The ATP synthase is involved in generating mitochondrial cristae morphology

Sheets, ribbons and tubules - how organelles get their shape

Most membrane-bound organelles have elaborate, dynamic shapes and often include regions with distinct morphologies. These complex structures are relatively conserved throughout evolution, which indicates that they are important for optimal organelle function. Various mechanisms of determining organelle shape have been proposed - proteins that stabilize highly curved membranes, the tethering of organelles to other cellular components and the regulation of membrane fission and fusion might all contribute.

Yeast cells lacking the mitochondrial gene encoding the ATP synthase subunit 6 exhibit a selective loss of complex IV and unusual mitochondrial morphology

Atp6p is an essential subunit of the ATP synthase proton translocating domain, which is encoded by the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in yeast. We have replaced the coding sequence of Atp6p gene with the non-respiratory genetic marker ARG8m. Due to the presence of ARG8m, accumulation of rho-/rho0 petites issued from large deletions in mtDNA could be restricted to 20-30% by growing the atp6 mutant in media lacking arginine. This moderate mtDNA instability created favorable conditions to investigate the consequences of a specific lack in Atp6p. Interestingly, in addition to the expected loss of ATP synthase activity, the cytochrome c oxidase respiratory enzyme steady-state level was found to be extremely low (<5%) in the atp6 mutant. We show that the cytochrome c oxidase-poor accumulation was caused by a failure in the synthesis of one of its mtDNA-encoded subunits, Cox1p, indicating that, in yeast mitochondria, Cox1p synthesis is a key target for cytochrome c oxidase abundance regulation in relation to the ATP synthase activity. We provide direct evidence showing that in the absence of Atp6p the remaining subunits of the ATP synthase can still assemble. Mitochondrial cristae were detected in the atp6 mutant, showing that neither Atp6p nor the ATP synthase activity is critical for their formation. However, the atp6 mutant exhibited unusual mitochondrial structure and distribution anomalies, presumably caused by a strong delay in inner membrane fusion.

Copper deficiency decreases complex IV but not complex I, II, III, or V in the mitochondrial respiratory chain in rat heart

It has been documented that dietary copper (Cu) deficiency impairs mitochondrial respiratory function, which is catalyzed by 5 membrane-bound multiple protein complexes. However, there are few reports on the simultaneous analysis of Cu effect on the subunit protein expression on all 5 protein complexes. The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of Cu deficiency on each mitochondrial respiratory complex's protein expression in rat heart tissue with western-blot analysis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed diets that were either Cu adequate (6.0 microg Cu/g diet, n = 5) or Cu deficient (0.3 microg Cu/g diet, n = 5) for 5 wk. The monoclonal antibody-based western-blot analysis suggested that the protein levels of 39-kDa and 30-kDa subunits in complex I; 70-kDa and 30-kDa subunits in complex II; core I and core II subunits in complex III; and alpha and beta subunits of F1 complex in complex V in both high-salt buffer (HSB) and low-salt buffer (LSB) protein fractions from heart tissue of Cu-deficient rats did not differ from those of Cu-adequate rats. However, the protein level of cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) subunit (COX) I, COX Vb, and COX VIb subunits in complex IV (CCO) in both HSB and LSB protein fractions from heart tissue of Cu-deficient rats was lower than those of Cu-adequate rats. Collectively, these data demonstrate that Cu deficiency decreases each tested subunit protein expression of complex IV but not those of complex I, II, III, and V in mitochondrial respiratory complexes.

Comparison of lymphoblast mitochondria from normal subjects and patients with Barth syndrome using electron microscopic tomography

Barth syndrome (BTHS) is a mitochondrial disorder that is caused by mutations in the tafazzin gene, which affects phospholipid composition. To determine whether this defect leads to alterations in the internal three-dimensional organization of mitochondrial membranes, we applied electron microscopic tomography to lymphoblast mitochondria from BTHS patients and controls. Tomograms were formed from 50 and 150 nm sections of chemically fixed lymphoblasts and the data were used to manually segment volumes of relevant structural details. Normal lymphoblast mitochondria contained well-aligned, lamellar cristae with slot-like junctions to the inner boundary membrane. In BTHS, mitochondrial size was more variable and the total mitochondrial volume per cell increased mainly due to clusters of fragmented mitochondria inside nuclear invaginations. However, mitochondria showed reduced cristae density, less cristae alignment, and inhomogeneous cristae distribution. Three-dimensional reconstruction of BTHS mitochondria revealed zones of adhesion of the opposing inner membranes, causing obliteration of the intracrista space. We found small isolated patches of adhesion as well as extended adhesion zones, resulting in sheets of collapsed cristae packaged in multiple concentric layers. We also found large tubular structures (diameter 30-150 nm) that appeared to be derivatives of the adhesion zones. The data suggest that mitochondrial abnormalities of BTHS involve adhesions of inner mitochondrial membranes with subsequent collapse of the intracristae space.

Supramolecular Structure of the Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation System

The protein complexes of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system were recently reported to form supramolecular assemblies termed respiratory supercomplexes or respirasomes. These supercomplexes are considered to be of great functional importance. Here we review new insights into supercomplex structure and physiology.

Biogenesis and dynamics of mitochondria during the cell cycle: significance of 3'UTRs

Nowadays, we are facing a renaissance of mitochondria in cancer biology. However, our knowledge of the basic cell biology and on the timing and mechanisms that control the biosynthesis of mitochondrial constituents during progression through the cell cycle of mammalian cells remain largely unknown. Herein, we document the in vivo changes on mitochondrial morphology and dynamics that accompany cellular mitosis, and illustrate the following key points of the biogenesis of mitochondria during progression of liver cells through the cycle: (i) the replication of nuclear and mitochondrial genomes is synchronized during cellular proliferation, (ii) the accretion of OXPHOS proteins is asynchronously regulated during proliferation being the synthesis of beta-F1-ATPase and Hsp60 carried out also at G2/M and, (iii) the biosynthesis of cardiolipin is achieved during the S phase, although full development of the mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim) is attained at G2/M. Furthermore, we demonstrate using reporter constructs that the mechanism regulating the accretion of beta-F1-ATPase during cellular proliferation is controlled at the level of mRNA translation by the 3'UTR of the transcript. The 3'UTR-driven synthesis of the protein at G2/M is essential for conferring to the daughter cells the original phenotype of the parental cell. Our findings suggest that alterations on this process may promote deregulated beta-F1-ATPase expression in human cancer.

ATP6 homoplasmic mutations inhibit and destabilize the human F1F0-ATP synthase without preventing enzyme assembly and oligomerization

The molecular pathogenic mechanism of the human mitochondrial diseases neurogenic ataxia and retinitis pigmentosa and maternally inherited Leigh syndrome was determined in cultured human cells harboring homoplasmic T8993G/T8993C point mutations in the mitochondrial ATP6 gene, which encodes subunit 6 of the F1F0-ATP synthase. Immunoprecipitation and blue native electrophoresis showed that F1F0-ATP synthase assembles correctly in homoplasmic mutant mitochondria. The mutants exhibited a tendency to have an increased sensitivity to subsaturating amounts of oligomycin; this provided further evidence for complete assembly and tight coupling between the F1 and F0 sectors. Furthermore, human ATP synthase dimers and higher homo-oligomers were observed for the first time, and it was demonstrated that the mutant enzymes retain enough structural integrity to oligomerize. A reproducible increase in the proportion of oligomeric-to-monomeric enzyme was found for the T8993G mutant suggesting that F1F0 oligomerization is regulated in vivo and that it can be modified in pathological conditions. Despite correct assembly, the T8993G mutation produced a 60% inhibition in ATP synthesis turnover. In vitro denaturing conditions showed F1F0 instability conferred by the mutations, although this instability did not produce enzyme disassembly in the conditions used for determination of ATP synthesis. Taken together, the data show that the primary molecular pathogenic mechanism of these deleterious human mitochondrial mutations is functional inhibition in a correctly assembled ATP synthase. Structural instability may play a role in the progression of the disease under potentially denaturing conditions, as discussed.

The inhibitor protein (IF1) promotes dimerization of the mitochondrial F1F0-ATP synthase

The effect of increased expression or reconstitution of the mitochondrial inhibitor protein (IF1) on the dimer/monomer ratio (D/M) of the rat liver and bovine heart F1F0-ATP synthase was studied. The 2-fold increased expression of IF1 in AS-30D hepatoma mitochondria correlated with a 1.4-fold increase in the D/M ratio of the ATP synthase extracted with digitonin as determined by blue native electrophoresis and averaged densitometry analyses. Removal of IF1 from rat liver or bovine heart submitochondrial particles increased the F1F0-ATPase activity and decreased the D/M ratio of the ATP synthase. Reconstitution of recombinant IF1 into submitochondrial particles devoid of IF1 inhibited the F1F0-ATPase activity by 90% and restored partially the D/M ratio of the whole F1F0 complex as revealed by blue native electrophoresis and subsequent SDS-PAGE or glycerol density gradient centrifugation. Thus, the inhibitor protein promotes or stabilizes the dimeric form of the intact F1F0-ATP synthase. A possible location of the IF1 protein in the dimeric structure of the rat liver F1F0 complex is proposed. According to crystallographic and electron microscopy analyses, dimeric IF1 could bridge the F1-F1 part of the dimeric F1F0-ATP synthase in the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Dynamic subcompartmentalization of the mitochondrial inner membrane

The inner membrane of mitochondria is organized in two morphologically distinct domains, the inner boundary membrane (IBM) and the cristae membrane (CM), which are connected by narrow, tubular cristae junctions. The protein composition of these domains, their dynamics, and their biogenesis and maintenance are poorly understood at the molecular level. We have used quantitative immunoelectron microscopy to determine the distribution of a collection of representative proteins in yeast mitochondria belonging to seven major processes: oxidative phosphorylation, protein translocation, metabolite exchange, mitochondrial morphology, protein translation, iron-sulfur biogenesis, and protein degradation. We show that proteins are distributed in an uneven, yet not exclusive, manner between IBM and CM. The individual distributions reflect the physiological functions of proteins. Moreover, proteins can redistribute between the domains upon changes of the physiological state of the cell. Impairing assembly of complex III affects the distribution of partially assembled subunits. We propose a model for the generation of this dynamic subcompartmentalization of the mitochondrial inner membrane.

Genetic variance modifies apoptosis susceptibility in mature oocytes via alterations in DNA repair capacity and mitochondrial ultrastructure

Although the identification of specific genes that regulate apoptosis has been a topic of intense study, little is known of the role that background genetic variance plays in modulating cell death. Using germ cells from inbred mouse strains, we found that apoptosis in mature (metaphase II) oocytes is affected by genetic background through at least two different mechanisms. The first, manifested in AKR/J mice, results in genomic instability. This is reflected by numerous DNA double-strand breaks in freshly isolated oocytes, causing a high apoptosis susceptibility and impaired embryonic development following fertilization. Microinjection of Rad51 reduces DNA damage, suppresses apoptosis and improves embryonic development. The second, manifested in FVB mice, results in dramatic dimorphisms in mitochondrial ultrastructure. This is correlated with cytochrome c release and a high apoptosis susceptibility, the latter of which is suppressed by pyruvate treatment, Smac/DIABLO deficiency, or microinjection of 'normal' mitochondria. Therefore, background genetic variance can profoundly affect apoptosis in female germ cells by disrupting both genomic DNA and mitochondrial integrity.

(De)constructing mitochondria: what for?

Mitochondria are dynamic organelles, essential for cell life and death. The morphology of this organelle is determined by fusion and fission, controlled by a growing set of "mitochondria-shaping" proteins, which influence crucial signalling cascades, including apoptosis.

Mitochondria: more than just a powerhouse

Pioneering biochemical studies have long forged the concept that the mitochondria are the 'energy powerhouse of the cell'. These studies, combined with the unique evolutionary origin of the mitochondria, led the way to decades of research focusing on the organelle as an essential, yet independent, functional component of the cell. Recently, however, our conceptual view of this isolated organelle has been profoundly altered with the discovery that mitochondria function within an integrated reticulum that is continually remodeled by both fusion and fission events. The identification of a number of proteins that regulate these activities is beginning to provide mechanistic details of mitochondrial membrane remodeling. However, the broader question remains regarding the underlying purpose of mitochondrial dynamics and the translation of these morphological transitions into altered functional output. One hypothesis has been that mitochondrial respiration and metabolism may be spatially and temporally regulated by the architecture and positioning of the organelle. Recent evidence supports and expands this idea by demonstrating that mitochondria are an integral part of multiple cell signaling cascades. Interestingly, proteins such as GTPases, kinases and phosphatases are involved in bi-directional communication between the mitochondrial reticulum and the rest of the cell. These proteins link mitochondrial function and dynamics to the regulation of metabolism, cell-cycle control, development, antiviral responses and cell death. In this review we will highlight the emerging evidence that provides molecular definition to mitochondria as a central platform in the execution of diverse cellular events.

Supercomplexes and subcomplexes of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation

Dimerization or oligomerization of ATP synthase has been proposed to play an important role for mitochondrial cristae formation and to be involved in regulating ATP synthase activity. We found comparable oligomycin-sensitive ATPase activity for monomeric and oligomeric ATP synthase suggesting that oligomerization/monomerization dynamics are not directly involved in regulating ATP synthase activity. Binding of the natural IF1 inhibitor protein has been shown to induce dimerization of F1-subcomplexes. This suggested that binding of IF1 might also dimerize holo ATP synthase, and possibly link dimerization and inhibition. Analyzing mitochondria of human rho zero cells that contain mitochondria but lack mitochondrial DNA, we identified three subcomplexes of ATP synthase: (i) F1 catalytic domain, (ii) F1-domain with bound IF1, and (iii) F1-c subcomplex with bound IF1 and a ring of subunits c. Since both IF1 containing subcomplexes were present in monomeric state and exhibited considerably reduced ATPase activity as compared to the third subcomplex lacking IF1, we postulate that inhibition and induction of dimerization of F1-subcomplexes by IF1 are independent events. F1-subcomplexes were also found in mitochondria of patients with specific mitochondrial disorders, and turned out to be useful for the clinical differentiation between various types of mitochondrial biosynthesis disorders. Supramolecular associations of respiratory complexes, the "respirasomes", seem not to be the largest assemblies in the structural organization of the respiratory chain, as suggested by differential solubilization of mitochondria and electron microscopic analyses of whole mitochondria. We present a model for a higher supramolecular association of respirasomes into a "respiratory string".

A Drosophila model of Barth syndrome

Barth syndrome is an X-linked disease presenting with cardiomyopathy and skeletal muscle weakness. It is caused by mutations in tafazzin, a putative acyl transferase that has been associated with altered metabolism of the mitochondrial phospholipid cardiolipin. To investigate the molecular basis of Barth syndrome, we created Drosophila melanogaster mutants, resulting from imprecise excision of a P element inserted upstream of the coding region of the tafazzin gene. Homozygous flies for that mutation were unable to express the full-length isoform of tafazzin, as documented by RNA and Western blot analysis, but two shorter tafazzin transcripts were still present, although the expression levels of their encoded proteins were too low to be detectable by Western blotting. The tafazzin mutation caused an 80% reduction of cardiolipin and a diversification of its molecular composition, similar to the changes seen in Barth patients. Other phospholipids, like phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine, were not affected. Flies with the tafazzin mutation showed a reduced locomotor activity, measured in flying and climbing assays, and their indirect flight muscles displayed frequent mitochondrial abnormalities, mostly in the cristae membranes. Thus, tafazzin mutations in Drosophila generated a Barth-related phenotype, with the triad of abnormal cardiolipin, pathologic mitochondria, and motor weakness, suggesting causal links between these findings. We conclude that a lack of full-length tafazzin is responsible for the cardiolipin deficiency, which is integral to the disease mechanism, leading to mitochondrial myopathy.

OXPHOS Supercomplexes: respiration and life-span control in the aging model Podospora anserina

Recent biochemical evidence has indicated the existence of respiratory supercomplexes as well as ATP synthase oligomers in the inner mitochondrial membrane of different eukaryotes. We have studied the organization of the respiratory chain of a wild-type strain and of two long-lived mutants of the filamentous fungus Podospora anserina. This aging model is able to respire by either the standard or the alternative pathway. In the latter, electrons are directly transferred from ubiquinol to the alternative oxidase (AOX) and thus bypass complexes III and IV. We showed that the two pathways are composed of distinct respiratory supercomplexes. These data are of significance for the understanding of both respiratory pathways as well as of life-span control and aging.

Detection and analysis of protein–protein interactions in organellar and prokaryotic proteomes by native gel electrophoresis: (Membrane) protein complexes and supercomplexes

It is an essential and challenging task to unravel protein-protein interactions in their actual in vivo context. Native gel systems provide a separation platform allowing the analysis of protein complexes on a rather proteome-wide scale in a single experiment. This review focus on blue-native (BN)-PAGE as the most versatile and successful gel-based approach to separate soluble and membrane protein complexes of intricate protein mixtures derived from all biological sources. BN-PAGE is a charge-shift method with a running pH of 7.5 relying on the gentle binding of anionic CBB dye to all membrane and many soluble protein complexes, leading to separation of protein species essentially according to their size and superior resolution than other fractionation techniques can offer. The closely related colorless-native (CN)-PAGE, whose applicability is restricted to protein species with intrinsic negative net charge, proved to provide an especially mild separation capable of preserving weak protein-protein interactions better than BN-PAGE. The essential conditions determining the success of detecting protein-protein interactions are the sample preparations, e.g. the efficiency/mildness of the detergent solubilization of membrane protein complexes. A broad overview about the achievements of BN- and CN-PAGE studies to elucidate protein-protein interactions in organelles and prokaryotes is presented, e.g. the mitochondrial protein import machinery and oxidative phosphorylation supercomplexes. In many cases, solubilization with digitonin was demonstrated to facilitate an efficient and particularly gentle extraction of membrane protein complexes prone to dissociation by treatment with other detergents. In general, analyses of protein interactomes should be carried out by both BN- and CN-PAGE.

A “Petite Obligate” Mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Within the mitochondrial F(1)F(0)-ATP synthase, the nucleus-encoded delta-F(1) subunit plays a critical role in coupling the enzyme proton translocating and ATP synthesis activities. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, deletion of the delta subunit gene (Deltadelta) was shown to result in a massive destabilization of the mitochondrial genome (mitochondrial DNA; mtDNA) in the form of 100% rho(-)/rho degrees petites (i.e. cells missing a large portion (>50%) of the mtDNA (rho(-)) or totally devoid of mtDNA (rho degrees )). Previous work has suggested that the absence of complete mtDNA (rho(+)) in Deltadelta yeast is a consequence of an uncoupling of the ATP synthase in the form of a passive proton transport through the enzyme (i.e. not coupled to ATP synthesis). However, it was unclear why or how this ATP synthase defect destabilized the mtDNA. We investigated this question using a nonrespiratory gene (ARG8(m)) inserted into the mtDNA. We first show that retention of functional mtDNA is lethal to Deltadelta yeast. We further show that combined with a nuclear mutation (Deltaatp4) preventing the ATP synthase proton channel assembly, a lack of delta subunit fails to destabilize the mtDNA, and rho(+) Deltadelta cells become viable. We conclude that Deltadelta yeast cannot survive when it has the ability to synthesize the ATP synthase proton channel. Accordingly, the rho(-)/rho degrees mutation can be viewed as a rescuing event, because this mutation prevents the synthesis of the two mtDNA-encoded subunits (Atp6p and Atp9p) forming the core of this channel. This is the first report of what we have called a "petite obligate" mutant of S. cerevisiae.

Characterization of dimeric ATP synthase and cristae membrane ultrastructure fromSaccharomycesandPolytomellamitochondria

There is increasing evidence now that F(1)F(0) ATP synthase is arranged in dimers in the inner mitochondrial membrane of several organisms. The dimers are also considered to be the building blocks of oligomers. It was recently found that the monomers in beef and the alga Polytomella ATP synthase dimer make an angle of approximately 40 degrees and approximately 70 degrees, respectively. This arrangement is considered to induce a strong local bending of the membrane. To further understand the packing of dimers into oligomers we performed an electron microscopy analysis of ATP synthase dimers purified from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Two types of dimers were found in which the angle between the monomers is either approximately 90 degrees or approximately 35 degrees. According to our interpretation, the wide-angle dimers (70-90 degrees) are "true-dimers" whereas the small-angle dimers (35-40 degrees) rather are "pseudo-dimers", which represent breakdown products of two adjacent true dimers in the oligomer. Ultrathin sectioning of intact Polytomella mitochondria indicates that the inner mitochondrial or cristae membrane is folded into lamellae and tubuli. Oligomers of ATP synthase can arrange in a helical fashion in tubular-shaped cristae membranes. These results strongly support the hypothesized role of ATP synthase oligomers in structural determination of the mitochondrial inner membrane.

The Peripheral Stalk Participates in the Yeast ATP Synthase Dimerization Independently of e and g Subunits

It is now clearly established that dimerization of the F(1)F(o) ATP synthase takes place in the mitochondrial inner membrane. Interestingly, oligomerization of this enzyme seems to be involved in cristae morphogenesis. As they were able to form homodimers, subunits 4, e, and g have been proposed as potential ATP synthase dimerization subunits. In this paper, we provide evidence that subunit h, a peripheral stalk component, is located either at or near the ATP synthase dimerization interface. Subunit h homodimers were formed in mitochondria and were found to be associated to ATP synthase dimers. Moreover, homodimerization of subunit h and of subunit i turned out to be independent of subunits e and g, confirming the existence of an ATP synthase dimer in the mitochondrial inner membrane in the absence of subunits e and g. For the first time, this dimer has been observed by BN-PAGE. Finally, from these results we are now able to update our model for the supramolecular organization of the ATP synthase in the membrane and propose a role for subunits e and g, which stabilize the ATP synthase dimers and are involved in the oligomerization of the complex.

Respiratory chain supercomplexes in the plant mitochondrial membrane

The intricate, heavily folded inner membrane of mitochondria houses the respiratory chain complexes. These complexes, together with the ATP synthase complex, are responsible for energy production, which is stored as ATP. The structure of the individual membrane-bound protein components has been well characterized. In particular, the use of Blue-native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis has been instrumental in recent years in providing evidence that these components are organized into supercomplexes. Single particle electron microscopy studies have enabled a structural characterization of some of the mitochondrial supercomplexes. This has provided the opportunity to define a functional role for these supercomplexes for the first time, in particular for the dimeric ATP synthase complex, which appears to be responsible for the folding of the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Mitochondrial Membrane Potential Is Dependent on the Oligomeric State of F1F0-ATP Synthase Supracomplexes

The F1F0-ATP synthase in mitochondria, in addition to its function in energy transduction, has a structural role in determining cristae morphology. This depends on its ability to form dimeric and higher oligomeric supracomplexes. Here we show that mutants of the dimer-specific subunits e and g, which destabilize dimeric and oligomeric F1F0-ATP synthase supracomplexes, have a decreased mitochondrial membrane potential delta psi. The degree of destabilization correlated with the reduction of the membrane potential. The enzymatic activities of F1F0-ATP synthase and cytochrome c oxidase, maximal respiration rate, coupling of oxidative phosphorylation, and tubular mitochondrial morphology were not affected or only to a minor extent. In mutants lacking one or two coiled-coil domains of subunit e, the reduction of the mitochondrial membrane potential was not due to loss of mitochondrial DNA, a reduced capacity of oxidative phosphorylation, or to altered cristae morphology. We propose a role for the supracomplexes of the F1F0-ATP synthase in organizing microdomains within the inner membrane, ensuring optimal bioenergetic competence of mitochondria.

Tubular mitochondrial alterations in neonatal rats subjected to RAS inhibition

Pharmacological interruption of the angiotensin II (ANG II) type 1 receptor signaling during nephrogenesis in rats perturbs renal tubular development. This study aimed to further investigate tubular developmental defects in neonatal rats subjected to ANG II inhibition with enalapril. We evaluated tubular ultrastructural changes using electron microscopy and estimated spectrophotometrically activity or concentrations of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), cytochromes a and c, which are components of mitochondrial respiratory chain, on postnatal days 2 and 9 (PD2 and PD9). Renal expression of sodium-potassium adenosinetriphosphatase (Na+-K+-ATPase) and two reflectors of mitochondrial biogenesis [mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20 (TOM20)] also were studied using Western immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Enalapril disrupted inner mitochondrial membranes of developing cortical and medullary tubular cells on PD2 and PD9. These findings were paralleled by impaired mitochondrial respiratory function, as revealed from the changes in components of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, such as decreased cytochrome c level in the cortex and medulla on PD2 and PD9, decreased cytochrome a level in the cortex and medulla on PD2, and diminished cortical SDH activity on PD2 and PD9. Moreover, tubular expression of the most active energy-consuming pump Na+-K+-ATPase was decreased by enalapril treatment. Renal expression of TFAM and TOM20 was not altered by neonatal enalapril treatment. Because nephrogenesis is a highly energy-demanding biological process, with the energy being utilized for renal growth and transport activities, the structural-functional alterations of the mitochondria induced by neonatal enalapril treatment may provide the propensity for the tubular developmental defect.

Cooperativity and flexibility of the protonmotive activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain

Functional and structural data are reviewed which provide evidence that proton pumping in cytochrome c oxidase is associated with extended allosteric cooperativity involving the four redox centers in the enzyme . Data are also summarized showing that the H+/e- stoichiometry for proton pumping in the cytochrome span of the mitochondrial respiratory chain is flexible. The DeltapH component of the bulk-phase membrane electrochemical proton gradient exerts a decoupling effect on the proton pump of both the bc1 complex and cytochrome c oxidase. A slip in the pumping efficiency of the latter is also caused by high electron pressure. The mechanistic and physiological implications of proton-pump slips are examined. The easiness with which bulk phase DeltapH causes, at least above a threshold level, decoupling of proton pumping indicates that for active oxidative phosphorylation efficient protonic coupling between redox complexes and ATP synthase takes place at the membrane surface, likely in cristae, without significant formation of delocalized DeltamuH+. A role of slips in modulating oxygen free radical production by the respiratory chain and the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis is discussed.

Mitochondrial dynamics and disease, OPA1

The mitochondria are dynamic organelles that constantly fuse and divide. An equilibrium between fusion and fission controls the morphology of the mitochondria, which appear as dots or elongated tubules depending the prevailing force. Characterization of the components of the fission and fusion machineries has progressed considerably, and the emerging question now is what role mitochondrial dynamics play in mitochondrial and cellular functions. Its importance has been highlighted by the discovery that two human diseases are caused by mutations in the two mitochondrial pro-fusion genes, MFN2 and OPA1. This review will focus on data concerning the function of OPA1, mutations in which cause optic atrophy, with respect to the underlying pathophysiological processes.

Structure and dynamics of the mitochondrial inner membrane cristae

Three-dimensional images of mitochondria provided by electron tomography reveal that the micro-compartments (cristae) defined by the inner membrane are connected to the periphery of this membrane by narrow tubular junctions, which likely restrict diffusion. The tomograms also strongly suggest that inner membrane topology represents a balance between membrane fusion and fission processes. The hypothesis being developed is that inner membrane topology is a regulated property of mitochondria. This review summarizes the evidence about how inner membrane shape influences mitochondrial function and, conversely, what is known about the factors that determine this membrane's topology.

Defining the Mitochondrial Proteomes from Five Rat Organs in a Physiologically Significant Context Using 2D Blue-Native/SDS-PAGE

In accordance with their manifold tasks, various dysfunctions of mitochondria are critically involved in a large number of diseases and the aging process. This has inspired considerable efforts to identify all the mitochondrial proteins by denaturing approaches, notably, the standard gel-based method employing isoelectric focusing. Because a significant part of the mitochondrial proteome is membrane-associated and/or functions as homo- or heterooligomeric protein complexes, there is an urgent need to detect and identify mitochondrial proteins, both membranous and soluble ones, under conditions preserving protein-protein interactions. Here, we investigated mitochondria of five different rat organs (kidney, liver, heart, skeletal muscle, and brain) solubilized with digitonin, enabling the quantitative extraction of the five oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes. The analysis by blue-native (BN)-PAGE recovered the OXPHOS complexes to a large extent as supercomplexes and separated many other protein complexes and individual proteins which were resolved by subsequent 2D SDS-PAGE revealing the tissue-diverse mitochondrial proteomes. Using MS peptide mass fingerprinting, we identified in all five organs 92 nonredundant soluble and membrane-embedded non-OXPHOS proteins, among them, many as constituents of known mitochondrial protein complexes as well as novel ones such as the putative "stomatin-like protein 2 complex" with an apparent mass of ca. 1800 kDa. Interestingly, the identification list included 36 proteins known or presumed to be localized to nonmitochondrial compartments, for example, glycolytic enzymes, clathrin heavy chain, valosin-containing protein/p97, VoV1-ATPase, and Na,K-ATPase. We expect that more than 200 distinct non-OXPHOS proteins of digitonin-solubilized rat mitochondria separated by 2D BN/SDS-PAGE, representing a partial "protein interactome" map, can be identified.

Differential steady-state tyrosine phosphorylation of two oligomeric forms of mitochondrial F0F1ATPsynthase: a structural proteomic analysis

We investigated tyrosine phosphorylation of F(0)F(1)ATPsynthase using 3-D blue native (BN)-SDS-PAGE, a refinement of the electrophoretic analysis of mitochondrial complexes. Bovine heart mitochondria were detergent-solubilized and subjected to BN-PAGE. Bands of ATPsynthase monomer (Vmon) and dimer (Vdim) were excised and submitted to SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. One protein corresponding to F(1)gamma subunit was detected by anti-phosphotyrosine antibody in monomer but not in dimer. This was confirmed by MS peptide mapping. LC-ESI/MS analysis after 3-D SDS-PAGE demonstrated phosphotyrosine in fragment 43-54. NetPhos scores predicted the phosphorylated residue to be Tyr52, in a solvent-accessible loop at the foot of the F(1) central stalk.

Advantages and limitations of clear-native PAGE

Clear-native PAGE (CN-PAGE) separates acidic water-soluble and membrane proteins (pI < 7) in an acrylamide gradient gel, and usually has lower resolution than blue-native PAGE (BN-PAGE). The migration distance depends on the protein intrinsic charge, and on the pore size of the gradient gel. This complicates estimation of native masses and oligomerization states when compared to BN-PAGE, which uses negatively charged protein-bound Coomassie-dye to impose a charge shift on the proteins. Therefore, BN-PAGE rather than CN-PAGE is commonly used for standard analyses. However, CN-PAGE offers advantages whenever Coomassie-dye interferes with techniques required to further analyze the native complexes, e.g., determination of catalytic activities, as shown here for mitochondrial ATP synthase, or efficient microscale separation of membrane protein complexes for fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) analyses. CN-PAGE is milder than BN-PAGE. Especially the combination of digitonin and CN-PAGE can retain labile supramolecular assemblies of membrane protein complexes that are dissociated under the conditions of BN-PAGE. Enzymatically active oligomeric states of mitochondrial ATP synthase previously not detected using BN-PAGE were identified by CN-PAGE.

Mitochondrial membrane dynamics, cristae remodelling and apoptosis

Mitochondria form a highly dynamic reticular network in living cells, and undergo continuous fusion/fission events and changes in ultrastructural architecture. Although significant progress has been made in elucidating the molecular events underlying these processes, their relevance to normal cell function remains largely unexplored. Emerging evidence, however, suggests an important role for mitochondrial dynamics in cellular apoptosis. The mitochondria is at the core of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway, and provides a reservoir for protein factors that induce caspase activation and chromosome fragmentation. Additionally, mitochondria modulate Ca2+ homeostasis and are a source of various metabolites, including reactive oxygen species, that have the potential to function as second messengers in response to apoptotic stimuli. One of the mitochondrial factors required for activation of caspases in most intrinsic apoptotic pathways, cytochrome c, is largely sequestered within the intracristae compartment, and must migrate into the boundary intermembrane space in order to allow passage across the outer membrane to the cytosol. Recent evidence argues that inner mitochondrial membrane dynamics regulate this process. Here, we review the contribution of mitochondrial dynamics to the intrinsic apoptosis pathway, with emphasis on the inner membrane.

Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy in Drosophila

Mitochondrial encephalomyopathies are common and devastating multisystem genetic disorders characterized by neuromuscular dysfunction and tissue degeneration. Point mutations in the human mitochondrial ATP6 gene are known to cause several related mitochondrial disorders: NARP (neuropathy, ataxia, and retinitis pigmentosa), MILS (maternally inherited Leigh's syndrome), and FBSN (familial bilateral striatal necrosis). We identified a pathogenic mutation in the Drosophila mitochondrial ATP6 gene that causes progressive, adult-onset neuromuscular dysfunction and myodegeneration. Our results demonstrate ultrastructural defects in the mitochondrial innermembrane, neural dysfunction, and a marked reduction in mitochondrial ATP synthase activity associated with this mutation. This Drosophila mutant recapitulates key features of the human neuromuscular disorders enabling detailed in vivo studies of these enigmatic diseases.

The relevance of mitochondrial membrane topology to mitochondrial function

This review summarizes recent findings from electron tomography about the three-dimensional shape of mitochondrial membranes and its possible influence on a range of mitochondrial functions. The inner membrane invaginations called cristae are pleomorphic, typically connected by narrow tubular junctions of variable length to the inner boundary membrane. This design may restrict intra-mitochondrial diffusion of metabolites such as ADP, and of soluble proteins such as cytochrome c. Tomographic images of a variety of mitochondria suggest that inner membrane topology reflects a balance between membrane fusion and fission. Proteins that can affect cristae morphology include tBid, which triggers cytochrome c release in apoptosis, and the dynamin-like protein Mgm1, involved in inter-mitochondrial membrane fusion. In frozen-hydrated rat-liver mitochondria, the space between the inner and outer membranes contains 10-15 nm particles that may represent macromolecular complexes involved in activities that span the two membranes.

Cell biology of mitochondrial dynamics

Mitochondria are the product of an ancient endosymbiotic event between an alpha-proteobacterium and an archael host. An early barrier to overcome in this relationship was the control of the bacterium's proliferation within the host. Undoubtedly, the bacterium (or protomitochondrion) would have used its own cell division apparatus to divide at first and, today a remnant of this system remains in some "ancient" and diverse eukaryotes such as algae and amoebae, the most conserved and widespread of all bacterial division proteins, FtsZ. In many of the eukaryotes that still use FtsZ to constrict the mitochondria from the inside, the mitochondria still resemble bacteria in shape and size. Eukaryotes, however, have a mitochondrial morphology that is often highly fluid, and in their tubular networks of mitochondria, division is clearly complemented by mitochondrial fusion. FtsZ is no longer used by these complex eukaryotes, and may have been replaced by other proteins better suited to sustaining complex mitochondrial networks. Although proteins that divide mitochondria from the inside are just beginning to be characterized in higher eukaryotes, many division proteins are known to act on the outside of the organelle. The most widespread of these are the dynamin-like proteins, which appear to have been recruited very early in the evolution of mitochondria. The essential nature of mitochondria dictates that their loss is intolerable to human cells, and that mutations disrupting mitochondrial division are more likely to be fatal than result in disease. To date, only one disease (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease 2A) has been mapped to a gene that is required for mitochondrial division, whereas two other diseases can be attributed to mutations in mitochondrial fusion genes. Apart from playing a role in regulating the morphology, which might be important for efficient ATP production, research has indicated that the mitochondrial division and fusion proteins can also be important during apoptosis; mitochondrial fragmentation is an early triggering (and under many stimuli, essential) step in the pathway to cell suicide.

Mitochondrial DNA impacts the morphology of mitochondrial compartments

Mitochondrial compartments of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae experience continual morphological alterations. Mitochondrial compartments of wild-type yeast, when observed using fluorescent markers, are usually found to be a network of extended tubular structures. However, a quantitative analysis of mitochondrial structures in a genetically homogenous population of wild-type yeast revealed that although the majority of individual yeast cells contained the expected extended network of mitochondrial tubules, a significant number of cells were found to exclusively contain condensed globular mitochondrial compartments or a mixture of extended and globular mitochondrial compartments. Additionally, this distribution of mitochondrial morphologies was found to be dependent upon the presence of mitochondrial DNA. Cells containing intact wild-type genomes or a deletion mutation of the COX2 gene gave rise to populations of yeast in which at least 80% of the cells contained only extended tubular networks of mitochondria. In isogenic yeast strains lacking mitochondrial DNA or containing a mitochondrial genome composed of reiterated COX2 sequences, only 30 to 40% of the cells in the population had exclusively extended mitochondrial networks, and the remaining cells in the population were composed of cells exhibiting either exclusively condensed or both condensed and extended mitochondrial profiles. We conclude that either a specific sequence element or a mitochondrially encoded gene product is required for promoting a pervasive distribution of extended tubular mitochondrial compartments.

Structure of dimeric ATP synthase from mitochondria: An angular association of monomers induces the strong curvature of the inner membrane

Respiration in all cells depends upon synthesis of ATP by the ATP synthase complex, a rotary motor enzyme. The structure of the catalytic moiety of ATP synthase, the so-called F(1) headpiece, is well established. F(1) is connected to the membrane-bound and ion translocating F(0) subcomplex by a central stalk. A peripheral stalk, or stator, prevents futile rotation of the headpiece during catalysis. Although the enzyme functions as a monomer, several lines of evidence have recently suggested that monomeric ATP synthase complexes might interact to form a dimeric supercomplex in mitochondria. However, due to its fragility, the structure of ATP synthase dimers has so far not been precisely defined for any organism. Here we report the purification of a stable dimeric ATP synthase supercomplex, using mitochondria of the alga Polytomella. Structural analysis by electron microscopy and single particle analysis revealed that dimer formation is based on specific interaction of the F(0) parts, not the F(1) headpieces which are not at all in close proximity. Remarkably, the angle between the two F(0) part is about 70 degrees, which induces a strong local bending of the membrane. Hence, the function of ATP synthase dimerisation is to control the unique architecture of the mitochondrial inner membrane.

F1F0-ATP synthase complex interactions in vivo can occur in the absence of the dimer specific subunit e

Evidence suggests membrane bound F(1)F(0)-ATPase complexes form stable associations such that dimers can be retrieved from detergent lysates of mitochondria isolated from a range of sources including algae, higher plants, yeast and bovine heart, and plant chloroplasts. The physiological relevance of these interactions is not clear but may be connected with the formation and structure of mitochondrial cristae. We sought to demonstrate, in vivo, the association of F(1)F(0)-ATPases in yeast cells co-expressing two b subunits each fused at its C-terminus to a GFP variant appropriate for fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET; BFP as the donor and GFP as the acceptor fluorophore). Both subunit b-GFP and b-BFP fusions were assembled into functional complexes. FRET was observed from enzyme complexes in molecular proximity in respiring cells providing the first demonstration of the association, in vivo, of F(1)F(0)-ATPase complexes. Moreover, FRET was observed within cells lacking the dimer specific subunit e, indicating structured associations can occur within the inner membrane in the absence of subunit e.

Functional analysis of subunit e of the F1Fo-ATP synthase of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae: importance of the N-terminal membrane anchor region

Mitochondrial F1Fo-ATP synthase complexes do not exist as physically independent entities but rather form dimeric and possibly oligomeric complexes in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Stable dimerization of two F1Fo-monomeric complexes involves the physical association of two membrane-embedded Fo-sectors. Previously, formation of the ATP synthase dimeric-oligomeric network was demonstrated to play a critical role in modulating the morphology of the mitochondrial inner membrane. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, subunit e (Su e) of the Fo-sector plays a central role in supporting ATP synthase dimerization. The Su e protein is anchored to the inner membrane via a hydrophobic region located at its N-terminal end. The hydrophilic C-terminal region of Su e resides in the intermembrane space and contains a conserved coiled-coil motif. In the present study, we focused on characterizing the importance of these regions for the function of Su e. We created a number of C-terminal-truncated derivatives of the Su e protein and expressed them in the Su e null yeast mutant. Mitochondria were isolated from the resulting transformant strains, and a number of functions of Su e were analyzed. Our results indicate that the N-terminal hydrophobic region plays important roles in the Su e-dependent processes of mitochondrial DNA maintenance, modulation of mitochondrial morphology, and stabilization of the dimer-specific Fo subunits, subunits g and k. Furthermore, we show that the C-terminal coiled-coil region of Su e functions to stabilize the dimeric form of detergent-solubilized ATP synthase complexes. Finally, we propose a model to explain how Su e supports the assembly of the ATP synthase dimers-oligomers in the mitochondrial membrane.

Structure of dimeric mitochondrial ATP synthase: novel F0 bridging features and the structural basis of mitochondrial cristae biogenesis

The F1F0-ATP synthase exists as a dimer in mitochondria, where it is essential for the biogenesis of the inner membrane cristae. How two ATP synthase complexes dimerize to promote cristae formation is unknown. Here we resolved the structure of the dimeric F1F0 ATP synthase complex isolated from bovine heart mitochondria by transmission electron microscopy. The structure of the ATP synthase dimer has an overall conic appearance that is consistent with the proposed role of the dimeric enzyme in mitochondrial cristae biogenesis. The ATP synthase dimer interface is formed by contacts on both the F0 and F1 domains. A cross-bridging protein density was resolved which connects the two F0 domains on the intermembrane space side of the membrane. On the matrix side of the complex, the two F1 moieties are connected by a protein bridge, which is attributable to the IF1 inhibitor protein.

The modification of the conserved GXXXG motif of the membrane-spanning segment of subunit g destabilizes the supramolecular species of yeast ATP synthase

The supernumerary subunit g is found in all mitochondrial ATP synthases. Most of the conserved amino acid residues are present in the membrane C-terminal part of the protein that contains a dimerization motif GXXXG. In yeast, alteration of this motif leads to the loss of subunit g and of supramolecular structures of the ATP synthase with concomitant appearance of anomalous mitochondrial morphologies. Disulfide bond formation involving an engineered cysteine in position 109 of subunit g and the endogenous cysteine 28 of subunit e promoted g + g, e + g, and e + e adducts, thus revealing the proximity in the mitochondrial membrane of several subunits e and g. Disulfide bond formation between two subunits g in mitochondria increased the stability of an oligomeric structure of the ATP synthase in digitonin extracts. These data suggest the participation of the dimerization motif of subunit g in the formation of supramolecular structures and is in favor of the existence of ATP synthase associations, in the inner mitochondrial membrane, whose masses are higher than those of ATP synthase dimers.

The yeast F(1)F(0)-ATP synthase: analysis of the molecular organization of subunit g and the importance of a conserved GXXXG motif

The F(1)F(0)-ATP synthase enzyme is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it forms dimeric complexes. Dimerization of the ATP synthase involves the physical association of the neighboring membrane-embedded F(0)-sectors. In yeast, the F(0)-sector subunits g and e (Su g and Su e, respectively) play a key role in supporting the formation of ATP synthase dimers. In this study we have focused on Su g to gain a better understanding of the function and the molecular organization of this subunit within the ATP synthase complex. Su g proteins contain a GXXXG motif (G is glycine, and X is any amino acid) in their single transmembrane segment. GXXXG can be a dimerization motif that supports helix-helix interactions between neighboring transmembrane segments. We demonstrate here that the GXXXG motif is important for the function and in particular for the stability of Su g within the ATP synthase. Using site-directed mutagenesis and cross-linking approaches, we demonstrate that Su g and Su e interact, and our findings emphasize the importance of the membrane anchor regions of these proteins for their interaction. Su e also contains a conserved GXXXG motif in its membrane anchor. However, data presented here would suggest that an intact GXXXG motif in Su g is not essential for the Su g-Su e interaction. We suggest that the GXXXG motif may not be the sole basis for a Su g-Su e interaction, and possibly these dimerization motifs may enable both Su g and Su e to interact with another mitochondrial protein.

Failure to Assemble the α3 β3 Subcomplex of the ATP Synthase Leads to Accumulation of the α and β Subunits within Inclusion Bodies and the Loss of Mitochondrial Cristae in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The F(1) component of mitochondrial ATP synthase is an oligomeric assembly of five different subunits, alpha, beta, gamma, delta, and epsilon. In terms of mass, the bulk of the structure ( approximately 90%) is provided by the alpha and beta subunits, which form an (alphabeta)(3) hexamer with adenine nucleotide binding sites at the alpha/beta interfaces. We report here ultrastructural and immunocytochemical analyses of yeast mutants that are unable to form the alpha(3)beta(3) oligomer, either because the alpha or the beta subunit is missing or because the cells are deficient for proteins that mediate F assembly (e.g. Atp11p, Atp12p, or Fmc1p). The F(1) alpha(1) and beta subunits of such mutant strains are detected within large electron-dense particles in the mitochondrial matrix. The composition of the aggregated species is principally full-length F(1) alpha and/or beta subunit protein that has been processed to remove the amino-terminal targeting peptide. To our knowledge this is the first demonstration of mitochondrial inclusion bodies that are formed largely of one particular protein species. We also show that yeast mutants lacking the alpha(3)beta(3) oligomer are devoid of mitochondrial cristae and are severely deficient for respiratory complexes III and IV. These observations are in accord with other studies in the literature that have pointed to a central role for the ATP synthase in biogenesis of the mitochondrial inner membrane.

The epsilon-subunit of mitochondrial ATP synthase is required for normal spindle orientation during the Drosophila embryonic divisions

We describe the maternal-effect and zygotic phenotypes of null mutations in the Drosophila gene for the epsilon-subunit of mitochondrial ATP synthase, stunted (sun). Loss of zygotic sun expression leads to a dramatic delay in the growth rate of first instar larvae and ultimately death. Embryos lacking maternally supplied sun (sun embryos) have a sixfold reduction in ATP synthase activity. Cellular analysis of sun embryos shows defects only after the nuclei have migrated to the cortex. During the cortical divisions the actin-based metaphase and cellularization furrows do not form properly, and the nuclei show abnormal spacing and division failures. The most striking abnormality is that nuclei and spindles form lines and clusters, instead of adopting a regular spacing. This is reflected in a failure to properly position neighboring nonsister centrosomes during the telophase-to-interphase transition of the cortical divisions. Our study is consistent with a role for Sun in mitochondrial ATP synthesis and suggests that reduced ATP levels selectively affect molecular motors. As Sun has been identified as the ligand for the Methuselah receptor that regulates aging, Sun may function both within and outside mitochondria.

Structural differences in two biochemically defined populations of cardiac mitochondria

To determine whether there are structural differences in two topologically separated, biochemically defined mitochondrial populations in rat heart myocytes, the interior of these organelles was examined by high-resolution scanning electron microscopy. On the basis of a count of 159 in situ subsarcolemmal mitochondria (SSM, i.e., those that directly abut the sarcolemma), these organelles possess mainly lamelliform cristae (77%), whereas the cristae in in situ interfibrillar mitochondria (IFM, i.e., those situated between the myofibrils, n = 300) are mainly tubular (55%) or a mixture of tubular and lamelliform (24%). Isolated SSM (n = 374), similar to their in situ counterparts, have predominantly lamelliform cristae (75%). The proportions of crista types in isolated IFM (n = 337) have been altered, with only 20% of these organelles retaining exclusively tubular cristae, whereas 58% are mixed; of the latter, lamelliform cristae predominate. This finding suggests that, in contrast to SSM, the cristae in IFM are structurally plastic, changing during isolation. These observations on >1,000 organelles provide the first quantitative morphological evidence for definitive differences between the two populations of cardiac mitochondria.

Active oligomeric ATP synthases in mammalian mitochondria

Recently, by analysis of mildly solubilized mitochondrial membranes new biochemical evidences were obtained for the occurrence of ATP synthase dimers in mitochondria of different eukaryotes from yeast to mammals. In the case of yeast even higher ATP synthase oligomers could be found. Here, we analysed by BN- and CN-PAGE mammalian (bovine and rat) mitochondria from five different tissues, which were efficiently but very mildly solubilized with digitonin. In mitochondria from all investigated tissues besides ATP synthase monomers (V(1)) not only dimeric ATP synthase (V(2)) but for the first time also higher oligomers, at least trimers (V(3)) and tetramers (V(4)), were separated. Compared with BN-PAGE, by CN-PAGE analysis the yields of preserved respiratory supercomplexes as well as of oligomeric ATP synthases (V(2-4)) were significantly increased. The latter represent the majority of total ATP synthases in all cases. Importantly, all different ATP synthase species from the five tissues displayed in-gel ATP hydrolase activity, suggesting that homooligomeric ATP synthases are the constitutive, enzymatically competent organization of mammalian ATP synthases in the inner mitochondrial membrane.

A GTP:AMP phosphotransferase, Adk2p, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Role of the C terminus in protein folding/stabilization, thermal tolerance, and enzymatic activity

Adenylate kinases participate in maintaining the homeostasis of cellular nucleotides. Depending on the yeast strains, the GTP:AMP phosphotransferase is encoded by the nuclear gene ADK2 with or without a single base pair deletion/insertion near the 3' end of the open reading frame, and the corresponding protein exists as either Adk2p (short) or Adk2p (long) in the mitochondrial matrix. These two forms are identical except that the three C-terminal residues of Adk2p (short) are changed in Adk2p (long), and the latter contains an additional nine amino acids at the C terminus of the protein. The short form of Adk2p has so far been considered to be inactive (Schricker, R., Magdolen, V., Strobel, G., Bogengruber, E., Breitenbach, M., and Bandlow, W. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 31103-31110). Using purified proteins, we show that at the physiological temperature for yeast growth (30 degrees C), both short and long forms of Adk2p are enzymatically active. However, in contrast to the short form, Adk2p (long) is quite resistant to thermal inactivation, urea denaturation, and degradation by trypsin. Unfolding of the long form by high concentrations of urea greatly stimulated its import into isolated mitochondria. Using an integration-based gene-swapping approach, we found that regardless of the yeast strains used, the steady state levels of endogenous Adk2p (long) in mitochondria were 5-10-fold lower compared with those of Adk2p (short). Together, these results suggest that the modified C-terminal domain in Adk2p (long) is not essential for enzyme activity, but it contributes to and strengthens protein folding and/or stability and is particularly important for maintaining enzyme activity under stress conditions.

Structure of a mitochondrial supercomplex formed by respiratory-chain complexes I and III

Mitochondria are central to the efficient provision of energy for eukaryotic cells. The oxidative-phosphorylation system of mitochondria consists of a series of five major membrane complexes: NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (commonly known as complex I), succinate-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex II), ubiquinol-cytochrome c oxidoreductase (cytochrome bc1 complex or complex III), cytochrome c-O2 oxidoreductase (complex IV), and F1F0-ATP synthase (complex V). Several lines of evidence have recently suggested that complexes I and III-V might interact to form supercomplexes. However, because of their fragility, the structures of these supercomplexes are still unknown. A stable supercomplex consisting of complex I and dimeric complex III was purified from plant mitochondria. Structural characterization by single-particle EM indicates a specific type of interaction between monomeric complex I and dimeric complex III in a 1:1 ratio. We present a model for how complexes I and III are spatially organized within the I+III2 supercomplex.

Influence of a mitochondrial genetic defect on capacitative calcium entry and mitochondrial organization in the osteosarcoma cells

Effects of T8993G mutation in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), associated with neurogenical muscle weakness, ataxia and retinitis pigmentosa (NARP), on the cytoskeleton, mitochondrial network and calcium homeostasis in human osteosarcoma cells were investigated. In 98% NARP and rho(0) (lacking mtDNA) cells, the organization of the mitochondrial network and actin cytoskeleton was disturbed. Capacitative calcium entry (CCE) was practically independent of mitochondrial energy status in osteosarcoma cell lines. The significantly slower Ca(2+) influx rates observed in 98% NARP and rho(0), in comparison to parental cells, indicates that proper actin cytoskeletal organization is important for CCE in these cells.

The mitochondrial inner membrane protein mitofilin controls cristae morphology

Mitochondria are complex organelles with a highly dynamic distribution and internal organization. Here, we demonstrate that mitofilin, a previously identified mitochondrial protein of unknown function, controls mitochondrial cristae morphology. Mitofilin is enriched in the narrow space between the inner boundary and the outer membranes, where it forms a homotypic interaction and assembles into a large multimeric protein complex. Down-regulation of mitofilin in HeLa cells by using specific small interfering RNA lead to decreased cellular proliferation and increased apoptosis, suggesting abnormal mitochondrial function. Although gross mitochondrial fission and fusion seemed normal, ultrastructural studies revealed disorganized mitochondrial inner membrane. Inner membranes failed to form tubular or vesicular cristae and showed as closely packed stacks of membrane sheets that fused intermittently, resulting in a complex maze of membranous network. Electron microscopic tomography estimated a substantial increase in inner:outer membrane ratio, whereas no cristae junctions were detected. In addition, mitochondria subsequently exhibited increased reactive oxygen species production and membrane potential. Although metabolic flux increased due to mitofilin deficiency, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation was not increased accordingly. We propose that mitofilin is a critical organizer of the mitochondrial cristae morphology and thus indispensable for normal mitochondrial function.