Cytosolic translational responses differ under conditions of severe short-term and long-term mitochondrial stress

Cardiac-specific deletion of heat shock protein 60 induces mitochondrial stress and disrupts heart development in mice

Congenital heart diseases are the most common birth defects around the world. Emerging evidence suggests that mitochondrial homeostasis is required for normal heart development. In mitochondria, a series of molecular chaperones including heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) are engaged in assisting the import and folding of mitochondrial proteins. However, it remains largely obscure whether and how these mitochondrial chaperones regulate cardiac development. Here, we generated a cardiac-specific Hspd1 deletion mouse model by αMHC-Cre and investigated the role of HSP60 in cardiac development. We observed that deletion of HSP60 in embryonic cardiomyocytes resulted in abnormal heart development and embryonic lethality, characterized by reduced cardiac cell proliferation and thinner ventricular walls, highlighting an essential role of cardiac HSP60 in embryonic heart development and survival. Our results also demonstrated that HSP60 deficiency caused significant downregulation of mitochondrial ETC subunits and induced mitochondrial stress. Analysis of gene expression revealed that P21 that negatively regulates cell proliferation is significantly upregulated in HSP60 knockout hearts. Moreover, HSP60 deficiency induced activation of eIF2α-ATF4 pathway, further indicating the underlying mitochondrial stress in cardiomyocytes after HSP60 deletion. Taken together, our study demonstrated that regular function of mitochondrial chaperones is pivotal for maintaining normal mitochondrial homeostasis and embryonic heart development.

The integrated stress response in metabolic adaptation

The integrated stress response (ISR) refers to signaling pathways initiated by stress-activated eIF2α kinases. Distinct eIF2α kinases respond to different stress signals, including amino acid deprivation and mitochondrial stress. Such stress-induced eIF2α phosphorylation attenuates general mRNA translation and, at the same time, stimulates the preferential translation of specific downstream factors to orchestrate an adaptive gene expression program. In recent years, there have been significant new advances in our understanding of ISR during metabolic stress adaptation. Here, I discuss those advances, reviewing among others the ISR activation mechanisms in response to amino acid deprivation and mitochondrial stress. In addition, I review how ISR regulates the amino acid metabolic pathways and how changes in the ISR impact the physiology and pathology of various disease models.

Mitochondrial quality control pathways sense mitochondrial protein import

Mitochondrial quality control (MQC) mechanisms are required to maintain a functional proteome, which enables mitochondria to perform a myriad of important cellular functions from oxidative phosphorylation to numerous other metabolic pathways. Mitochondrial protein homeostasis begins with the import of over 1000 nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins and the synthesis of 13 mitochondrial DNA-encoded proteins. A network of chaperones and proteases helps to fold new proteins and degrade unnecessary, damaged, or misfolded proteins, whereas more extensive damage can be removed by mitochondrial-derived vesicles (MDVs) or mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy). Here, focusing on mechanisms in mammalian cells, we review the importance of mitochondrial protein import as a sentinel of mitochondrial function that activates multiple MQC mechanisms when impaired.

Mitochondrial fusion and altered beta-oxidation drive muscle wasting in a Drosophila cachexia model

Cancer cachexia is a tumour-induced wasting syndrome, characterised by extreme loss of skeletal muscle. Defective mitochondria can contribute to muscle wasting; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Using a Drosophila larval model of cancer cachexia, we observed enlarged and dysfunctional muscle mitochondria. Morphological changes were accompanied by upregulation of beta-oxidation proteins and depletion of muscle glycogen and lipid stores. Muscle lipid stores were also decreased in Colon-26 adenocarcinoma mouse muscle samples, and expression of the beta-oxidation gene CPT1A was negatively associated with muscle quality in cachectic patients. Mechanistically, mitochondrial defects result from reduced muscle insulin signalling, downstream of tumour-secreted insulin growth factor binding protein (IGFBP) homologue ImpL2. Strikingly, muscle-specific inhibition of Forkhead box O (FOXO), mitochondrial fusion, or beta-oxidation in tumour-bearing animals preserved muscle integrity. Finally, dietary supplementation with nicotinamide or lipids, improved muscle health in tumour-bearing animals. Overall, our work demonstrates that muscle FOXO, mitochondria dynamics/beta-oxidation and lipid utilisation are key regulators of muscle wasting in cancer cachexia.

A big picture of the mitochondria-mediated signals: From mitochondria to organism

Mitochondria, well-known for years as the powerhouse and biosynthetic center of the cell, are dynamic signaling organelles beyond their energy production and biosynthesis functions. The metabolic functions of mitochondria, playing an important role in various biological events both in physiological and stress conditions, transform them into important cellular stress sensors. Mitochondria constantly communicate with the rest of the cell and even from other cells to the organism, transmitting stress signals including oxidative and reductive stress or adaptive signals such as mitohormesis. Mitochondrial signal transduction has a vital function in regulating integrity of human genome, organelles, cells, and ultimately organism.

Prefoldin 2 contributes to mitochondrial morphology and function

BACKGROUND

Prefoldin is an evolutionarily conserved co-chaperone of the tailless complex polypeptide 1 ring complex (TRiC)/chaperonin containing tailless complex 1 (CCT). The prefoldin complex consists of six subunits that are known to transfer newly produced cytoskeletal proteins to TRiC/CCT for folding polypeptides. Prefoldin function was recently linked to the maintenance of protein homeostasis, suggesting a more general function of the co-chaperone during cellular stress conditions. Prefoldin acts in an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-independent manner, making it a suitable candidate to operate during stress conditions, such as mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial function depends on the production of mitochondrial proteins in the cytosol. Mechanisms that sustain cytosolic protein homeostasis are vital for the quality control of proteins destined for the organelle and such mechanisms among others include chaperones.

RESULTS

We analyzed consequences of the loss of prefoldin subunits on the cell proliferation and survival of Saccharomyces cerevisiae upon exposure to various cellular stress conditions. We found that prefoldin subunits support cell growth under heat stress. Moreover, prefoldin facilitates the growth of cells under respiratory growth conditions. We showed that mitochondrial morphology and abundance of some respiratory chain complexes was supported by the prefoldin 2 (Pfd2/Gim4) subunit. We also found that Pfd2 interacts with Tom70, a receptor of mitochondrial precursor proteins that are targeted into mitochondria.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings link the cytosolic prefoldin complex to mitochondrial function. Loss of the prefoldin complex subunit Pfd2 results in adaptive cellular responses on the proteome level under physiological conditions suggesting a continuous need of Pfd2 for maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Within this framework, Pfd2 might support mitochondrial function directly as part of the cytosolic quality control system of mitochondrial proteins or indirectly as a component of the protein homeostasis network.

The unfolded protein response of the endoplasmic reticulum supports mitochondrial biogenesis by buffering nonimported proteins

Almost all mitochondrial proteins are synthesized in the cytosol and subsequently targeted to mitochondria. The accumulation of nonimported precursor proteins occurring upon mitochondrial dysfunction can challenge cellular protein homeostasis. Here we show that blocking protein translocation into mitochondria results in the accumulation of mitochondrial membrane proteins at the endoplasmic reticulum, thereby triggering the unfolded protein response (UPRER). Moreover, we find that mitochondrial membrane proteins are also routed to the ER under physiological conditions. The level of ER-resident mitochondrial precursors is enhanced by import defects as well as metabolic stimuli that increase the expression of mitochondrial proteins. Under such conditions, the UPRER is crucial to maintain protein homeostasis and cellular fitness. We propose the ER serves as a physiological buffer zone for those mitochondrial precursors that cannot be immediately imported into mitochondria while engaging the UPRER to adjust the ER proteostasis capacity to the extent of precursor accumulation.

Immunoproteasome-specific subunit PSMB9 induction is required to regulate cellular proteostasis upon mitochondrial dysfunction

Perturbed cellular protein homeostasis (proteostasis) and mitochondrial dysfunction play an important role in neurodegenerative diseases, however, the interplay between these two phenomena remains unclear. Mitochondrial dysfunction leads to a delay in mitochondrial protein import, causing accumulation of non-imported mitochondrial proteins in the cytosol and challenging proteostasis. Cells respond by increasing proteasome activity and molecular chaperones in yeast and C. elegans. Here, we demonstrate that in human cells mitochondrial dysfunction leads to the upregulation of a chaperone HSPB1 and, interestingly, an immunoproteasome-specific subunit PSMB9. Moreover, PSMB9 expression is dependent on the translation elongation factor EEF1A2. These mechanisms constitute a defense response to preserve cellular proteostasis under mitochondrial stress. Our findings define a mode of proteasomal activation through the change in proteasome composition driven by EEF1A2 and its spatial regulation, and are useful to formulate therapies to prevent neurodegenerative diseases.

Mitoregulin Contributes to Creatine Shuttling and Cardiolipin Protection in Mice Muscle

Small peptides compose a large share of the mitochondrial proteome. Mitoregulin (Mtln) is a mitochondrial peptide known to contribute to the respiratory complex I functioning and other processes in mitochondria. In our previous studies, we demonstrated that Mtln knockout mice develop obesity and accumulate triglycerides and other oxidation substrates in serum, concomitant with an exhaustion of tricarboxylic acids cycle intermediates. Here we examined the functional role of Mtln in skeletal muscles, one of the major energy consuming tissues. We observed reduced muscle strength for Mtln knockout mice. Decrease of the mitochondrial cardiolipin and concomitant increase in monolysocardiolipin concentration upon Mtln inactivation is likely to be a consequence of imbalance between oxidative damage and remodeling of cardiolipin. It is accompanied by the mitochondrial creatine kinase octamer dissociation and suboptimal respiratory chain performance in Mtln knockout mice.

Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response and Integrated Stress Response as Promising Therapeutic Targets for Mitochondrial Diseases

The development and application of high-throughput omics technologies have enabled a more in-depth understanding of mitochondrial biosynthesis metabolism and the pathogenesis of mitochondrial diseases. In accordance with this, a host of new treatments for mitochondrial disease are emerging. As an essential pathway in maintaining mitochondrial proteostasis, the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPR^mt) is not only of considerable significance for mitochondrial substance metabolism but also plays a fundamental role in the development of mitochondrial diseases. Furthermore, in mammals, the integrated stress response (ISR) and UPR^mt are strongly coupled, functioning together to maintain mitochondrial function. Therefore, ISR and UPR^mt show great application prospects in the treatment of mitochondrial diseases. In this review, we provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms of ISR and UPR^mt and focus on them as potential targets for mitochondrial disease therapy.

Inter-organellar and systemic responses to impaired mitochondrial matrix protein import in skeletal muscle

Effective protein import from cytosol is critical for mitochondrial functions and metabolic regulation. We describe here the mammalian muscle-specific and systemic consequences to disrupted mitochondrial matrix protein import by targeted deletion of the mitochondrial HSP70 co-chaperone GRPEL1. Muscle-specific loss of GRPEL1 caused rapid muscle atrophy, accompanied by shut down of oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, and excessive triggering of proteotoxic stress responses. Transcriptome analysis identified new responders to mitochondrial protein import toxicity, such as the neurological disease-linked intermembrane space protein CHCHD10. Besides communication with ER and nucleus, we identified crosstalk of distressed mitochondria with peroxisomes, in particular the induction of peroxisomal Acyl-CoA oxidase 2 (ACOX2), which we propose as an ATF4-regulated peroxisomal marker of integrated stress response. Metabolic profiling indicated fatty acid enrichment in muscle, a shift in TCA cycle intermediates in serum and muscle, and dysregulated bile acids. Our results demonstrate the fundamental importance of GRPEL1 and provide a robust model for detecting mammalian inter-organellar and systemic responses to impaired mitochondrial matrix protein import and folding.

Oxidative Stress-Induced Damage to the Developing Hippocampus Is Mediated by GSK3β

Neonatal brain injury renders the developing brain vulnerable to oxidative stress, leading to cognitive deficit. However, oxidative stress-induced damage to hippocampal circuits and the mechanisms underlying long-term changes in memory and learning are poorly understood. We used high oxygen tension or hyperoxia (HO) in neonatal mice of both sexes to investigate the role of oxidative stress in hippocampal damage. Perinatal HO induces reactive oxygen species and cell death, together with reduced interneuron maturation, inhibitory postsynaptic currents, and dentate progenitor proliferation. Postinjury interneuron stimulation surprisingly improved inhibitory activity and memory tasks, indicating reversibility. With decreased hippocampal levels of Wnt signaling components and somatostatin, HO aberrantly activated glycogen synthase kinase 3 β activity. Pharmacological inhibition or ablation of interneuron glycogen synthase kinase 3 β during HO challenge restored progenitor cell proliferation, interneuron development, inhibitory/excitatory balance, as well as hippocampal-dependent behavior. Biochemical targeting of interneuron function may benefit learning deficits caused by oxidative damage.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Premature infants are especially vulnerable to oxidative stress, as their antioxidant defenses are underdeveloped. Indeed, high oxygen tension is associated with poor neurologic outcomes. Because of its sustained postnatal development and role in learning and memory, the hippocampus is especially vulnerable to oxidative damage in premature infants. However, the role of oxidative stress in the developing hippocampus has yet to be explored. With ever-rising rates of neonatal brain injury and no universally viable approach to maximize functional recovery, a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying neonatal brain injury is needed. Addressing this need, this study uses perinatal hyperoxia to study cognitive deficits, pathophysiology, and molecular mechanisms of oxidative damage in the developing hippocampus.

Mitochondrial Inhibition by Sodium Azide Induces Assembly of eIF2α Phosphorylation-Independent Stress Granules in Mammalian Cells

Mitochondrial stress is involved in many pathological conditions and triggers the integrated stress response (ISR). The ISR is initiated by phosphorylation of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF) 2α and results in global inhibition of protein synthesis, while the production of specific proteins important for the stress response and recovery is favored. The stalled translation preinitiation complexes phase-separate together with local RNA binding proteins into cytoplasmic stress granules (SG), which are important for regulation of cell signaling and survival under stress conditions. Here we found that mitochondrial inhibition by sodium azide (NaN₃) in mammalian cells leads to translational inhibition and formation of SGs, as previously shown in yeast. Although mammalian NaN₃-induced SGs are very small, they still contain the canonical SG proteins Caprin 1, eIF4A, eIF4E, eIF4G and eIF3B. Similar to FCCP and oligomycine, other mitochodrial stressors that cause SG formation, NaN₃-induced SGs are formed by an eIF2α phosphorylation-independent mechanisms. Finally, we discovered that as shown for arsenite (ASN), but unlike FCCP or heatshock stress, Thioredoxin 1 (Trx1) is required for formation of NaN₃-induced SGs.

Long-term mitochondrial stress induces early steps of Tau aggregation by increasing reactive oxygen species levels and affecting cellular proteostasis

Accumulating evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Both of these conditions are often associated with an increase in protein aggregation. However, still unknown are the specific defects of mitochondrial biology that play a critical role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, in which Tau protein aggregates are observed in the brains of some patients. Here, we report that long-term mitochondrial stress triggered Tau dimerization, which is the first step of protein aggregation. Mitochondrial dysfunction was induced in HEK293T cells that received prolonged treatment with rotenone and in HEK293T cells with the knockout of NDUFA11 protein. To monitor changes in Tau protein aggregation, we took advantage of the bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay using HEK293T cells that were transfected with plasmids that encoded Tau. Inhibition of the ISR with ISRIB induced Tau dimerization, whereas ISR activation with salubrinal, guanabenz, and sephin1 partially reversed this process. Cells that were treated with ROS scavengers, N-acetyl-l-cysteine or MitoQ, significantly reduced the amount of ROS and Tau dimerization, indicating the involvement of oxidative stress in Tau aggregation. Our results indicate that long-term mitochondrial stress may induce early steps of Tau protein aggregation by affecting oxidative balance and cellular proteostasis.

Global mitochondrial protein import proteomics reveal distinct regulation by translation and translocation machinery

Most mitochondrial proteins are translated in the cytosol and imported into mitochondria. Mutations in the mitochondrial protein import machinery cause human pathologies. However, a lack of suitable tools to measure protein uptake across the mitochondrial proteome has prevented the identification of specific proteins affected by import perturbation. Here, we introduce mePROD^mt, a pulsed-SILAC based proteomics approach that includes a booster signal to increase the sensitivity for mitochondrial proteins selectively, enabling global dynamic analysis of endogenous mitochondrial protein uptake in cells. We applied mePROD^mt to determine protein uptake kinetics and examined how inhibitors of mitochondrial import machineries affect protein uptake. Monitoring changes in translation and uptake upon mitochondrial membrane depolarization revealed that protein uptake was extensively modulated by the import and translation machineries via activation of the integrated stress response. Strikingly, uptake changes were not uniform, with subsets of proteins being unaffected or decreased due to changes in translation or import capacity.

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Proteomics approach to quantify protein uptake into mitochondria

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Determination of protein uptake rates for >700 mitochondrial proteins

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Characterization of differential protein uptake changes during mitochondrial stress

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Protein translation and translocation integrate to change protein uptake

Impact of Hydrogen Peroxide on Protein Synthesis in Yeast

Cells must be able to respond and adapt to different stress conditions to maintain normal function. A common response to stress is the global inhibition of protein synthesis. Protein synthesis is an expensive process consuming much of the cell's energy. Consequently, it must be tightly regulated to conserve resources. One of these stress conditions is oxidative stress, resulting from the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) mainly produced by the mitochondria but also by other intracellular sources. Cells utilize a variety of antioxidant systems to protect against ROS, directing signaling and adaptation responses at lower levels and/or detoxification as levels increase to preclude the accumulation of damage. In this review, we focus on the role of hydrogen peroxide, H₂O₂, as a signaling molecule regulating protein synthesis at different levels, including transcription and various parts of the translation process, e.g., initiation, elongation, termination and ribosome recycling.

CCCP-induced mitochondrial dysfunction - characterization and analysis of integrated stress response to cellular signaling and homeostasis

Mitochondrial dysfunction mediated by CCCP (carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone), an inhibitor of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, evokes the integrated stress response (ISR), which is analyzed here by eIF2α phosphorylation and expression profiles of ATF4 and CHOP proteins. Our findings suggest that the CCCP-induced ISR pathway is mediated by activation of HRI kinase, but not by GCN2, PERK, or PKR. Also, CCCP activates AMPK, a cellular energy sensor, and AKT, a regulator implicated in cell survival, and suppresses phosphorylation of mTORC1 substrates eIF4E-BP1 and S6K. CCCP also downregulates translation and promotes autophagy, leading to noncaspase-mediated cell death in HepG2 cells. All these events are neutralized by NAC, an anti-ROS, suggesting that CCCP-induced mitochondrial dysfunction promotes oxidative stress. ISRIB, an inhibitor of the ISR pathway, mitigates CCCP-induced expression of ATF4 and CHOP, activation of AKT, and autophagy, similar to NAC. However, it fails to reverse CCCP-induced AMPK activation, suggesting that CCCP-induced autophagy is dependent on ISR and independent of AMPK activation. ISRIB restores partly, inhibition in eIF4E-BP1 phosphorylation, promotes eIF2α phosphorylation, albeit slowly, and mitigates suppression of translation accordingly, in CCCP-treated cells. These findings are consistent with the idea that CCCP-induced oxidative stress leading to eIF2α phosphorylation and ATF4 expression, which is known to stimulate genes involved in autophagy, play a pro-survival role together with AKT activation and regulate mTOR-mediated eIF4E-BP1 phosphorylation.

Mitochondrial control of cellular protein homeostasis

Mitochondria are involved in several vital functions of the eukaryotic cell. The majority of mitochondrial proteins are coded by nuclear DNA. Constant import of proteins from the cytosol is a prerequisite for the efficient functioning of the organelle. The protein import into mitochondria is mediated by diverse import pathways and is continuously under watch by quality control systems. However, it is often challenged by both internal and external factors, such as oxidative stress or energy shortage. The impaired protein import and biogenesis leads to the accumulation of mitochondrial precursor proteins in the cytosol and activates several stress response pathways. These defense mechanisms engage a network of processes involving transcription, translation, and protein clearance to restore cellular protein homeostasis. In this review, we provide a comprehensive analysis of various factors and processes contributing to mitochondrial stress caused by protein biogenesis failure and summarize the recovery mechanisms employed by the cell.

Deficiency of β-carotene oxygenase 2 induces mitochondrial fragmentation and activates the STING-IRF3 pathway in the mouse hypothalamus

Hypothalamic inflammation has been linked to various aspects of central metabolic dysfunction and diseases in humans, including hyperphagia, altered energy expenditure, and obesity. We previously reported that loss of β-carotene oxygenase 2 (BCO2), a mitochondrial inner membrane protein, causes the alteration of the hypothalamic metabolome, low-grade inflammation, and an increase in food intake in mice at an early age, e.g., 3-6 weeks. Here, we determined the extent to which the deficiency of BCO2 induces hypothalamic inflammation in BCO2 knockout mice. Mitochondrial proteomics, electron microscopy, and immunoblotting were used to assess the changes in hypothalamic mitochondrial dynamics and mitochondrial DNA sensing and signaling. The results showed that deficiency of BCO2 altered hypothalamic mitochondrial proteome and respiratory supercomplex assembly by enhancing the expression of NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit A11 protein and improved cardiolipin synthesis. BCO2 deficiency potentiated mitochondrial fission but suppressed mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis. Furthermore, deficiency of BCO2 resulted in inactivation of mitochondrial MnSOD enzyme, excessive production of reactive oxygen species, and elevation of protein levels of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) in the hypothalamus. The data suggest that BCO2 is essential for hypothalamic mitochondrial dynamics. BCO2 deficiency induces mitochondrial fragmentation and mitochondrial oxidative stress, which may lead to mitochondrial DNA release into the cytosol and subsequently sensing by activation of the STING-IRF3 signaling pathway in the mouse hypothalamus.

The ubiquitin-proteasome system and its crosstalk with mitochondria as therapeutic targets in medicine

The ubiquitin-proteasome system constitutes a major pathway for protein degradation in the cell. Therefore the crosstalk of this pathway with mitochondria is a major topic with direct relevance to many mitochondrial diseases. Proteasome dysfunction triggers not only protein toxicity, but also mitochondrial dysfunction. The involvement of proteasomes in the regulation of protein transport into mitochondria contributes to an increase in mitochondrial function defects. On the other hand, mitochondrial impairment stimulates reactive oxygen species production, which increases protein damage, and protein misfolding and aggregation leading to proteasome overload. Concurrently, mitochondrial dysfunction compromises cellular ATP production leading to reduced protein ubiquitination and proteasome activity. In this review we discuss the complex relationship and interdependence of the ubiquitin-proteasome system and mitochondria. Furthermore, we describe pharmacological inhibition of proteasome activity as a novel strategy to treat a group of mitochondrial diseases.

4E-BP1 Protects Neurons from Misfolded Protein Stress and Parkinson's Disease Toxicity by Inducing the Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response

Decline of protein quality control in neurons contributes to age-related neurodegenerative disorders caused by misfolded proteins. 4E-BP1 is a key node in the regulation of protein synthesis, as activated 4E-BP1 represses global protein translation. Overexpression of 4E-BP1 mediates the benefits of dietary restriction and can counter metabolic stress, and 4E-BP1 disinhibition on mTORC1 repression may be neuroprotective; however, whether 4E-BP1 overexpression is neuroprotective in mammalian neurons is yet to be fully explored. To address this question, we generated 4E-BP1-overexpressing transgenic mice and confirmed marked reductions in protein translation in 4E-BP1-overexpressing primary neurons. After documenting that 4E-BP1-overexpressing neurons are resistant to proteotoxic stress elicited by brefeldin A treatment, we exposed primary neurons to three different Parkinson's disease (PD)-linked toxins (rotenone, maneb, or paraquat) and documented significant protection in neurons from newborn male and female 4E-BP1-OE transgenic mice. We observed 4E-BP1-dependent upregulation of genes encoding proteins that comprise the mitochondrial unfolded protein response, and noted 4E-BP1 overexpression required activation of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response for neuroprotection against rotenone toxicity. We also tested whether 4E-BP1 could prevent α-synuclein neurotoxicity by treating 4E-BP1-overexpressing primary neurons with α-synuclein preformed fibrils, and we observed marked reductions in α-synuclein aggregation and neurotoxicity, thus validating that 4E-BP1 is a powerful suppressor of PD-linked pathogenic insults. Our results indicate that increasing 4E-BP1 expression or enhancing 4E-BP1 activation can robustly induce the mitochondrial unfolded protein response and thus could be an appealing strategy for treating a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, including especially PD.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In neurodegenerative disease, misfolded proteins accumulate and overwhelm normal systems of homeostasis and quality control. One mechanism for improving protein quality control is to reduce protein translation. Here we investigated whether neuronal overexpression of 4E-BP1, a key repressor of protein translation, can protect against misfolded protein stress and toxicities linked to Parkinson's disease, and found that 4E-BP1 overexpression prevented cell death in neurons treated with brefeldin A, rotenone, maneb, paraquat, or preformed fibrils of α-synuclein. When we sought the basis for 4E-BP1 neuroprotection, we discovered that 4E-BP1 activation promoted the mitochondrial unfolded protein response. Our findings highlight 4E-BP1 as a therapeutic target in neurodegenerative disease and underscore the importance of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response in neuroprotection against various insults.

Folding the Mitochondrial UPR into the Integrated Stress Response

Eukaryotic cells must accurately monitor the integrity of the mitochondrial network to overcome environmental insults and respond to physiological cues. The mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) is a mitochondrial-to-nuclear signaling pathway that maintains mitochondrial proteostasis, mediates signaling between tissues, and regulates organismal aging. Aberrant UPRmt signaling is associated with a wide spectrum of disorders, including congenital diseases as well as cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we review recent research into the mechanisms underlying UPRmt signaling in Caenorhabditis elegans and discuss emerging connections between the UPRmt signaling and a translational regulation program called the 'integrated stress response'. Further study of the UPRmt will potentially enable development of new therapeutic strategies for inherited metabolic disorders and diseases of aging.

Mitochondria-Lysosome Crosstalk: From Physiology to Neurodegeneration

Cellular function requires coordination between different organelles and metabolic cues. Mitochondria and lysosomes are essential for cellular metabolism as major contributors of chemical energy and building blocks. It is therefore pivotal for cellular function to coordinate the metabolic roles of mitochondria and lysosomes. However, these organelles do more than metabolism, given their function as fundamental signaling platforms in the cell that regulate many key processes such as autophagy, proliferation, and cell death. Mechanisms of crosstalk between mitochondria and lysosomes are discussed, both under physiological conditions and in diseases that affect these organelles.