Silencing of FUN14 Domain Containing 1 Inhibits Platelet Activation in Diabetes Mellitus through Blocking Mitophagy

Platelet hyperactivity represents a deleterious physiological phenomenon in diabetes mellitus (DM). This study aimed to explore the role of FUN14 domain containing 1 (FUNDC1) in platelet activation within the context of DM and to uncover relevant mechanisms, with a focus on mitophagy. A mouse model of DM was established by high-fat feeding and streptozotocin injection. Platelets isolated from whole blood were exposed to carbonyl cyanide-4-(trifluo-romethoxy)phenylhydrazone (FCCP) to induce mitophagy. The relative mRNA expression of FUNDC1 was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Western blotting was employed to measure the protein levels of FUNDC1, the ratio of LC3-II toLC3-I, and cleaved caspase-3. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry were performed to assess LC3-positive mitochondria and platelet activation factor CD62P, respectively. Additionally, serum levels of β-thrombo-globulin (β-TG) and platelet factor 4 (PF4)were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. FUNDC1 expression was elevated in DM mice, and its silencing decreased the body weight and fasting blood glucose. Inhibition of FUNDC1 also significantly attenuated FCCP-induced platelet mitophagy, as evidenced by the down-regulation of the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio, up-regulation of Tomm20, and diminished presence of LC3-positive mitochondria. Moreover, platelet activation was noted in DM mice; this activation was mitigated upon FUNDC1 silencing, which was confirmed by the down-regulation of cleaved caspase-3 and CD62P as well as reductions in β-TG and PF4 serum levels. Silencing of FUNDC1 inhibited platelet hyperactivity in DM by impeding mitophagy. As such, FUNDC1-midiated mitophagy may be a promising target for the treatment of DM and its associated cardiovascular complications related cardiovascular events.

Tethering ATG16L1 or LC3 induces targeted autophagic degradation of protein aggregates and mitochondria

Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) based on the ubiquitin-proteasome system have made great progress in the field of drug discovery. There is mounting evidence that the accumulation of aggregation-prone proteins or malfunctioning organelles is associated with the occurrence of various age-related neurodegenerative disorders and cancers. However, PROTACs are inefficient for the degradation of such large targets due to the narrow entrance channel of the proteasome. Macroautophagy (hereafter referred to as autophagy) is known as a self-degradative process involved in the degradation of bulk cytoplasmic components or specific cargoes that are sequestered into autophagosomes. In the present study, we report the development of a generalizable strategy for the targeted degradation of large targets. Our results suggested that tethering large target models to phagophore-associated ATG16L1 or LC3 induced targeted autophagic degradation of the large target models. Furthermore, we successfully applied this autophagy-targeting degradation strategy to the targeted degradation of HTT65Q aggregates and mitochondria. Specifically, chimeras consisting of polyQ-binding peptide 1 (QBP) and ATG16L1-binding peptide (ABP) or LC3-interacting region (LIR) induced targeted autophagic degradation of pathogenic HTT65Q aggregates; and the chimeras consisting of mitochondria-targeting sequence (MTS) and ABP or LIR promoted targeted autophagic degradation of dysfunctional mitochondria, hence ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction in a Parkinson disease cell model and protecting cells from apoptosis induced by the mitochondrial stress agent FCCP. Therefore, this study provides a new strategy for the selective proteolysis of large targets and enrich the toolkit for autophagy-targeting degradation.Abbreviations: ABP: ATG16L1-binding peptide; ATG16L1: autophagy related 16 like 1; ATTEC: autophagy-tethering compound; AUTAC: autophagy-targeting chimera; AUTOTAC: autophagy-targeting chimera; Baf A1: bafilomycin A1; BCL2: BCL2 apoptosis regulator; CALCOCO2/NDP52: calcium binding and coiled-coil domain 2; CASP3: caspase 3; CPP: cell-penetrating peptide; CQ: chloroquine phosphate; DAPI: 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole; DCM: dichloromethane; DMF: N,N-dimethylformamide; DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide; EBSS: Earle's balanced salt solution; FCCP: carbonyl cyanide 4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone; FITC: fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; GFP: green fluorescent protein; HEK293: human embryonic kidney 293; HEK293T: human embryonic kidney 293T; HPLC: high-performance liquid chromatography; HRP: horseradish peroxidase; HTT: huntingtin; LIR: LC3-interacting region; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MFF: mitochondrial fission factor; MTS: mitochondria-targeting sequence; NBR1: NBR1 autophagy cargo receptor; NLRX1: NLR family member X1; OPTN: optineurin; P2A: self-cleaving 2A peptide; PB1: Phox and Bem1p; PBS: phosphate-buffered saline; PE: phosphatidylethanolamine; PINK1: PTEN induced kinase 1; PRKN: parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin protein ligase; PROTACs: proteolysis-targeting chimeras; QBP: polyQ-binding peptide 1; SBP: streptavidin-binding peptide; SDS-PAGE: sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; SPATA33: spermatogenesis associated 33; TIMM23: translocase of inner mitochondrial membrane 23; TMEM59: transmembrane protein 59; TOMM20: translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20; UBA: ubiquitin-associated; WT: wild type.

Widely targeted metabolomics reveal the glucosinolate profile and odor-active compounds in flowering Chinese cabbage powder

Widely targeted metabolomics were performed to explore the differences in glucosinolate and odor-active compound levels between flowering Chinese cabbage powder (FCCP) under vacuum-drying and oven-drying conditions. Twenty-three aliphatic, five indole, and three aromatic glucosinolates were identified in two pretreated FCCP. Higher aliphatic glucosinolate levels were retained in vacuum-dried cabbage powder compared to oven-dried samples, and they were negatively correlated with treated temperatures. A total of 36 major odor contributing compounds were detected, including 5 sulfur compounds, 10 aldehydes, 9 heterocyclic compounds, 7 nitriles, 3 acids, and 2 others. 5-Hexenenitrile and (methyldisulfanyl)methan, provide typical pungent, sulfous, and vegetable notes in FCCP. Four major GSLs, namely 2(R)-hydroxy-3-butenyl glucosinolate, (2S)-2-hydroxy-4-pentenyl glucosinolate, 5-(methylthio)pentyl glucosinolate and 2-phenylethyl glucosinolate were the key precursors to form odor-active compounds. Higher temperatures in thermal effects promotes the formation of sulfur-containing and nitrile compounds compared to the vacuum-dried ones. This work can provide a guide for flavor and nutrition retention in FCCP process.

Metabolic reprogramming through mitochondrial biogenesis drives adenosine anti-inflammatory effects: new mechanism controlling gingival fibroblast hyper-inflammatory state

Introduction

Fibroblasts are the dominant stromal cells in the gingival lamina propria with a well-established relevance in regulation of inflammation, and in innate immunity. This is exemplified by their hypersecretion of CXCL8, enhancing leukocyte infiltration in chronic and sustained inflammatory conditions. We have previously shown adenosine to be a key metabolic nucleoside that regulates stromal inflammation, but the underlying mechanisms linking adenosine to the metabolic status of fibroblasts and to the resultant inflammatory response are unclear. This study examined, by seahorse real-time cell metabolic analysis, the bioenergetics of the stromal fibroblast response to extracellular adenosine and IL-1β, focusing on CXCL8 secretion by primary human gingival fibroblasts (HGF).

Methods

Markers of the glycolytic pathway and mitochondrial biogenesis were tracked through immunoblot. Further, the influence of adenosine on mitochondrial accumulation was measured by uptake of MitoTracker Red fluorescent probe and assessment of the role of FCCP (a mitochondrial uncoupler) in CXCL8 secretion and mitochondrial accumulation.

Results

Our results show that the anti-inflammatory response of HGF to extracellular adenosine, typified by reduced CXCL8 secretion, is mediated by mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, reflected in higher oxygen consumption rate (OCR). In the presence of IL-1β, adenosine-treated cells induced higher ATP production, basal respiration and proton leak compared to IL-1β without adenosine. Surprisingly, adenosine had no additional effect on the IL-1β-induced higher glycolysis rate demonstrated by the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR). In addition, the higher OCR in adenosine-stimulated cells was not due to the mitochondrial fuel dependency or capacity, but due to an increase in mitochondrial biogenesis and accumulation in the cells with concomitant decrease in mitophagy-required p-PINK1 marker. We detected the accumulation of functional mitochondria with increased activation of the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway. The adenosine-induced uptake of MitoTracker was abrogated by PGC-1α inhibition with SR-12898. In addition, the adenosine effects on reduced CXCL8 were ablated by treatment with FCCP, a potent uncoupler of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal a key role for mitochondrial bioenergetics in regulation of CXCL8-mediated inflammation by HGF through the adenosine/AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α axis. Therapeutically targeting this pathway in gingival fibroblasts might be a promising future strategy to modulate stromal-mediated sustained hyper-inflammatory responses.

Inhibition of monoamine oxidase-a increases respiration in isolated mouse cortical mitochondria

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is an enzyme located on the outer mitochondrial membrane that metabolizes amine substrates like serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAO inhibitors (MAOIs) are frequently utilized to treat disorders such as major depression or Parkinson's disease (PD), though their effects on brain mitochondrial bioenergetics are unclear. These studies measured bioenergetic activity in mitochondria isolated from the mouse cortex in the presence of inhibitors of either MAO-A, MAO-B, or both isoforms. We found that only 10 μM clorgyline, the selective inhibitor of MAO-A and not MAO-B, increased mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate in State V(CI) respiration compared to vehicle treatment. We then assessed mitochondrial bioenergetics, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and Electron Transport Chain (ETC) complex function in the presence of 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, or 80 μM of clorgyline to determine if this change was dose-dependent. The results showed increased oxygen consumption rates across the majority of respiration states in mitochondria treated with 5, 10, or 20 μM with significant bioenergetic inhibition at 80 μM clorgyline. Next, we assessed mitochondrial ROS production in the presence of the same concentrations of clorgyline in two different states: high mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) induced by oligomycin and low ΔΨm induced by carbonyl cyanide 4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone (FCCP). There were no changes in ROS production in the presence of 5, 10, 20, or 40 μM clorgyline compared to vehicle after the addition of oligomycin or FCCP. There was a significant increase in mitochondrial ROS in the presence of 80 μM clorgyline after FCCP addition, as well as reduced Complex I and Complex II activities, which are consistent with inhibition of bioenergetics seen at this dose. There were no changes in Complex I, II, or IV activities in mitochondria treated with low doses of clorgyline. These studies shed light on the direct effect of MAO-A inhibition on brain mitochondrial bioenergetic function, which may be a beneficial outcome for those taking these medications.

Musculoskeletal Pain in Family Caregivers: Does a Therapeutic Physical Program in Primary Care Work? A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Family caregivers play a crucial role in the overall healthcare system and in our society. The elderly population is significantly increasing, which creates a high demand for family caregivers. Few studies have investigated the impact of caregiving on musculoskeletal pain or proposed an active approach for dealing with it. Objectives: To determine and characterize musculoskeletal pain in female family caregivers (FFCs) and assess the effects of adding a therapeutic exercise program to a family caregiver care program (FCCP) on the quality of life, physical conditions, and psychological well-being of FFCs. Methods: A multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted with 68 FFCs recruited in two public healthcare areas. The intervention and control groups received the same conventional FCCP for 6 h across 4 sessions. The intervention group received an additional 36 sessions of physical therapeutic exercise (PTE) program over 12 weeks. Results: All caregivers reported having pain in particular locations. Lower back pain and neck pain were the locations most frequently cited, with a prevalence of 69.4% and 56.7%, respectively. In total, 80% of participants presented moderate pain intensity. The intervention group showed a significant decrease in the intensity of the pain (p < 0.001), as well as in anxiety, depression, subjective burden perception (p < 0.01), and quality-of-life variables, including MCS (mental component summary) (p < 0.05) and PCS (physical component summary) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: A PTE program improved the musculoskeletal pain of FFCs in a clinically relevant way. The caregivers who improved the most were those who initially presented the most intense pain, had the greatest levels of disability, and had the lowest quality of life.

Detecting Effects of Low Levels of FCCP on Stem Cell Micromotion and Wound-Healing Migration by Time-Series Capacitance Measurement

Electric cell–substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) has been used as a real-time impedance-based method to quantify cell behavior in tissue culture. The method is capable of measuring both the resistance and capacitance of a cell-covered microelectrode at various AC frequencies. In this study, we demonstrate the application of high-frequency capacitance measurement (f = 40 or 64 kHz) for the sensitive detection of both the micromotion and wound-healing migration of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Impedance measurements of cell-covered electrodes upon the challenge of various concentrations of carbonyl cyanide 4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone (FCCP), from 0.1 to 30 μM, were conducted using ECIS. FCCP is an uncoupler of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), thereby reducing mitochondrial ATP production. By numerically analyzing the time-series capacitance data, a dose-dependent decrease in hMSC micromotion and wound-healing migration was observed, and the effect was significantly detected at levels as low as 0.1 μM. While most reported works with ECIS use the resistance/impedance time series, our results suggest the potential use of high-frequency capacitance time series for assessing migratory cell behavior such as micromotion and wound-healing migration.

Flux control analysis of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in rat skeletal muscle: pyruvate and palmitoyl-carnitine as substrates give different control patterns

Flux control analysis of eight reactions involved in oxidative phosphorylation of mitochondria from rat quadriceps muscle was performed under circumstances resembling in vivo conditions of carbohydrate or fatty acid oxidation. The major flux control at a respiration rate of 55% of state 3 was associated with the ADP-generating system, i.e., 0.58 +/- 0.05 with pyruvate, but significantly lower, 0.40 +/- 0.05, with palmitoyl-carnitine as substrate. The flux control coefficients of complex I, III and IV, the ATP synthase, the ATP/ADP carrier and the P(i) carrier were 0.070 +/- 0.03, 0.083 +/- 0.04, 0.054 +/- 0.01, 0.11 +/- 0.03, 0.090 +/- 0.03 and 0.026 +/- 0.01, respectively, with pyruvate as substrate. With palmitoyl-carnitine all control coefficients were significantly different, except for the P(i) carrier (i.e., 0.024 +/- 0.001, 0.036 +/- 0.01, 0.052 +/- 0.02, 0.020 +/- 0.002, 0.034 +/- 0.02 and 0.012 +/- 0.002, respectively), probably caused by the shift from NADH to FADH(2) oxidation. The sum of flux control coefficients was not significantly different from unity with pyruvate, while only 0.58 with palmitoyl-carnitine, indicating significant control contributions from the enzymes involved with the fatty acid oxidation or transport. Flux control of ADP generation was specifically tested at three different respiration rates, 30, 55 and 75% of state 3. At all respiration rates control was higher with pyruvate and pyruvate + palmitoyl-carnitine compared with palmitoyl-carnitine as substrate. Also the control was lower at 75% compared to 30% of the state 3 respiration both with pyruvate and pyruvate + palmitoyl-carnitine as substrate, suggesting that muscle respiration moves from "demand control" to "supply control" as respiration increases.

Induction of the mitochondrial permeability transition by the DNA alkylating agent N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine. Sorting cause and consequence of mitochondrial dysfunction

The alkylating agent N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) alters DNA and stimulates the activity of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), a nuclear enzyme involved in DNA repair. The consumption of cellular NAD(+) by PARP-1 is accompanied by ATP depletion, mitochondrial depolarization and release of proapoptotic proteins, but whether a causal relationship exists among these events remains an open question. Most of cellular NAD(+) is stored in the mitochondrial matrix and becomes available for cytosolic and nuclear processes only after its release through the permeability transition pore (PTP), a voltage-gated inner membrane channel. Here we have explored whether MNNG affects mitochondrial function upstream of PARP-1 activation. We show that MNNG has a dual effect on isolated mitochondria. At relatively low concentrations (up to 0.1 mM), it selectively sensitizes the PTP to opening, while at higher concentrations (above 0.5 mM) it inhibits carbonyl cyanide 4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone (FCCP)-stimulated respiration. MNNG caused PTP opening and activation of the mitochondrial proapoptotic pathway in intact HeLa cells, which resulted in cell death that could be prevented by the PTP inhibitor CsA. We conclude that a key event in MNNG-dependent cell death is induction of PTP opening that occurs independently of PARP-1 activation.

Regulation of the cardiac mitochondrial membrane potential by retinoids

Cardiomyocytes suffering irreversible damage under oxidative stress during ischemia activate their suicide program. Mitochondria play a key role in this process, while they themselves are subject to regulation by a number of signaling pathways. We demonstrate here that retinoids influence mitochondrial function in cardiomyocytes. Depending on their chemical nature, retinoids can either ameliorate or exacerbate stress-related damage. Thus, vitamin A, retinol, was protective because retinol deprivation enhanced oxidative damage, as indicated by rapid loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Supplementation with a physiological concentration of retinol reversed this effect. Anhydroretinol (AR), a known antagonist, which works by displacing retinol from the common binding sites on serine/threonine kinases, also caused mitochondrial membrane depolarization. The AR effect was both Ca(2+)-dependent and cyclosporin-sensitive, suggesting an upstream signaling mechanism rather than direct membrane effect. Our results agree with a model where retinol supports mitochondrial integrity by enabling upstream signaling processes. The consequences of disrupting these processes by AR are opening of the permeability transition pore, release of cytochrome c, and activation of the suicide program.

Photoreducible high spin iron electron paramagnetic resonance signals in dark-adapted Photosystem II: are they oxidised non-haem iron formed from interaction of oxygen with PSII electron acceptors?

An electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signal near g=6 in Photosystem II (PSII) membranes has been assigned to a high spin form of cytochrome (Cyt) b(559) (R. Fiege, U. Schreiber, G. Renger, W. Lubitz, V.A. Shuvalov, FEBS Lett. 377 (1995) 325-329). Here we have further investigated the origin of this signal. A slow formation of the signal during storage in the dark is observed in oxygen-evolving PSII membranes, which correlate with the oxidation of Fe(2+) by plastosemiquinone or oxygen. Removal of oxygen inhibits formation of the high spin iron signal. The g=6 EPR signal is photoreduced at cryogenic temperatures and is restored slowly by subsequent dark storage at 77 K. The amplitude of the photoreduced signal increases as the pH is lowered, which shows that the origin is not the hydroxyl ligated Cyt b(559) species proposed previously. Different cryoprotectants also influence the amplitude and lineshape of the high spin iron signal in a manner suggesting that smaller cryoprotectants can penetrate the iron environment. A correlation between the high spin iron and g=1.6 EPR signal assigned to an interaction involving the semiquinones of Qa and Qb is shown. It is concluded that the appearance of the high spin iron signal in oxygen-evolving PSII membranes involves reduced PSII electron acceptors and oxygen and suggests that the signal is from the non-haem iron of PSII.

Nucleotide effects on liver and muscle mitochondrial non-phosphorylating respiration and membrane potential

Uncoupling protein-1 homologs are hypothesized to mediate mitochondrial proton leak. To test this hypothesis, we determined the effects of ATP and other nucleotides on liver and skeletal muscle mitochondrial non-phosphorylating respiration (VO(2)), membrane potential, FCCP-stimulated respiratory control ratios, and swelling. Neither ATP nor CTP affected liver or muscle proton leak, but both inhibited the respiratory chain. Unexpectedly, CMP stimulated liver proton leak (EC(50) approximately 4.4+/-0.5 mM). Using CMP chromatography, we identified two proteins (M(r)=31.2 and 32.6 kDa) from liver mitochondria that are similar in size to members of the mitochondrial carrier protein family. We conclude (a) liver and muscle mitochondrial proton leak is insensitive to ATP and CTP, and (b) CMP activates a leak in liver mitochondria. The CMP-inducible leak may be mediated by a 30-32 kDa protein. Based on the high concentrations required, CMP is unlikely to be a physiologically important leak regulator. Nonetheless, our results show that tissues other than brown fat have inducible leaks that may be protein-mediated.

Bcl-2 protects against FCCP-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization in PC12 cells

This report addresses the relation between Bcl-2 and mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)) in apoptotic cell death. Rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells are differentiated into neuron-like cells with nerve growth factor (NGF). It is known that Bcl-2 can attenuate apoptosis induced by deprivation of neurotrophic factor. The protective effect of Bcl-2 has been correlated with preservation of DeltaPsi(m). Protonophores, such as carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP), collapse the proton gradient across the mitochondrial inner membrane, resulting in a complete abolition of the mitochondrial membrane potential. Based on the analysis of morphology, of phosphatidylserine exposure and of nuclear fragmentation we conclude that FCCP induces apoptosis in PC12 cells, which can be prevented by overexpression of Bcl-2. To determine whether the cytoprotective effect of Bcl-2 is due to stabilization of DeltaPsi(m), we investigated the effect of Bcl-2 on changes in DeltaPsi(m), induced by FCCP in PC12 cells. We showed that treatment with FCCP induced a reduction in DeltaPsi(m), as assessed with the lipophilic cationic membrane potential-sensitive dye JC-1, and that Bcl-2 protects against FCCP-induced changes in NGF differentiated PC12 cells. Our data indicate that Bcl-2 protects against FCCP-induced cell death by stabilizing DeltaPsi(m).

Liver mitochondria, confirmed as intact by complete suppression of succinate uptake and oxidation, possess a carnitine palmitoyltransferase I that is totally inhibited by malonyl CoA

Succinate dehydrogenase activity in mitochondria, which were isolated by centrifuging partially purified mitochondria through 1. 315 M sucrose, was completely suppressed when [14C]succinate uptake was abolished by prior incubation of the mitochondria with carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP) and valinomycin. The conclusion that these mitochondria were intact was confirmed by the fact that, when these mitochondria were broken by a freeze-thaw cycle followed by sonication, such inhibition was totally abolished. The yield of mitochondria, microsomes, and peroxisomes from the initial homogenate was 17.8, <0.1, and 0%, respectively, indicating that the mitochondria were not only intact but also essentially free of contamination from microsomes and peroxisomes. The overt form of carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT I) in these intact and pure mitochondria was totally inhibited by malonyl CoA, indicating that previous reports of incomplete inhibition in mitochondrial preparations resulted from interference from CPT activity in the inner mitochondrial membrane (CPT II), microsomes, or peroxisomes.

Decrease in mitochondrial energy coupling by thyroid hormones: a physiological effect rather than a pathological hyperthyroidism consequence

The effect of the in vivo thyroid status on mitochondrial membrane potential (delta psi(m)) in isolated rat hepatocytes was studies by means of a cytofluorimetric technique and the delta psi(m)-specific probe JC-1. It is shown that the delta psi(m) level decreases in the order hypothyroid > euthyroid > hyperthyroid. Polarographic measurement of the hepatocyte respiratory rates revealed an opposite trend of values: the highest respiratory rate in hepatocytes from hyperthyroid animals, the lowest in those from hypothyroid ones. This means that mitochondrial energy coupling is highest in hypothyroid hepatocytes and lowest in hyperthyroid hepatocytes. 6-Ketocholestanol added to hepatocytes failed to counterbalance the uncoupling effect of thyroid hormones on delta psi(m) and respiration rate. Under the same conditions, 6-ketocholestanol appeared to be effective in recoupling of respiration uncoupled by low concentrations of the artificial protonophore FCCP. The mechanism and possible physiological functions of the thyroid hormone-induced decrease in mitochondrial energy coupling are discussed.

Functional heterogeneity of an isolated mitochondrial population revealed by cytofluorometric analysis at the single organelle level

Isolated rat liver mitochondria were incubated under various metabolic conditions to determine their membrane potential (MMP) as measured continuously by a tetraphenylphosphonium (TPP+)-selective electrode. By flow cytometry, a parallel analysis of fluorescence emissions observing single mitochondria stained with the lipophilic cation 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1'3,3'-tetraethylbenzimidazolcarbocyanine iodide (JC-1) revealed linear correlation between the median orange fluorescence (FL2) due to J-aggregate formations and MMP values measured by TPP+. No correlation was detected with the green fluorescence (FL1) emission. A significantly higher correlation appeared between the FL2/FL1 ratio and MMP values. Within the same mitochondrial population, cytofluorimetric analysis revealed the presence of various classes of organelles with different MMP, whose distribution was dependent on metabolic condition. The highest functional heterogeneity was found in deenergized mitochondria, while the highest homogeneity was observed during the first phase of the phosphorylative process. Thus, these data suggest that the cytofluorimetric use of JC-1 provides direct experimental evidence for the hypothesis of functional mitochondrial heterogeneity, at least with respect to their membrane potential.

Effect of thyroid status in the perinatal period on oxidative capacities and mitochondrial respiration in porcine liver and skeletal muscle

Regulatory thermogenesis is reduced in newborn piglets which have been made hypothyroid during late gestation by giving the sow a high glucosinolate rapeseed diet (test animals). Thereafter, the progressive increase in thermogenic capacity parallels the development of a marked postnatal hyperthyroid state. To explain these effects of thyroid hormones at the tissue and mitochondrial levels, we have examined both liver and skeletal muscle to determine possible underlying changes in (i) tissue oxidative capacities (cytochrome oxidase (CO) activity), between 80 d of gestation and 48 h after birth, and (ii) mitochondrial content and respiratory capacities at 24 h of life. In control piglets, CO activity increased sharply during late gestation and the first 2 d of life in liver and rhomboideus (RH) muscle (P < 0.01), whereas only a prenatal increase was observed in longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle. Test fetuses were hypothyroid and had lower CO activities than controls during late gestation in RH muscle (P < 0.06, at 110 d of gestation; P < 0.08, at birth) and in liver (P < 0.001, at birth). The postnatal increase in CO activity in RH muscle and liver was higher (P < 0.05) in test than in control piglets, and as a result the difference between the 2 groups was not significant by 24-48 h of life. There was no effect of treatment on LD muscle. At 24 h, hyperthyroid test piglets had lower amounts of mitochondrial proteins than controls (P < 0.05) in all three tissues, possibly reflecting reduced mitochondrial protein synthesis during fetal life and suggesting that high postnatal T3 levels did not bring about major increases in protein synthesis within 24 h. However, test piglets exhibited higher rates of mitochondrial respiration than controls in liver and RH muscle, as shown by increases in State III and FCCP-stimulated respirations (P < 0.05), and mitochondrial CO and creatine kinase activities (P < 0.05). In RH muscle, both subsarcolemmal and intermyofibrillar mitochondria showed the same trends. No changes were observed in LD muscle. Our results describe for the first time the effect of thyroid hormones on perinatal oxidative capacities and neonatal mitochondrial respiration in liver and skeletal muscle of the pig, through both the short-term regulation of mitochondrial respiration and the long-term control of mitochondrial biogenesis. The differential sensitivity of LD and RH muscles to thyroid hormones is discussed.

Relaxation in ferret ventricular myocytes: role of the sarcolemmal Ca ATPase

In ferret ventricular myocytes the rate of intracellular Ca concentration [Ca]i decline and relaxation is remarkably fast (compared with rabbit and rat) under conditions where both the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca uptake and Na/Ca exchange are inhibited. Here we explore the possibility that this rapid [Ca]i decline in ferret cells is attributable to the sarcolemmal Ca ATPase by using carboxyeosin (a potent inhibitor of the sarcolemmal Ca-ATPase). We compare the effects of carboxyeosin with those of elevated extracellular [Ca] ([Ca]o) (a thermodynamic approach to limit Ca transport by the sarcolemmal Ca ATPase). In rabbit cells, carboxyeosin and high [Ca]o slowed [Ca]i decline similarly and both virtually abolished [Ca]i decline when mitochondrial Ca uptake was also inhibited. In ferret cells, carboxyeosin treatment produced these same effects on [Ca]i decline, but high [Ca]o did not mimic them. Moreover, only in carboxyeosin-treated ferret cells did additional inhibition of mitochondrial Ca uptake nearly abolish [Ca]i decline. We conclude that, carboxyeosin loading can inhibit the sarcolemmal Ca-ATPase in intact myocytes; that this pump seems likely to be responsible for the much faster relaxation observed in ferret cells after block of SR Ca accumulation and Na/Ca exchange transport and that the sarcolemmal Ca pump apparently has different characteristics in rabbit and ferret ventricular myocytes.

The alpha-D-glucosyl C-2 hydroxyl is required for binding to the H(+)-sucrose transporter in phloem

The specificity of uptake of sucrose into isolated phloem tissue from Apium graveolens has been investigated using a number of analogues of sucrose. The presence of a single saturable transport system for sucrose was confirmed using the double isotope method of Inui and Christensen (J. Gen. Physiol. 50 (1966) 203-224). 4-Hydroxyphenyl beta-D-fructofuranoside showed no inhibition of sucrose uptake, whereas 4-hydroxyphenyl alpha-D-glucopyranoside showed competitive inhibition with a Ki of 6.7 mM. 4-Methoxyphenyl alpha-D-glucopyranoside also inhibited sucrose uptake competitively (Ki = 6.0 mM). This compound was also synthesised radioactively labelled with 14C and its uptake into phloem tissue was conclusively demonstrated to occur by active transport on the same carrier as sucrose. Contrastingly, 4-methoxyphenyl alpha-D-2-deoxyglucopyranoside displayed non-competitive inhibition of sucrose influx (Ki = 2.5 mM) and uptake of the 14C-labelled compound was insensitive to FCCP, PCMBS and sucrose. We conclude that the hydroxyl group at the C-2 position on the glucopyranosyl moiety is essential for binding to the sucrose carrier in this tissue.

Quick and accurate method to convert BCECF fluorescence to pHi: calibration in three different types of cell preparations

A rapid, easy, and accurate method for converting the fluorescence of BCECF to pH, as an alternative to the nigericin method, is described. The ratio of the fluorescence intensities for BCECF can be converted to pH between 4 and 9 by a formula similar to the one used to calculate [Ca2+]i from the fluorescence of fura2. The formula is inverted because H+ binding to BCECF causes a decrease in fluorescence, whereas Ca2+ binding to fura2 causes an increase in fluorescence. The ratio of the fluorescence intensities is a sigmoidal function of the [H+] between pH 4 and 9 with an essentially linear mid region from pH 6 to 8. This calibration procedure in cells is similar to the popular method for fura2 where ionomycin, Ca2+, and an alkaline EGTA solution are added in succession to change the intracellular pCa from 4 to 9. For BCECF in cells, a protonophore, FCCP or CCCP, is added and the cells are titrated with acid to an intracellular pH of 4 and then back to pH 9 with base by observing the gradual change in fluorescence as it asymptotically reaches its limiting minimum and maximum values. This method does not require changing the medium to one with high KCl to depolarize the membrane potential nor does the proton concentration need to be equilibrated across the plasma membrane. The technique can be used to calibrate BCECF in sheets of cells, as well as suspensions of cells over a wide range of pH sensitivities.

The mechanism of human placental urea transport: a study using placental brush border (microvillous) membrane vesicles

To elucidate the mechanism of placental amino acid transport, the transport of amino acids into brush border membrane vesicles was investigated using brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) separated from the human full-term placenta. 1. The transport of l-alanine and l-glutamine into the brush border membrane vesicles prepared from either early gestational placenta or full-termed placenta disclosed a typical overshooting phenomenon in the presence of H+ concentration gradient (extravesicular pH greater than intravesicular pH). 2. The H(+)-dependent overshooting transport of urea into the brush border membrane vesicles disappeared in the presence of H+ ionophore. 3. The initial velocity of H+ concentration gradient dependent uptake of urea into the brush border membrane vesicles was regulated by the saturation kinetics determined by the concentration of urea. The values of Km and Vmax, calculated as the kinetic parameters of urea transport by reciprocal plotting of the initial velocity of uptake and the concentration of urea, were 10.8 mM and 410 mumol/mg protein/10 sec, respectively. The above results indicate that a transport system which transports urea in exchange for H+ exists in human full-term placental microvillous membrane.

Increased spectrin proteolysis in fibroblasts from aged and Alzheimer donors

Since calcium homeostasis is altered in cultured skin fibroblasts from aged and Alzheimer donors, the present study examined the degradation of spectrin, a substrate of the calcium dependent protease calpain. Spectrin proteolysis was estimated as the percentage of spectrin breakdown products (e.g., 150 + 155 kDa bands) per total spectrin immunoreactivity. In the baseline condition (e.g., unstimulated fibroblasts), spectrin breakdown was 53% greater in cells from aged donors when compared to cells from either young or Alzheimer donors. Compared to unstimulated cells, serum increased spectrin breakdown in cells from aged (22.4%) or Alzheimer (92.1%) donors but was ineffective in cells from young donors. Thus, when compared to young donors (100%), serum stimulation increased spectrin proteolysis by 183.9% (aged) or 231.7% (Alzheimer) after serum stimulation. Treatment of unstimulated cells with carbonyl cyanide 4-trifluoromethoxy-phenylhydrazone (FCCP), an uncoupler of mitochondrial function, increased spectrin degradation by 360.6% (young), 242.4% (aged) or 239.7% (Alzheimer) when compared to unstimulated cells of the same group. The combination of FCCP and serum stimulation enhanced spectrin breakdown in cells from aged (123.6%) and Alzheimer (154.0%) donors when compared to young cells (100%). Thus, changes in the regulation of calcium dependent proteases may contribute to decreased cell spreading and may play a role in the altered cytoskeletal dynamics characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.

Amphotericin B and Nystatin show different activities on sterol-free vesicles

It has generally been assumed that the polyene antibiotics Nystatin and Amphotericin B cause membrane damage by the same mechanism. However, using kinetic fluorescence methods we have found that AmB and Nystatin have very different activities on sterol-free dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine and egg phosphatidylcholine small unilamellar vesicles. At very low AmB concentrations (less than 1/1000 lipids in egg phosphatidylcholine) significant K+ permeability enhancement is observed. However, even at very high Nystatin to lipid ratios (1/100) very little K+ current is induced, particularly in dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine vesicles. The novel technique described here uses a K+/H+ exchange mechanism to detect minute transmembrane K+ currents by monitoring internal membrane vesicle pH changes with pyranine.

Control of respiration in non-phosphorylating mitochondria is shared between the proton leak and the respiratory chain

We measured the relationship between rate of respiration and membrane potential in isolated mitochondria titrated with malonate (to inhibit the electron transport chain) or with uncoupler (to increase the proton conductance of the inner membrane). We used the flux control summation and connectivity theorems of metabolic control theory to calculate the control over non-phosphorylating respiration exerted by the respiratory chain (and associated reactions) and by the leak of protons across the inner membrane. At 37 degrees C the flux control coefficient of the leak over respiration was 0.66; the flux control coefficient of the chain over respiration was 0.34. At 25 degrees C the values were 0.75 and 0.25 respectively. We argue that the basis for previous conclusions that all the control is exerted by the proton leak under similar conditions is invalid.

Simultaneous determination of membrane potential and pH gradient by photodiode array spectroscopy

Membrane potential (delta psi) and pH difference (delta pH) were simultaneously determined in liposomes using a photodiode array spectrophotometer. By the use of a cyanine dye (DiS-C3(5)) and 9-aminoacridine for delta psi and delta pH probes, respectively, both changes of delta psi and delta pH could be successfully determined by photodiode array spectrometry. Each dye did not disturb the fluorescence spectrum of the other probe when its concentration was lower than 5 microM. The K+-diffusion potential-driven, FCCP(protonophore)-mediated H+-influx process in the K+-loaded liposomes was analyzed by this method. Results indicate that the kinetic behavior of H+ influx changes at a FCCP concentration of approx. 30 nM. The rate of delta pH formation increased quantitatively with increasing concentrations of FCCP up to 30 nM, but was markedly enhanced at higher concentrations, although the maximal delta pH attained was about 3 pH units in any case when a K+-diffusion potential of -180 mV was applied.

Protonmotive force and photophosphorylation in single swollen thylakoid vesicles

Swollen vesicles generally 40 micron in diameter were prepared from spinach chloroplasts. These vesicles appear to originate from thylakoids. The present study reports results obtained with individual vesicles using micromanipulative procedures. The electric potential across the membrane was measured with microelectrodes and the pH of the internal space was calculated from the fluorescence of the pH indicator pyranine. The individual vesicles photophosphorylate as measured with luciferin-luciferase. Impalement with microelectrodes did not affect the ability of individual vesicles to photophosphorylate. However, there was no significant membrane potential either with continuous illumination or light flashes. In contrast, we found a delta pH of 3.7 under photophosphorylative conditions and the incubation with the appropriate buffers blocked photophosphorylation presumably by preventing formation of a pH gradient. We propose that, in these vesicles, the membrane potential plays no role in photophosphorylation, whereas a pH gradient is obligatory.

Ion movements in membrane vesicles: a new fluorescence method and application to smooth muscle

A method is described for studying ion permeabilities of membrane vesicles based on the principle that when membrane permeability to H+ is very high, the H+ movement is determined by the membrane potential generated by the H+ movement. The rate of H+ movement under these conditions thus gives a measure of the rate of dissipation of this membrane potential by comovement of anions or countermovement of cations present. Thus, by studying the H+ efflux using an impermeant cation and different anions, the membrane permeability to the anions can be assessed. Similarly, the use of an impermeant anion allows the study of the permeation of various cations. H+ movement was followed across the membranes by monitoring a change in the fluorescence intensity of the pH-sensitive dye pyranine trapped inside the membranes. This method when tested using phosphatidylcholine liposomes yielded the expected results, i.e., permeability of the liposomal membrane was: Cl- greater than SO2-4 and K+ greater than Na+. A plasma membrane-enriched fraction loaded with pyranine was isolated from estrogen-dominant rat myometrium. The anion permeability characteristics of this membrane were studied using tetramethylammonium (TMA+) as the poorly permeant cation, and the cation permeability was studied using L-glutamate- as the poorly permeant anion. The anion permeabilities were D-glutamate- less than L-glutamate- less than glutarate2- less than Cl- less than or equal to SO2-4, and the cation permeabilities were TMA+ less than K+ less than Na+. It is hypothesized that the observed anomalously higher Na+ and SO2-4 movements may involve special mechanisms.

Pathological mechanisms in carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity

Liver cell injury induced by carbon tetrachloride involves initially the metabolism of carbon tetrachloride to trichloromethyl free-radical by the mixed function oxidase system of the endoplasmic reticulum. It is postulated that secondary mechanisms link carbon tetrachloride metabolism to the widespread disturbances in hepatocyte function. These secondary mechanisms could involve the generation of toxic products arising directly from carbon tetrachloride metabolism or from peroxidative degeneration of membrane lipids. The possible involvement of radical species such as trichloromethyl (.CCl3), trichloromethylperoxy (.OOCCl3), and chlorine (.Cl) free radicals, as well as phosgene and aldehydic products of lipid peroxidation, as toxic intermediates is discussed. Data do not support the view that an increase in cytosolic free calcium is important in the toxic action of carbon tetrachloride or bromotrichloromethane. In addition, carbon tetrachloride-induced inhibition of very low density lipoprotein secretion by hepatocytes is not a result of elevated levels of cytosolic free calcium.

Berberine derivatives as cationic fluorescent probes for the investigation of the energized state of mitochondria

The interaction of rat liver and bovine heart mitochondria with a series of fluorescent, cationic berberine derivatives varying in the length of alkyl chain has been investigated. An increase in the hydrophobicity of the derivative was accompanied by a larger value of the partition coefficient and by binding to a more hydrophobic region of the inner mitochondrial membrane. It was found that berberines could be used as sensitive indicators of processes which take place on the outer surface of the mitochondrial membrane; the greatest (15-fold) increase in fluorescence was obtained with 13-methylberberine in the energized state of mitochondria. The fluorescence increase was due to the increase in fluorescence quantum yield although a small increase in the amount of bound derivative could also be detected upon energization. The fluorescence was linearly dependent on the magnitude of the membrane potential. In parallel with an observed fluorescence enhancement a considerable decrease in rotational mobility was found. We suggest that berberines move in the inner membrane according to the polarity of the membrane potential; consequently, deeper immersion in the less polar region in the energized state brings about a larger fluorescence increase. More hydrophobic derivatives inhibited NAD-linked respiration in rat liver mitochondria but exerted no effect on succinate oxidation up to 10 microM concentration.

The resonance Raman spectrum of carotenoids as an intrinsic probe for membrane potential. Oscillatory changes in the spectrum of neurosporene in the chromatophores of Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides

The resonance Raman spectrum of the carotenoid neurosporene is shown to be a sensitive monitor of absorption shifts, and thus changes in membrane potential, in chromatophores of the GlC mutant of Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides. For a Raman excitation wavelength at 472.7 nm, the intensities of the two most prominent resonance Raman features (v1 and v2) respond very differently to small shifts in the absorption maxima. Thus, the ratio intensity v1/intensity v2 is a sensitive probe for absorption shifts. Changes in this ratio of approximately 20% were observed during a valinomycin induced diffusion potential. At 5 degrees C changes in the average intensity ratio of +6, -4 and -14% were brought about by oligomycin, FCCP and sodium deoxycholate, respectively. The changes in intensity ratio were temperature dependent and, in addition, effects due to the laser beam acting as an actinic light could be detected. Oscillatory changes were observed in absolute Raman and Rayleigh scattering intensities for chromatophores at 5 degrees C and for intact cells under growing conditions.

Complex formation between the uncoupler carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP) and valinomycin in the presence of potassium

Spectroscopic evidence is presented which indicates that the uncoupler carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP) and the peptide antibiotic valinomycin form a complex in the presence of potassium. Complex formation has been observed both in aqueous and nonaqueous media. Several techniques have been used to indicate the existence of a complex in aqueous solution. In the presence of valinomycin and K+, the absorption spectrum of FCCP is significantly perturbed, and there is also a large induced circular dichroism signal. In addition, the previously characterized complex which forms between valinomycin, K+, and the fluorescent probe 8-anilino-1-naphthalene-sulfonate (ANS) in aqueous solution is apparently disrupted by the addition of FCCP. The result is an effective quenching of the fluorescence due to the bound probe as it is displaced from the valinomycin.K+ by the uncoupler. In a nonpolar solvent, the absorption spectrum of FCCP is also perturbed by valinomycin in the presence of K+, again indicating the formation of a complex. These data point to the importance of considering the role of valinomycin.K+.uncoupler complex in interpreting physiological or ion transport data in which these substances have been used together.

Cation transport in cytochrome oxidase reconstituted vesicles

Cation translocation across the membrane of cytochrome oxidase reconstituted vesicles may be followed with a simple spectrophotometric method. Cytochrome oxidase reconstituted vesicles, supplemented with ascorbate and cytochrome c. induce large spectral changes of the positive dye safranine, reversed by uncouplers and inhibitors of respiration. The dye is probably accumulated in the inner space of the vesicles, where it reaches high concentrations and aggregates. The spectral shifts and the absorbance changes, due to aggregation, are proportional to the amount of the dye taken up and depend on the respiratory control. In the presence of potassium, valinomycin causes an inhibition, whereas nigericin stimulates the dye uptake. The data are discussed in terms of electrical potential dependent fluxes.

Reconstitution of Biological Molecular generators of electric current. Bacteriorhodopsin

1. Photoinduced generation of electric current by bacteriorhodopsin, incorporated into the planar phospholipid membrane, has been directly measured with conventional electrometer techniques. 2. Two methods for bacteriorhodopsin incorporation have been developed: (a) formation of planar membrane from a mixture of decane solution of phospholipids and of the fraction of violet fragments of the Halobacterium halobium membrane (bacteriorhodopsin sheets), and (b) adhesion of bacteriorhodopsin-containing reconstituted spherical membranes (proteoliposomes) to the planar membrane in the presence of Ca2+ or some other cations. In both cases, illumination was found to induce electric current generation directed across the planar membrane, an effect which was measured by macroelectrodes immersed into electrolyte solutions on both sides of the membrane. 3. The maximal values of the transmembrane electric potential were of about 150 mV at a current of about 10(-11) A. The electromotive force measured by means of counterbalancing the photoeffect by an external battery, was found to reach the value of 300 mV. 4. The action spectrum of the photoeffect coincides with the bacteriorhodopsin absorption spectrum (maximum about 570 nm). 5. Both components of the electrochemical potential of H+ ions (electric potential and delta pH) across the planar membrane affect the bacteriorhodopsin photoelectric response in a fashion which could be expected if bacteriorhodopsin were a light-dependent electrogenic proton pump. 6. La3+ ions were shown to inhibit operation of those bacteriorhodopsin which pump out H+ ions from the La3+-containing compartment. 7. The photoeffect, mediated by proteoliposomes associated with thick planar membrane, is decreased by gramicidin A at concentrations which do not influence the planar membrane resistance in the light. On the contrary, a protonophorous uncoupler, trichlorocarbonylcyanidephenylhydrazone, decreases the photoeffect only if it is added at a concentration lowering the light resistance. The dark resistance is shown to be higher than the light one, and decreases to the light level by gramicidin. 8. A simple equivalent electric scheme consistent with the above results has been proposed.