenotype is likely a result of the clonal expansion of secondary mitochondrial DNA mutations modulating the phenotype, driven by compensatory mitochondrial biogenesis.

Impaired OMA1-dependent cleavage of OPA1 and reduced DRP1 fission activity combine to prevent mitophagy in cells that are dependent on oxidative phosphorylation

Mitochondrial dynamics play crucial roles in mitophagy-based mitochondrial quality control, but how these pathways are regulated to meet cellular energy demands remains obscure. Using non-transformed human RPE1 cells, we report that upregulation of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation alters mitochondrial dynamics to inhibit Parkin-mediated mitophagy. Despite the basal mitophagy rates remaining stable upon the switch to dependence on oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondria resist fragmentation when RPE1 cells are treated with the protonophore carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone. Mechanistically, we show that this is because cleavage of the inner membrane fusion factor L-OPA1 is prevented due to the failure to activate the inner membrane protease OMA1 in mitochondria that have a collapsed membrane potential. In parallel, mitochondria that use oxidative phosphorylation are protected from damage-induced fission through the impaired recruitment and activation of mitochondrial DRP1. Using OMA1-deficient MEF cells, we show that the preservation of a stable pool of L-OPA1 at the inner mitochondrial membrane is sufficient to delay mitophagy, even in the presence of Parkin. The capacity of cells that are dependent on oxidative phosphorylation to maintain substantial mitochondrial content in the face of acute damage has important implications for mitochondrial quality control in vivo.

Deregulation of mitochondria-shaping proteins Opa-1 and Drp-1 in manganese-induced apoptosis

Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that undergo fusion and fission processes. These events are regulated by mitochondria-shaping proteins. Changes in the expression and/or localization of these proteins lead to a mitochondrial dynamics impairment and may promote apoptosis. Increasing evidence correlates the mitochondrial dynamics disruption with the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, we focused on this topic in Manganese (Mn)-induced Parkinsonism, a disorder associated with Mn accumulation preferentially in the basal ganglia where mitochondria from astrocytes represent an early target. Using MitoTracker Red staining we observed increased mitochondrial network fission in Mn-exposed rat astrocytoma C6 cells. Moreover, Mn induced a marked decrease in fusion protein Opa-1 levels as well as a dramatic increase in the expression of fission protein Drp-1. Additionally, Mn provoked a significant release of high MW Opa-1 isoforms from the mitochondria to the cytosol as well as an increased Drp-1 translocation to the mitochondria. Both Mdivi-1, a pharmacological Drp-1 inhibitor, and rat Drp-1 siRNA reduced the number of apoptotic nuclei, preserved the mitochondrial network integrity and prevented cell death. CsA, an MPTP opening inhibitor, prevented mitochondrial Δψm disruption, Opa-1 processing and Drp-1 translocation to the mitochondria therefore protecting Mn-exposed cells from mitochondrial disruption and apoptosis. The histological analysis and Hoechst 33258 staining of brain sections of Mn-injected rats in the striatum showed a decrease in cellular mass paralleled with an increase in the occurrence of apoptotic nuclei. Opa-1 and Drp-1 expression levels were also changed by Mn-treatment. Our results demonstrate for the first time that abnormal mitochondrial dynamics is implicated in both in vitro and in vivo Mn toxicity. In addition we show that the imbalance in fusion/fission equilibrium might be involved in Mn-induced apoptosis. This knowledge may provide new therapeutic tools for the treatment of Manganism and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Mitochondria and melanosomes establish physical contacts modulated by Mfn2 and involved in organelle biogenesis

BACKGROUND

To efficiently supply ATP to sites of high-energy demand and finely regulate calcium signaling, mitochondria adapt their metabolism, shape, and distribution within the cells, including relative positioning with respect to other organelles. However, physical contacts between mitochondria and the secretory/endocytic pathway have been demonstrated so far only with the ER, through structural and functional interorganellar connections.

RESULTS

Here we show by electron tomography that mitochondria physically contact melanosomes, specialized lysosome-related organelles of pigment cells, through fibrillar bridges resembling the protein tethers linking mitochondria and the ER. Mitofusin (Mfn) 2, which bridges ER to mitochondria, specifically localizes also to melanosome-mitochondrion contacts, and its knockdown significantly reduces the interorganellar connections. Contacts are associated to the melanogenesis process, as indicated by the fact that they are reduced in a model of aberrant melanogenesis whereas they are enhanced both where melanosome biogenesis takes place in the perinuclear area and when it is actively stimulated by OA1, a G protein-coupled receptor implicated in ocular albinism and organellogenesis. Consistently, Mfn2 knockdown prevents melanogenesis activation by OA1, and the pharmacological inhibition of mitochondrial ATP synthesis severely reduces contact formation and impairs melanosome biogenesis, by affecting in particular the developing organelles showing the highest frequency of contacts.

CONCLUSIONS

Altogether, our findings reveal the presence of an unprecedented physical and functional connection between mitochondria and the secretory/endocytic pathway that goes beyond the ER-mitochondria linkage and is spatially and timely associated to secretory organelle biogenesis.

Mitochondrial matrix proteases as novel therapeutic targets in malignancy

Although mitochondrial function is often altered in cancer, it remains essential for tumor viability. Tight control of protein homeostasis is required for the maintenance of mitochondrial function, and the mitochondrial matrix houses several coordinated protein quality control systems. These include three evolutionarily conserved proteases of the AAA+ superfamily-the Lon, ClpXP and m-AAA proteases. In humans, these proteases are proposed to degrade, process and chaperone the assembly of mitochondrial proteins in the matrix and inner membrane involved in oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial protein synthesis, mitochondrial network dynamics and nucleoid function. In addition, these proteases are upregulated by a variety of mitochondrial stressors, including oxidative stress, unfolded protein stress and imbalances in respiratory complex assembly. Given that tumor cells must survive and proliferate under dynamic cellular stress conditions, dysregulation of mitochondrial protein quality control systems may provide a selective advantage. The association of mitochondrial matrix AAA+ proteases with cancer and their potential for therapeutic modulation therefore warrant further consideration. Although our current knowledge of the endogenous human substrates of these proteases is limited, we highlight functional insights gained from cultured human cells, protease-deficient mouse models and other eukaryotic model organisms. We also review the consequences of disrupting mitochondrial matrix AAA+ proteases through genetic and pharmacological approaches, along with implications of these studies on the potential of these proteases as anticancer therapeutic targets.