Autophagocytosis of Mitochondria Is Prominent in Alzheimer Disease

Mitochondrial abnormalities are prominent in Alzheimer disease. In this study, 2 mitochondrial markers, cytochrome oxidase-1 and lipoic acid, a sulfur-containing cofactor required for the activity of several mitochondrial enzyme complexes, were compared using light and electron microscopic analyses and immunoblot assays. Both lipoic acid and cytochrome oxidase-1 immunoreactivity are increased in the cytoplasm of pyramidal neurons in Alzheimer disease compared with control cases. Of significance, lipoic acid was found to be strongly associated with granular structures, and ultrastructure analysis showed localization to mitochondria, cytosol, and, importantly, in organelles identified as autophagic vacuoles and lipofuscin in Alzheimer disease but not control cases. Cytochrome oxidase-1 immunoreactivity was limited to mitochondria and cytosol in both Alzheimer and control cases. These data suggest that mitochondria are key targets of increased autophagic degradation in Alzheimer disease. Whether increased autophagocytosis is a consequence of an increased turnover of mitochondria or whether the mitochondria in Alzheimer disease are more susceptible to autophagy remains to be resolved.

Hypoxia-inducible factor 2alpha regulates expression of the mitochondrial aconitase chaperone protein frataxin

Mice lacking Epas1, encoding the transcription factor Hypoxia-inducible Factor 2alpha (HIF-2alpha), exhibit an apparent mitochondrial disease state. Similarities between knock-outs of Epas1 and of Sod2, encoding the mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase, led to the identification of Sod2 as a HIF-2alpha target gene. However, Sod2 levels in Epas1(-)(/)(-) liver are intermediate between that of Sod(+)(/)(-) and Sod2(-)(/)(-) mice, which have subtle or severe phenotypes, respectively. This suggests that additional HIF-2alpha target genes besides Sod2 contribute to the Epas1(-)(/)(-) mitochondrial disease state. To define the nature of the mitochondrial defect in Epas1(-)(/)(-) liver, we performed biophysical, biochemical, and molecular studies. In the setting of decreased Sod2 levels and increased oxidative stress, we found reduced respiration, sensitized mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening, intact electron transport chain activities, and impaired mitochondrial aconitase activity. Mitochondrial aconitase protein levels were preserved, whereas mRNA and protein levels for frataxin, the oxidative stress-regulated mitochondrial aconitase chaperone protein, were markedly reduced in Epas1(-)(/)(-) livers. The mouse Fxn promoter was preferentially activated by HIF-2alpha through a consensus HIF-responsive enhancer element. In summary, the studies reveal that Fxn, like Sod2, is a nuclear-encoded, mitochondrial-localized HIF-2alpha target gene required for optimal mitochondrial homeostasis. These findings expand upon the previously defined role of HIF-2alpha in the cellular response to oxidative stress and identify a novel link of HIF-2alpha with mitochondrial homeostasis.

Inhibition of complex I by Ca2+ reduces electron transport activity and the rate of superoxide anion production in cardiac submitochondrial particles

Declines in the rate of mitochondrial electron transport and subsequent increases in the half-life of reduced components of the electron transport chain can stimulate O2*- formation. We have previously shown that, in solubilized cardiac mitochondria, Ca2+ mediates reversible free radical-induced inhibition of complex I. In the study presented here, submitochondrial particles prepared from rat heart were utilized to determine the effects of Ca2+ on specific components of the respiratory chain and on the rates of electron transport and O2*- production. The results indicate that complex I is inactivated when submitochondrial particles are treated with Ca2+. Inactivation was specific to complex I with no alterations in the activities of other electron transport chain complexes. Complex I inactivation by Ca2+ resulted in the reduction of NADH-supported electron transport activity. In contrast to the majority of electron transport chain inhibitors, Ca2+ suppressed the rate of O2*- production. In addition, while inhibition of complex III stimulated O2*- production, Ca2+ reduced the relative rate of O2*- production, consistent with the magnitude of complex I inhibition. Evidence indicates that complex I is the primary source of O2*- released from this preparation of submitochondrial particles. Ca2+ therefore inhibits electron transport upstream of site(s) of free radical production. This may represent a means of limiting O2*- production by a compromised electron transport chain.

Early myocardial dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice: a study using in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Background

Diabetes is associated with a cardiomyopathy that is independent of coronary artery disease or hypertension. In the present study we used in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and echocardiographic techniques to examine and characterize early changes in myocardial function in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Diabetes was induced in 8-week old C57BL/6 mice with two intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin. The blood glucose levels were maintained at 19–25 mmol/l using intermittent low dosages of long acting insulin glargine. MRI and echocardiography were performed at 4 weeks of diabetes (age of 12 weeks) in diabetic mice and age-matched controls.

Results

After 4 weeks of hyperglycemia one marker of mitochondrial function, NADH oxidase activity, was decreased to 50% of control animals. MRI studies of diabetic mice at 4 weeks demonstrated significant deficits in myocardial morphology and functionality including: a decreased left ventricular (LV) wall thickness, an increased LV end-systolic diameter and volume, a diminished LV ejection fraction and cardiac output, a decreased LV circumferential shortening, and decreased LV peak ejection and filling rates. M-mode echocardiographic and Doppler flow studies of diabetic mice at 4 weeks showed a decreased wall thickening and increased E/A ratio, supporting both systolic and diastolic dysfunction.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that MRI interrogation can identify the onset of diabetic cardiomyopathy in mice with its impaired functional capacity and altered morphology. The MRI technique will lend itself to repetitive study of early changes in cardiac function in small animal models of diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Lipid Peroxidation During Human Cerebral Myelination

The critical period of human cerebral myelination is characterized by rapid production of cellular membranes. We hypothesize that this period is subject to the "physiological" generation of free radicals resulting in lipid peroxidation (LPO). In this study, oxidative markers were examined in developing human parietal white matter using 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) protein adducts as an indicator of LPO. Immunocytochemistry showed an increase in HNE-positive glia from 40 gestational weeks to 1.5 postnatal years encompassing the peak period of myelin sheath synthesis at this site. Western blots showed a distinct pattern of HNE-modified proteins at fetal/term ages 26 to 42 gestational weeks and a second, different pattern at 45 gestational weeks to 2.5 postnatal years. Proteins modified by HNE in the latter period, corresponding to active myelination, were identified using mass spectrometry. The most prominent category of HNE modification included cytoskeletal proteins such as tubulins and neurofilaments. Other categories included cell type-specific proteins for mature oligodendrocytes and astrocytes and proteins involved in cell cycle and energy metabolism. We conclude that human brain development involves basal levels of oxidative stress and resulting LPO and that these processes target different proteins in an age-specific manner, thereby likely playing distinct roles during different periods of brain maturation.

Alterations in mitochondrial and cytosolic methionine sulfoxide reductase activity during cardiac ischemia and reperfusion

During cardiac ischemia/reperfusion, proteins are targets of reactive oxygen species produced by the mitochondrial respiratory chain resulting in the accumulation of oxidatively modified protein. Sulfur-containing amino acids are among the most sensitive to oxidation. Certain cysteine and methionine oxidation products can be reversed back to their reduced form within proteins by specific repair enzymes. Oxidation of methionine in protein produces methionine-S-sulfoxide and methionine-R-sulfoxide that can be catalytically reduced by two stereospecific enzymes, methionine sulfoxide reductases A and B, respectively. Due to the importance of the methionine sulfoxide reductase system in the maintenance of protein structure and function during conditions of oxidative stress, the fate of this system during ischemia/reperfusion was investigated. Mitochondrial and cytosolic methionine sulfoxide reductase activities are decreased during ischemia and at early times of reperfusion, respectively. Partial recovery of enzyme activity was observed upon extended periods of reperfusion. Evidence indicates that loss in activity is not due to a decrease in the level of MsrA but may involve structural modification of the enzyme.

Mitochondrial protein oxidation and degradation in response to oxidative stress and aging

Mitochondria are a major source of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), the production of which increases with age. These organelles are also targets of oxidative damage. The deleterious effects of ROS may be responsible for impairment of mitochondrial function observed during various pathophysiological states associated with oxidative stress and aging. An important factor for protein maintenance in the presence of oxidative stress is enzymatic reversal of oxidative modifications and/or protein degradation. Failure of these protein maintenance systems is likely a critical component of the aging process. Mitochondrial matrix proteins are sensitive to oxidative inactivation and oxidized proteins are known to accumulate during aging. The ATP-stimulated mitochondrial Lon protease is a highly conserved protease found in prokaryotes and the mitochondrial compartment of eukaryotes and is believed to play an important role in the degradation of oxidized mitochondrial matrix proteins. Age-dependent declines in the activity and regulation of this proteolytic system may underlie accumulation of oxidatively modified and dysfunctional protein and loss in mitochondrial viability.

Preconditioning prevents loss in mitochondrial function and release of cytochrome c during prolonged cardiac ischemia/reperfusion

Loss in mitochondrial function and induction of mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis occur as a result of cardiac ischemia/reperfusion. Brief and repeated cycles of ischemia/reperfusion, termed ischemic preconditioning, prevent or minimize contractile dysfunction and apoptosis associated with prolonged episodes of cardiac ischemia and reperfusion. The effects of preconditioning on various indices of ischemia/reperfusion-induced alterations in mitochondrial function and structure were therefore explored. Utilizing an in vivo rat model data is provided indicating that preconditioning completely prevents cardiac ischemia/reperfusion-induced: (1) loss in the activity of the redox sensitive Krebs cycle enzyme alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase; (2) declines in NADH-linked ADP-dependent mitochondrial respiration; (3) insertion of the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein Bax into the mitochondrial membrane; and (4) release of cytochrome c into the cytosol. The results of the current study indicate that preconditioning prevents specific alterations in mitochondrial structure and function that are known to impact cellular viability and provide insight into the collective benefits of preconditioning.

Decreased complex II respiration and HNE-modified SDH subunit in diabetic heart

Several lines of research suggest that mitochondria play a role in the etiopathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy, although the mechanisms involved are still debated. In the present study, we report that State 3 oxygen consumption decreases by approximately 35% with glutamate and by approximately 30% with succinate in mitochondria from diabetic rat hearts compared to controls. In these mitochondria the enzymatic activities of complex I and complex II are also decreased to a comparable extent. Western blot analysis of mitochondrial protein pattern using antibodies recognizing proteins modified by the lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxynonenal indicates the FAD-containing subunit of succinate dehydrogenase as one of the targets of this highly reactive aldehyde. In rats diabetic for 6 or 12 weeks, insulin supplementation for 2 weeks decreases the level of protein modified by 4-hydroxynonenal and restores mitochondrial respiration and enzyme activity to control level. Taken together, these results: (1) indicate that 4-hydroxynonenal is endogenously produced within diabetic mitochondria and forms an adduct with selective mitochondrial proteins, (2) identify one of these proteins as a subunit of succinate dehydrogenase, and (3) provide strong evidence that insulin treatment can reverse and ameliorate free radical damage and mitochondrial function under diabetic conditions.

Inactivation of the proteasome by 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal is site specific and dependant on 20S proteasome subtypes

The proteasome represents a major intracellular proteolytic system responsible for the degradation of oxidized and ubiquitinated proteins in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. We have previously reported that proteasome undergoes modification by the lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) and exhibits declines in peptidase activities during cardiac ischemia/reperfusion. This study was undertaken to characterize the effects of HNE on the structure and function of the 20S proteasome. To assess potential tissue-specific differences in the response to HNE, we utilized purified 20S proteasome from heart and liver, tissues that express different proteasome subtypes. Following incubation of heart and liver 20S proteasome with HNE, changes in the 2D gel electrophoresis patterns and peptidase activities of the proteasome were evaluated. Proteasome subunits were identified by mass spectrometry prior to and following treatment with HNE. Our results demonstrate that specific subunits of the 20S proteasome are targeted for modification by HNE and that modified proteasome exhibits selective alterations in peptidase activities. The results provide evidence for a likely mechanism of proteasome inactivation in response to oxidative stress particularly during cardiac ischemia/reperfusion.

Glycation of mitochondrial proteins from diabetic rat kidney is associated with excess superoxide formation

Chronic hyperglycemia causes structural alterations of proteins through the Maillard reaction. In diabetes, methylglyoxal (MGO)-induced hydroimidazolones are the predominant modification. In contrast to acute hyperglycemia, mitochondrial respiration is depressed in chronic diabetes. To determine whether MGO-derived protein modifications result in abnormalities in mitochondrial bioenergetics and superoxide formation, proteomics and functional studies were performed in renal cortical mitochondria isolated from rats with 2, 6, and 12 mo of streptozotocin-induced diabetes. MGO-modified proteins belonged to the following two pathways: 1) oxidative phosphorylation and 2) fatty acid β-oxidation. Two of these proteins were identified as components of respiratory complex III, the major site of superoxide production in health and disease. Mitochondria from rats with diabetes exhibited a diminution of oxidative phosphorylation. A decrease in the respiratory complex III activity was significantly correlated with the quantity of MGO-derived hydroimidazolone present on mitochondrial proteins in both diabetic and control animals. In diabetes, isolated renal mitochondria produced significantly increased quantities of superoxide and showed evidence of oxidative damage. Administration of aminoguanidine improved mitochondrial respiration and complex III activity and decreased oxidative damage to mitochondrial proteins. Therefore, posttranslational modifications of mitochondrial proteins by MGO may represent pathogenic events leading to mitochondria-induced oxidative stress in the kidney in chronic diabetes.

Manganese superoxide dismutase and inducible nitric oxide synthase modify early oxidative events in acute Adriamycin-induced mitochondrial toxicity

In the present study, we used genetically engineered B6C3 mice [mice overexpressing manganese superoxide dismutase (TgM(+/+)), mice in which inducible nitric oxide synthase had been inactivated (iNOSKO(-/-)), and crosses of these two genotypes] to study the role of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the development of acute Adriamycin-induced cardiotoxicity. Both nontransgenic and genetically engineered mice were treated with 20 mg/kg Adriamycin and cardiac left ventricular tissues studied at 0, 3, 6, and 24 hours. Ultrastructural damage and levels of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4HNE) protein adducts and 3-nitrotyrosine (3NT) were determined in cardiomyocytes using immunogold ultrastructural techniques. Our previous results showed that Adriamycin caused mitochondrial injury without significant nuclear or cytoplasmic damage at early time points. Interestingly, overexpression of MnSOD protected against acute mitochondrial injury, whereas deficiency in iNOS potentiated mitochondrial injury in comparison with levels of injury present in cardiomyocyte mitochondria of nontransgenic mice. In TgM(+/+) mice, there was a significant inverse correlation between mitochondrial injury and 4HNE/3NT levels at all time points analyzed, suggesting that reactive oxygen species/reactive nitrogen species damage products directly regulated acute Adriamycin-induced mitochondrial injury in these mice. The present studies are the first to directly quantify the effects of MnSOD and iNOS on mitochondrial injury during acute Adriamycin-induced cardiotoxicity and show extensive and specific patterns of posttranslational modifications of mitochondrial proteins following Adriamycin treatment.

Translocation of δPKC to mitochondria during cardiac reperfusion enhances superoxide anion production and induces loss in mitochondrial function

Activation of the delta-isoform of protein kinase C (deltaPKC) by certain conditions of oxidative stress results in translocation of the kinase to the mitochondria leading to release of cytochrome c and the induction of apoptosis. In the current study, the effects of myocardial reperfusion-induced deltaPKC translocation on mitochondrial function were assessed. Mitochondria isolated from hearts that had undergone ischemia (30 min) followed by reperfusion (15 min) exhibited a significant increase in the rate of superoxide anion (O(2)(-)) generation. This was associated with the translocation of deltaPKC to the mitochondria within the first 5 min of reperfusion. deltaPKC translocation occurred exclusively during reperfusion and could be mimicked by infusion of intact hearts with H(2)O(2) suggesting redox-dependent activation during reperfusion. Infusion of a peptide inhibitor (deltaV(1-1)) specific to the delta-isoform of PKC significantly reduced reperfusion-induced increases in mitochondrial O(2)(-) generation. Finally, the decline in mitochondrial respiratory activity evident upon prolonged reperfusion (120min) was completely prevented by inhibition of deltaPKC translocation. Thus, deltaPKC represents a cytosolic redox-sensitive molecule that plays an important role in amplification of O(2)(-) production and subsequent declines in mitochondrial function during reperfusion.

Reperfusion-induced translocation of deltaPKC to cardiac mitochondria prevents pyruvate dehydrogenase reactivation

Cardiac ischemia and reperfusion are associated with loss in the activity of the mitochondrial enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH). Pharmacological stimulation of PDH activity improves recovery in contractile function during reperfusion. Signaling mechanisms that control inhibition and reactivation of PDH during reperfusion were therefore investigated. Using an isolated rat heart model, we observed ischemia-induced PDH inhibition with only partial recovery evident on reperfusion. Translocation of the redox-sensitive delta-isoform of protein kinase C (PKC) to the mitochondria occurred during reperfusion. Inhibition of this process resulted in full recovery of PDH activity. Infusion of the deltaPKC activator H2O2 during normoxic perfusion, to mimic one aspect of cardiac reperfusion, resulted in loss in PDH activity that was largely attributable to translocation of deltaPKC to the mitochondria. Evidence indicates that reperfusion-induced translocation of deltaPKC is associated with phosphorylation of the alphaE1 subunit of PDH. A potential mechanism is provided by in vitro data demonstrating that deltaPKC specifically interacts with and phosphorylates pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK)2. Importantly, this results in activation of PDK2, an enzyme capable of phosphorylating and inhibiting PDH. Thus, translocation of deltaPKC to the mitochondria during reperfusion likely results in activation of PDK2 and phosphorylation-dependent inhibition of PDH.

Inhibition of very long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase during cardiac ischemia

The heart utilizes primarily fatty acids for energy production. During ischemia, however, diminished oxygen supply necessitates a switch from beta-oxidation of fatty acids to glucose utilization and glycolysis. Molecular mechanisms responsible for these alterations in metabolism are not fully understood. Mitochondrial acyl-CoA dehydrogenase catalyzes the first committed step in the beta-oxidation of fatty acids. In the current study, an in vivo rat model of myocardial ischemia was utilized to determine whether specific acyl-CoA dehydrogenases exhibit ischemia-induced alterations in activity, identify mechanisms responsible for changes in enzyme function, and assess the effects on mitochondrial respiration. Very long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) activity declined 34% during 30 min of ischemia. Loss in activity appeared specific to VLCAD as medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase activity remained constant. Loss in VLCAD activity during ischemia was not due to loss in protein content. In addition, activity was restored in the presence of the detergent Triton X-100, suggesting that changes in the interaction between the protein and inner mitochondrial membrane are responsible for ischemia-induced loss in activity. Palmitoyl-carnitine supported ADP-dependent state 3 respiration declined as a result of ischemia. When octanoyl-carnitine was utilized state 3 respiration remained unchanged. State 4 respiration increased during ischemia, an increase that appears specific to fatty acid utilization. Thus, VLCAD represents a likely site for the modulation of substrate utilization during myocardial ischemia. However, the dramatic increase in mitochondrial state 4 respiration would be predicted to accentuate the imbalance between energy production and utilization.

Reversible redox-dependent modulation of mitochondrial aconitase and proteolytic activity during in vivo cardiac ischemia/reperfusion

Prooxidents can induce reversible inhibition or irreversible inactivation and degradation of the mitochondrial enzyme aconitase. Cardiac ischemia/reperfusion is associated with an increase in mitochondrial free radical production. In the current study, the effects of reperfusion-induced production of prooxidants on mitochondrial aconitase and proteolytic activity were determined to assess whether alterations represented a regulated response to changes in redox status or oxidative damage. Evidence is provided that ATP-dependent proteolytic activity increased during early reperfusion followed by a time-dependent reduction in activity to control levels. These alterations in proteolytic activity paralleled an increase and subsequent decrease in the level of oxidatively modified protein. In vitro data supports a role for prooxidants in the activation of ATP-dependent proteolytic activity. Despite inhibition during early periods of reperfusion, aconitase was not degraded under the conditions of these experiments. Aconitase activity exhibited a decline in activity followed by reactivation during cardiac reperfusion. Loss and regain in activity involved reversible sulfhydryl modification. Aconitase was found to associate with the iron binding protein frataxin exclusively during reperfusion. In vitro, frataxin has been shown to protect aconitase from [4Fe-4S](2+) cluster disassembly, irreversible inactivation, and, potentially, degradation. Thus, the response of mitochondrial aconitase and ATP-dependent proteolytic activity to reperfusion-induced prooxidant production appears to be a regulated event that would be expected to reduce irreparable damage to the mitochondria.

Initiation of mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis during cardiac reperfusion

Reperfusion of myocardial tissue can result in programmed cell death. Nevertheless, relatively little information exists concerning pathways initiated in vivo that ultimately commit cardiac cells to apoptosis during ischemia/reperfusion. The goal of the present study was to determine whether mitochondrial-mediated mechanisms of apoptosis are initiated during in vivo cardiac ischemia/reperfusion. We provide evidence that the content of cytochrome c in the cytosol increases exclusively during reperfusion. Over the same time interval Bax, a pro-apoptotic protein implicated in release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, was found to disappear from cytosolic extracts. This was associated with the appearance of tightly associated Bax in the mitochondrial fraction. Cytochrome c from reperfused cytosolic extracts is present as a high molecular weight oligomer consistent with formation of the apoptosome. In addition, pro-caspase-9 was found to disappear exclusively during reperfusion. Therefore, the results of the current study indicate that the mitochondrial-mediated pathway of apoptosis is initiated as a result of in vivo cardiac ischemia/reperfusion.

Protein Kinase Cδ Activation Induces Apoptosis in Response to Cardiac Ischemia and Reperfusion Damage

Heart attacks caused by occlusion of coronary arteries are often treated by mechanical or enzymatic removal of the occlusion and reperfusion of the ischemic heart. It is now recognized that reperfusion per se contributes to myocardial damage, and there is a great interest in identifying the molecular basis of this damage. We recently showed that inhibiting protein kinase Cdelta (PKCdelta) protects the heart from ischemia and reperfusion-induced damage. Here, we demonstrate that PKCdelta activity and mitochondrial translocation at the onset of reperfusion mediates apoptosis by facilitating the accumulation and dephosphorylation of the pro-apoptotic BAD (Bcl-2-associated death promoter), dephosphorylation of Akt, cytochrome c release, PARP (poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase) cleavage, and DNA laddering. Our data suggest that PKCdelta activation has a critical proapoptotic role in cardiac responses following ischemia and reperfusion.

Inhibition of Cardiac Mitochondrial Respiration by Salicylic Acid and Acetylsalicylate

Acetylsalicylate, the active ingredient in aspirin, has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Because of the increasing frequency with which salicylates are used, it is important to more fully characterize extra- and intracellular processes that are altered by these compounds. Evidence is provided that treatment of isolated cardiac mitochondria with salicylic acid and to a lesser extent acetylsalicylate resulted in an increase in the rate of uncoupled respiration. In contrast, both compounds inhibited ADP-dependent NADH-linked (state 3) respiration to similar degrees. Under the conditions of our experiments, loss in state 3 respiration resulted from inhibition of the Krebs cycle enzyme alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (KGDH). Kinetic analysis indicates that salicylic acid acts as a competitive inhibitor at the alpha-ketoglutarate binding site. In contrast, acetylsalicylate inhibited the enzyme in a noncompetitive fashion consistent with interaction with the alpha-ketoglutarate binding site followed by enzyme-catalyzed acetylation. The effects of salicylic acid and acetylsalicylate on cardiac mitochondrial function may contribute to the known cardioprotective effects of therapeutic doses of aspirin, as well as to the toxicity associated with salicylate overdose.

Modulation of mitochondrial complex I activity by reversible Ca2+ and NADH mediated superoxide anion dependent inhibition

Complex I, a key component of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, exhibits diminished activity as a result of cardiac ischemia/reperfusion. Cardiac ischemia/reperfusion is associated with increases in the levels of mitochondrial Ca(2+) and pro-oxidants. In the current in vitro study, we sought evidence for a mechanistic link between Ca(2+), pro-oxidants, and inhibition of complex I utilizing mitochondria isolated from rat heart. Our results indicate that addition of Ca(2+) to solubilized mitochondria results in loss in complex I activity. Ca(2+) induced a maximum decrease in complex I activity of approximately 35% at low micromolar concentrations over a narrow physiologically relevant pH range. Loss in activity required reducing equivalents in the form of NADH and was not reversed upon addition of EGTA. The antioxidants N-acetylcysteine and superoxide dismutase, but not catalase, prevented inhibition, indicating the involvement of superoxide anion (O2(*-)) in the inactivation process. Importantly, the sulfhydryl reducing agent DTT was capable of fully restoring complex I activity implicating the formation of sulfenic acid and/or disulfide derivatives of cysteine in the inactivation process. Finally, complex I can reactivate endogenously upon Ca(2+) removal if NADH is present and the enzyme is allowed to turnover catalytically. Thus, the present study provides a mechanistic link between three alterations known to occur during cardiac ischemia/reperfusion, mitochondrial Ca(2+) accumulation, free radical production, and complex I inhibition. The reversibility of these processes suggests redox regulation of Ca(2+) handling.

Ubiquitin-dependent lysosomal degradation of the HNE-modified proteins in lens epithelial cells

4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), a highly reactive lipid peroxidation product, may adversely modify proteins. Accumulation of HNE-modified proteins may be responsible for pathological lesions associated with oxidative stress. The objective of this work was to determine how HNE-modified proteins are removed from cells. The data showed that alphaB-crystallin modified by HNE was ubiquitinated at a faster rate than that of native alphaB-crystallin in a cell-free system. However, its susceptibility to proteasome-dependent degradation in the cell-free system did not increase. When delivered into cultured lens epithelial cells, HNE-modified alphaB-crystallin was degraded at a faster rate than that of unmodified alphaB-crystallin. Inhibition of the lysosomal activity stabilized HNE-modified alphaB-crystallin, but inhibition of the proteasome activity alone had little effect. To determine if other HNE-modified proteins are also degraded in a ubiquitin-dependent lysosomal pathway, lens epithelial cells were treated with HNE and the removal of HNE-modified proteins in the cells was monitored. The levels of HNE-modified proteins in the cell decreased rapidly upon removal of HNE from the medium. Depletion of ATP or the presence of MG132, a proteasome/lysosome inhibitor, resulted in stabilization of HNE-modified proteins. However, proteasome-specific inhibitors, lactacystin-beta-lactone and epoxomicin, could not stabilize HNE-modified proteins in the cells. In contrast, chloroquine, a lysosome inhibitor, stabilized HNE-modified proteins. The enrichment of HNE-modified proteins in the fraction of ubiquitin conjugates suggests that HNE-modified proteins are preferentially ubiquitinated. Taken together, these findings show that HNE-modified proteins are degraded via a novel ubiquitin and lysosomal-dependent but proteasome-independent pathway.

Frataxin acts as an iron chaperone protein to modulate mitochondrial aconitase activity

Numerous degenerative disorders are associated with elevated levels of prooxidants and declines in mitochondrial aconitase activity. Deficiency in the mitochondrial iron-binding protein frataxin results in diminished activity of various mitochondrial iron-sulfur proteins including aconitase. We found that aconitase can undergo reversible citrate-dependent modulation in activity in response to pro-oxidants. Frataxin interacted with aconitase in a citrate-dependent fashion, reduced the level of oxidant-induced inactivation, and converted inactive [3Fe-4S]1+ enzyme to the active [4Fe-4S]2+ form of the protein. Thus, frataxin is an iron chaperone protein that protects the aconitase [4Fe-4S]2+ cluster from disassembly and promotes enzyme reactivation.

Aging, lipofuscin formation, and free radical-mediated inhibition of cellular proteolytic systems

Alterations in a wide array of physiological functions are a normal consequence of aging. Importantly, aged individuals exhibit an enhanced susceptibility to various degenerative diseases and appear less able than their young and adult counterparts to withstand (patho)physiological stress. Elucidation of mechanisms at play in the aging process would benefit the development of effective strategies for enhancing the quality of life for the elderly. It is likely that decrements in cellular and physiological function that occur during aging are the net result of numerous interacting factors. The current review focuses on the potential contribution(s) of free radical-mediated modifications to protein structure/function and alterations in the activities of two major proteolytic systems within cells, lysosomes and the proteasome, to the age-dependent accumulation of fluorescent intracellular granules, termed lipofuscin. Specifically, aging appears to influence the interplay between the occurrences of free radical-derived modifications to protein and the ability of cells to carry out critical proteolytic functions. We present immunochemical and ultrastructural evidence demonstrating the occurrence of a fluorescent protein cross-link derived from free radical-mediated reaction(s) within lipofuscin granules of rat cerebral cortex neurons. In addition, we provide evidence that a fluorophore-modified protein present in lipofuscin granules is the alpha subunit of F1F0-ATP synthase, a mitochondrial protein. It has previously been shown that protein(s) bearing this particular fluorescent cross-link are resistant to proteolysis and can inhibit the proteasome in a non-competitive fashion (J. Biol. Chem. 269 (1994a) 21639; FEBS Lett. 405 (1997) 21). Therefore, the current findings demonstrate that free radical-mediated modifications to protein(s) that lead to the production of inhibitor(s) of cellular proteolytic systems are present on specific protein components of lipofuscin. In addition, the mitochondrial origin of one of these proteins indicates specific intracellular pathways likely to be influenced by free radical events and participate in the formation of lipofuscin. The results of these studies are related to previous in vitro and in vivo observations in the field, thus shedding light on potential consequences to cellular function. In addition, future research directions suggested by the available evidence are discussed.

In situ reduction of oxidative damage, increased cell turnover, and delay of mitochondrial injury by overexpression of manganese superoxide dismutase in a multistage skin carcinogenesis model

To study early subcellular pathologic changes of tumorigenesis in mouse skin and possible modulation by overexpression of the mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), skin keratinocytes from nontransgenic (Ntg) and transgenic (TgH) mice overexpressing MnSOD topically treated with one dose of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) and a subsequent dose of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) were analyzed in situ for levels of MnSOD and the oxidative damage product 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4HNE)-modified proteins using specific antibodies and immunogold electron microscopy. At all selected time points analyzed after TPA treatment, there was more MnSOD immunoreactive protein in mitochondria of keratinocytes of TgH mice than Ntg mice. Compared with untreated groups, there was a large increase in 4HNE-modified proteins at 6-24 h after TPA treatment, and this increase was larger in Ntg than TgH mice. Indices of mitosis and apoptosis of keratinocytes were greater in DMBA/TPA-treated TgH than Ntg mouse skin. Mitochondrial injury detected by transmission electron microscopy was delayed in keratinocytes of TgH compared with Ntg mice. The present study demonstrated that overexpression of MnSOD not only protected cells from oxidative damage, but also affected cell turnover kinetics. Thus, previously identified reduction in papilloma formation observed in TgH mice is correlated with mitochondrial events.