Crystal structure of mitochondrial respiratory membrane protein complex II

Involvement of hypoxia-triggered endoplasmic reticulum stress in outlet obstruction-induced apoptosis in the urinary bladder

In bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), mechanical stress and ischemia/hypoxia are implicated in structural and functional alterations of the urinary bladder. Because mechanical stress and hypoxia may trigger endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, we examined involvement of ER stress in the damage of the bladder caused by BOO. An experimental model of BOO was established in rats by complete ligature of the urethra for 24 h, and bladders were subjected to northern blot analysis and assessment of apoptosis. Isolated urinary bladders and bladder-derived smooth muscle cells (BSMCs) were also exposed to mechanical strain and hypoxia and used for analyses. To examine involvement of ER stress in the damage of the bladder, the effects of a chemical chaperone 4-phenylbutyrate (4-PBA) were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Outlet obstruction for 24 h induced expression of ER stress markers, GRP78 and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-homologous protein (CHOP), in the bladder. It was associated with induction of markers for mechanical stress (cyclooxygenases 2) and hypoxia (vascular endothelial growth factor and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase). When isolated bladders and BSMCs were subjected to mechanical strain, induction of GRP78 and CHOP was not observed. In contrast, when BSMCs were exposed to hypoxic stress caused by CoCl2 or thenoyltrifluoroacetone (TTFA), substantial upregulation of GRP78 and CHOP was observed, suggesting involvement of hypoxia in the induction of ER stress. In the bladder subjected to BOO, the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling-positive cells increased in the epithelial cells and BSMCs. Similarly, treatment with TTFA or CoCl2 induced apoptosis of BSMCs, and 4-PBA significantly attenuated ER stress and apoptosis triggered by these agents. Furthermore, in vivo administration with 4-PBA significantly reduced apoptosis in the bladder subjected to BOO. These results suggested that outlet obstruction caused ER stress via hypoxic stress in the bladder and that hypoxia-triggered ER stress may be involved in the induction of apoptosis in BOO.

Alpha-tocopheryl succinate induces apoptosis by targeting ubiquinone-binding sites in mitochondrial respiratory complex II

Alpha-tocopheryl succinate (alpha-TOS) is a selective inducer of apoptosis in cancer cells, which involves the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The molecular target of alpha-TOS has not been identified. Here, we show that alpha-TOS inhibits succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity of complex II (CII) by interacting with the proximal and distal ubiquinone (UbQ)-binding site (Q(P) and Q(D), respectively). This is based on biochemical analyses and molecular modelling, revealing similar or stronger interaction energy of alpha-TOS compared to that of UbQ for the Q(P) and Q(D) sites, respectively. CybL-mutant cells with dysfunctional CII failed to accumulate ROS and underwent apoptosis in the presence of alpha-TOS. Similar resistance was observed when CybL was knocked down with siRNA. Reconstitution of functional CII rendered CybL-mutant cells susceptible to alpha-TOS. We propose that alpha-TOS displaces UbQ in CII causing electrons generated by SDH to recombine with molecular oxygen to yield ROS. Our data highlight CII, a known tumour suppressor, as a novel target for cancer therapy.

Structure of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, an essential monotopic membrane enzyme involved in respiration and metabolism

Sn-glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GlpD) is an essential membrane enzyme, functioning at the central junction of respiration, glycolysis, and phospholipid biosynthesis. Its critical role is indicated by the multitiered regulatory mechanisms that stringently controls its expression and function. Once expressed, GlpD activity is regulated through lipid-enzyme interactions in Escherichia coli. Here, we report seven previously undescribed structures of the fully active E. coli GlpD, up to 1.75 A resolution. In addition to elucidating the structure of the native enzyme, we have determined the structures of GlpD complexed with substrate analogues phosphoenolpyruvate, glyceric acid 2-phosphate, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, and product, dihydroxyacetone phosphate. These structural results reveal conformational states of the enzyme, delineating the residues involved in substrate binding and catalysis at the glycerol-3-phosphate site. Two probable mechanisms for catalyzing the dehydrogenation of glycerol-3-phosphate are envisioned, based on the conformational states of the complexes. To further correlate catalytic dehydrogenation to respiration, we have additionally determined the structures of GlpD bound with ubiquinone analogues menadione and 2-n-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide, identifying a hydrophobic plateau that is likely the ubiquinone-binding site. These structures illuminate probable mechanisms of catalysis and suggest how GlpD shuttles electrons into the respiratory pathway. Glycerol metabolism has been implicated in insulin signaling and perturbations in glycerol uptake and catabolism are linked to obesity in humans. Homologs of GlpD are found in practically all organisms, from prokaryotes to humans, with >45% consensus protein sequences, signifying that these structural results on the prokaryotic enzyme may be readily applied to the eukaryotic GlpD enzymes.

Vitamin E analogues inhibit angiogenesis by selective induction of apoptosis in proliferating endothelial cells: the role of oxidative stress

"Mitocans" from the vitamin E group of selective anticancer drugs, alpha-tocopheryl succinate (alpha-TOS) and its ether analogue alpha-TEA, triggered apoptosis in proliferating but not arrested endothelial cells. Angiogenic endothelial cells exposed to the vitamin E analogues, unlike their arrested counterparts, readily accumulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) by interfering with the mitochondrial redox chain and activating the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. The vitamin E analogues inhibited angiogenesis in vitro as assessed using the "wound-healing" and "tube-forming" models. Endothelial cells deficient in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were resistant to the vitamin E analogues, both in ROS accumulation and apoptosis induction, maintaining their angiogenic potential. alpha-TOS inhibited angiogenesis in a mouse cancer model, as documented by ultrasound imaging. We conclude that vitamin E analogues selectively kill angiogenic endothelial cells, suppressing tumor growth, which has intriguing clinical implications.

High frequency of germline succinate dehydrogenase mutations in sporadic cervical paragangliomas in northern Spain: mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase structure-function relationships and clinical-pathological correlations

PURPOSE

Germline SDHB, SDHC, and/or SDHD mutations have been reported in familial and apparently sporadic paragangliomas (PGLs). There is, however, some variation in the prevalence, penetrance, and phenotypic expression of the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) mutated gene among different populations. We sought to determine whether germline mutations in SDHB, SDHC, and/or SDHD play a role in cervical PGLs from northern Spain, where this disorder is particularly frequent, and whether there is any difference with respect to the data published in other populations.

DESIGN

Thirty-six sporadic cervical PGLs and four familial PGLs were investigated by PCR-single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis and sequencing. Computational biology was applied to address the structural-conformational changes behind missense mutations and, simultaneously, infer the possible consequences in protein function.

RESULTS

Eight sporadic cases (22.2%) carried pathogenic germline mutations, six of which were in SDHB and two in SDHD. Three families had mutations in SDHD and one in SDHB. Seven of 11 different pathogenic mutations (64%) affected SDHB. Ten mutations were novel. Missense mutations were primarily found in SDHB and frameshift mutations in SDHD. Missense SDHB mutations seemed to alter the enzymatic activity by hampering the electron transfer. SDH-linked tumors occurred mainly in males (P = 0.0033), occurred at a younger age (P < 0.0001), were usually multifocal (P = 0.0011), and exhibited a larger size (P = 0.0341).

CONCLUSIONS

A significant proportion of sporadic cervical PGLs arise as a consequence of intrinsic genetic factors. At variance with previous reports, SDHB is frequently mutated in sporadic cervical PGLs and the mutations do not entail a deleterious behavior. Therefore, SDHB genetic testing may be considered in all subjects presenting with solitary cervical PGL and no family history.

Escherichia coli succinate dehydrogenase variant lacking the heme b

The Escherichia coli enzyme succinate:ubiquinone oxidoreductase [(succinate dehydrogenase (SdhCDAB)] couples succinate oxidation to ubiquinone reduction and is structurally and functionally equivalent to mitochondrial complex II, an essential component of the aerobic respiratory chain and tricarboxylic acid cycle. All such enzymes contain a heme within their membrane anchor domain with a highly contentious, but as-yet-undetermined, function. Here, we report the generation of a complex II that lacks heme, which is confirmed by both optical and EPR spectroscopy. Despite the absence of heme, this mutant still assembles properly and retains physiological activity. However, the mutants lacking heme are highly sensitive to the presence of detergent. In addition, the heme does not appear to be involved in reactive oxygen species suppression. Our results indicate that redox cycling of the heme in complex II is not essential for the enzyme's ubiquinol reductase activity.

Loss of the SdhB, but Not the SdhA, subunit of complex II triggers reactive oxygen species-dependent hypoxia-inducible factor activation and tumorigenesis

Mitochondrial complex II is a tumor suppressor comprised of four subunits (SdhA, SdhB, SdhC, and SdhD). Mutations in any of these should disrupt complex II enzymatic activity, yet defects in SdhA produce bioenergetic deficiency while defects in SdhB, SdhC, or SdhD induce tumor formation. The mechanisms underlying these differences are not known. We show that the inhibition of distal subunits of complex II, either pharmacologically or via RNA interference of SdhB, increases normoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, increases hypoxia-inducible factor alpha (HIF-alpha) stabilization in an ROS-dependent manner, and increases growth rates in vitro and in vivo without affecting hypoxia-mediated activation of HIF-alpha. Proximal pharmacologic inhibition or RNA interference of complex II at SdhA, however, does not increase normoxic ROS production or HIF-alpha stabilization and results in decreased growth rates in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the enhanced growth rates resulting from SdhB suppression are inhibited by the suppression of HIF-1alpha and/or HIF-2alpha, indicating that the mechanism of SdhB-induced tumor formation relies upon ROS production and subsequent HIF-alpha activation. Therefore, differences in ROS production, HIF proliferation, and cell proliferation contribute to the differences in tumor phenotype in cells lacking SdhB as opposed to those lacking SdhA.

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae succinate dehydrogenase does not require heme for ubiquinone reduction

The coupling of succinate oxidation to the reduction of ubiquinone by succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) constitutes a pivotal reaction in the aerobic generation of energy. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, SDH is a tetramer composed of a catalytic dimer comprising a flavoprotein subunit, Sdh1p and an iron-sulfur protein, Sdh2p and a heme b-containing membrane-anchoring dimer comprising the Sdh3p and Sdh4p subunits. In order to investigate the role of heme in SDH catalysis, we constructed an S. cerevisiae strain expressing a mutant enzyme lacking the two heme axial ligands, Sdh3p His-106 and Sdh4p Cys-78. The mutant enzyme was characterized for growth on a non-fermentable carbon source, for enzyme assembly, for succinate-dependent quinone reduction and for its heme b content. Replacement of both Sdh3p His-106 and Sdh4p Cys-78 with alanine residues leads to an undetectable level of cytochrome b(562). Although enzyme assembly is slightly impaired, the apocytochrome SDH retains a significant ability to reduce quinone. The enzyme has a reduced affinity for quinone and its catalytic efficiency is reduced by an order of magnitude. To better understand the effects of the mutations, we employed atomistic molecular dynamic simulations to investigate the enzyme's structure and stability in the absence of heme. Our results strongly suggest that heme is not required for electron transport from succinate to quinone nor is it necessary for assembly of the S. cerevisiae SDH.

Mitochondrial complex II in the post-ischemic heart: oxidative injury and the role of protein S-glutathionylation

Mitochondrial superoxide (O2.) is an important mediator of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. The O2. generated in mitochondria also acts as a redox signal triggering cellular apoptosis. The enzyme succinate ubiquinone reductase (SQR or complex II) is one of the major mitochondrial components hosting regulatory thiols. Here the intrinsic protein S-glutathionylation (PrSSG) at the 70-kDa FAD-binding subunit of SQR was detected in rat heart and in isolated SQR using an anti-GSH monoclonal antibody. When rats were subjected to 30 min of coronary ligation followed by 24 h of reperfusion, the electron transfer activity (ETA) of SQR in post-ischemic myocardium was significantly decreased by 41.5 +/- 2.9%. The PrSSGs of SQR-70 kDa were partially or completely eliminated in post-ischemic myocardium obtained from in vivo regional I/R hearts or isolated global I/R hearts, respectively. These results were further confirmed by using isolated succinate cytochrome c reductase (complex II + complex III). In the presence of succinate, O2. was generated and oxidized the SQR portion of SCR, leading to a 60-70% decrease in its ETA. The gel band of the S-glutathionylated SQR 70-kDa polypeptide was cut out and digested with trypsin, and the digests were subjected to liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry analysis. One cysteine residue, Cys(90), was involved in S-glutathionylation. These results indicate that the glutathione-binding domain, (77)AAFGLSEAGFNTACVTK(93) (where underline indicates Cys(90)), is susceptible to redox change induced by oxidative stress. Furthermore, in vitro S-glutathionylation of purified SQR resulted in enhanced SQR-derived electron transfer efficiency and decreased formation of the 70-kDa-derived protein thiyl radical induced by O2. . Thus, the decreasing S-glutathionylation and ETA in mitochondrial complex II are marked during myocardial ischemia/reperfusion. This redox-triggered impairment of complex II occurs in the post-ischemic heart and should be useful to identify disease pathogenesis related to reactive oxygen species-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.

Ubiquinone-binding Site Mutations in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Succinate Dehydrogenase Generate Superoxide and Lead to the Accumulation of Succinate

The mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) is an essential component of the electron transport chain and of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Also known as complex II, this tetrameric enzyme catalyzes the oxidation of succinate to fumarate and reduces ubiquinone. Mutations in the human SDHB, SDHC, and SDHD genes are tumorigenic, leading to the development of several types of tumors, including paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma. The mechanisms linking SDH mutations to oncogenesis are still unclear. In this work, we used the yeast SDH to investigate the molecular and catalytic effects of tumorigenic or related mutations. We mutated Arg(47) of the Sdh3p subunit to Cys, Glu, and Lys and Asp(88) of the Sdh4p subunit to Asn, Glu, and Lys. Both Arg(47) and Asp(88) are conserved residues, and Arg(47) is a known site of cancer causing mutations in humans. All of the mutants examined have reduced ubiquinone reductase activities. The SDH3 R47K, SDH4 D88E, and SDH4 D88N mutants are sensitive to hyperoxia and paraquat and have elevated rates of superoxide production in vitro and in vivo. We also observed the accumulation and secretion of succinate. Succinate can inhibit prolyl hydroxylase enzymes, which initiate a proliferative response through the activation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha. We suggest that SDH mutations can promote tumor formation by contributing to both reactive oxygen species production and to a proliferative response normally induced by hypoxia via the accumulation of succinate.

Target identification of drug induced mitochondrial toxicity using immunocapture based OXPHOS activity assays

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been shown to be a pharmacotoxicological response to a variety of currently-marketed drugs. In order to reduce attrition due to mitochondrial toxicity, high throughput-applicable screens are needed for early stage drug discovery. We describe, here, a set of immunocapture based assays to identify compounds that directly inhibit four of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes: I, II, IV, and V. Intra- and inter-assay variation were determined and specificity tested by using classical mitochondrial inhibitors. Twenty drugs, some with known mitochondrial toxicity and others with no known mitochondrial liability, were studied. Direct inhibition of one or more of the OXPHOS complexes was identified for many of the drugs. Novel information was obtained for several drugs including ones with previously unknown effects on oxidative phosphorylation. A major advantage of the immunocapture approach is that it can be used throughout drug screening from early compound evaluation to clinical trials.

History of protein crystallography in China

China has a strong background in X-ray crystallography dating back to the 1920s. Protein crystallography research in China was first developed following the successful synthesis of insulin in China in 1966. The subsequent determination of the three-dimensional structure of porcine insulin made China one of the few countries which could determine macromolecular structures by X-ray diffraction methods in the late 1960s and early 1970s. After a slow period during the 1970s and 1980s, protein crystallography in China has reached a new climax with a number of outstanding accomplishments. Here, I review the history and progress of protein crystallography in China and detail some of the recent research highlights, including the crystal structures of two membrane proteins as well as the structural genomics initiative in China.

Rows of ATP synthase dimers in native mitochondrial inner membranes

The ATP synthase is a nanometric rotary machine that uses a transmembrane electrochemical gradient to form ATP. The structures of most components of the ATP synthase are known, and their organization has been elucidated. However, the supramolecular assembly of ATP synthases in biological membranes remains unknown. Here we show with submolecular resolution the organization of ATP synthases in the yeast mitochondrial inner membranes. The atomic force microscopy images we have obtained show how these molecules form dimers with characteristic 15 nm distance between the axes of their rotors through stereospecific interactions of the membrane embedded portions of their stators. A different interaction surface is responsible for the formation of rows of dimers. Such an organization elucidates the role of the ATP synthase in mitochondrial morphology. Some dimers have a different morphology with 10 nm stalk-to-stalk distance, in line with ATP synthases that are accessible to IF1 inhibition. Rotation torque compensation within ATP synthase dimers stabilizes the ATP synthase structure, in particular the stator-rotor interaction.

The role of Coenzyme Q in mitochondrial electron transport

In mitochondria, most Coenzyme Q is free in the lipid bilayer; the question as to whether tightly bound, non-exchangeable Coenzyme Q molecules exist in mitochondrial complexes is still an open question. We review the mechanism of inter-complex electron transfer mediated by ubiquinone and discuss the kinetic consequences of the supramolecular organization of the respiratory complexes (randomly dispersed vs. super-complexes) in terms of Coenzyme Q pool behavior vs. metabolic channeling, respectively, both in physiological and in some pathological conditions. As an example of intra-complex electron transfer, we discuss in particular Complex I, a topic that is still under active investigation.

Preliminary molecular characterization and crystallization of mitochondrial respiratory complex II from porcine heart

The mitochondrial respiratory complex II, or succinate:ubiquinone oxidoreductase, is an integral membrane protein complex in both the tricarboxylic acid cycle (Krebs cycle) and aerobic respiration. The gene sequences of each complex II subunit were measured by RT-PCR. N-terminal sequencing work was performed to identify the mitochondrial targeting signal peptide of each subunit. Complex II was extracted from porcine heart and purified by the ammonium sulfate precipitation method. The sample was solubilized by 0.5% (w/v) sugar detergent n-decyl-beta-D-maltoside, stabilized by 200 mM sucrose, and crystallized with 5% (w/v) poly(ethylene glycol) 4000. Important factors for the extraction, purification and crystallization of mitochondrial respiratory complex II are discussed.

Respiratory chain components involved in the glycerophosphate dehydrogenase-dependent ROS production by brown adipose tissue mitochondria

Involvement of mammalian mitochondrial glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (mGPDH, EC 1.1.99.5) in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was studied in brown adipose tissue mitochondria by different spectroscopic techniques. Spectrofluorometry using ROS-sensitive probes CM-H2DCFDA and Amplex Red was used to determine the glycerophosphate- or succinate-dependent ROS production in mitochondria supplemented with respiratory chain inhibitors antimycin A and myxothiazol. In case of glycerophosphate oxidation, most of the ROS originated directly from mGPDH and coenzyme Q while complex III was a typical site of ROS production in succinate oxidation. Glycerophosphate-dependent ROS production monitored by KCN-insensitive oxygen consumption was highly activated by one-electron acceptor ferricyanide, whereas succinate-dependent ROS production was unaffected. In addition, superoxide anion radical was detected as a mGPDH-related primary ROS species by fluorescent probe dihydroethidium, as well as by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy with DMPO spin trap. Altogether, the data obtained demonstrate pronounced differences in the mechanism of ROS production originating from oxidation of glycerophosphate and succinate indicating that electron transfer from mGPDH to coenzyme Q is highly prone to electron leak and superoxide generation.

Interaction of the Mitochondria-targeted Antioxidant MitoQ with Phospholipid Bilayers and Ubiquinone Oxidoreductases

MitoQ(10) is a ubiquinone that accumulates within mitochondria driven by a conjugated lipophilic triphenylphosphonium cation (TPP(+)). Once there, MitoQ(10) is reduced to its active ubiquinol form, which has been used to prevent mitochondrial oxidative damage and to infer the involvement of reactive oxygen species in signaling pathways. Here we show MitoQ(10) is effectively reduced by complex II, but is a poor substrate for complex I, complex III, and electron-transferring flavoprotein (ETF):quinone oxidoreductase (ETF-QOR). This differential reactivity could be explained if the bulky TPP(+) moiety sterically hindered access of the ubiquinone group to enzyme active sites with a long, narrow access channel. Using a combination of molecular modeling and an uncharged analog of MitoQ(10) with similar sterics (tritylQ(10)), we infer that the interaction of MitoQ(10) with complex I and ETF-QOR, but not complex III, is inhibited by its bulky TPP(+) moiety. To explain its lack of reactivity with complex III we show that the TPP(+) moiety of MitoQ(10) is ineffective at quenching pyrene fluorophors deeply buried within phospholipid bilayers and thus is positioned near the membrane surface. This superficial position of the TPP(+) moiety, as well as the low solubility of MitoQ(10) in non-polar organic solvents, suggests that the concentration of the entire MitoQ(10) molecule in the membrane core is very limited. As overlaying MitoQ(10) onto the structure of complex III indicates that MitoQ(10) cannot react with complex III without its TPP(+) moiety entering the low dielectric of the membrane core, we conclude that the TPP(+) moiety does anchor the tethered ubiquinol group out of reach of the active site(s) of complex III, thus explaining its slow oxidation. In contrast the ubiquinone moiety of MitoQ(10) is able to quench fluorophors deep within the membrane core, indicating a high concentration of the ubiquinone moiety within the membrane and explaining its good anti-oxidant efficacy. These findings will facilitate the rational design of future mitochondria-targeted molecules.

Succinate as Donor; Fumarate as Acceptor

Succinate and fumarate are four-carbon dicarboxylates that differ in the identity of their central bond (single or double). The oxidoreduction of these small molecules plays a central role in both aerobic and anaerobic respiration. During aerobic respiration, succinate is oxidized, donating two reducing equivalents, while in anaerobic respiration, fumarate is reduced, accepting two reducing equivalents. Two related integral membrane Complex II superfamily members catalyze these reactions, succinate:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (SQR) and fumarate:menaquinol oxidoreductase (QFR). The structure, function, and regulation of these integral-membrane enzymes are summarized here. The overall architecture of these Complex II enzymes has been found to consist of four subunits: two integral membrane subunits, and a soluble domain consisting of an iron-sulfur protein subunit, and a flavoprotein subunit. This architecture provides a scaffold that houses one active site in the membrane and another in the soluble milieu, making a linear electron transfer chain that facilities shuttling of reducing equivalents between the two active sites. A combination of kinetic measurements, mutagenesis, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and x-ray crystallography have suggested mechanisms for succinate:fumarate interconversion, electron transfer, and quinone:quinol interconversion. Of particular interest are the structural details that control directionality and make SQR and QFR primed for preferential catalysis each in different favored directions.

Sequence variation in human succinate dehydrogenase genes: evidence for long-term balancing selection on SDHA

BACKGROUND

Balancing selection operating for long evolutionary periods at a locus is characterized by the maintenance of distinct alleles because of a heterozygote or rare-allele advantage. The loci under balancing selection are distinguished by their unusually high polymorphism levels. In this report, we provide statistical and comparative genetic evidence suggesting that the SDHA gene is under long-term balancing selection. SDHA encodes the major catalytical subunit (flavoprotein, Fp) of the succinate dehydrogenase enzyme complex (SDH; mitochondrial complex II). The inhibition of Fp by homozygous SDHA mutations or by 3-nitropropionic acid poisoning causes central nervous system pathologies. In contrast, heterozygous mutations in SDHB, SDHC, and SDHD, the other SDH subunit genes, cause hereditary paraganglioma (PGL) tumors, which show constitutive activation of pathways induced by oxygen deprivation (hypoxia).

RESULTS

We sequenced the four SDH subunit genes (10.8 kb) in 24 African American and 24 European American samples. We also sequenced the SDHA gene (2.8 kb) in 18 chimpanzees. Increased nucleotide diversity distinguished the human SDHA gene from its chimpanzee ortholog and from the PGL genes. Sequence analysis uncovered two common SDHA missense variants and refuted the previous suggestions that these variants originate from different genetic loci. Two highly dissimilar SDHA haplotype clusters were present in intermediate frequencies in both racial groups. The SDHA variation pattern showed statistically significant deviations from neutrality by the Tajima, Fu and Li, Hudson-Kreitman-Aguadé, and Depaulis haplotype number tests. Empirically, the elevated values of the nucleotide diversity (% pi = 0.231) and the Tajima statistics (D = 1.954) in the SDHA gene were comparable with the most outstanding cases for balancing selection in the African American population.

CONCLUSION

The SDHA gene has a strong signature of balancing selection. The SDHA variants that have increased in frequency during human evolution might, by influencing the regulation of cellular oxygen homeostasis, confer protection against certain environmental toxins or pathogens that are prevalent in Africa.

Vitamin E analogues as a novel group of mitocans: anti-cancer agents that act by targeting mitochondria

Mitochondria have recently emerged as new and promising targets for cancer prevention and therapy. One of the reasons for this is that mitochondria are instrumental to many types of cell death and often lie downstream from the initial actions of anti-cancer drugs. Unlike the tumour suppressor gene encoding p53 that is notoriously prone to inactivating mutations but whose function is essential for induction of apoptosis by DNA-targeting agents (such as doxorubicin or 5-fluorouracil), mitochondria present targets that are not so compromised by genetic mutation and whose targeting overcomes problems with mutations of upstream targets such as p53. We have recently proposed a novel class of anti-cancer agents, mitocans that exert their anti-cancer activity by destabilising mitochondria, promoting the selective induction of apoptotic death in tumour cells. In this communication, we review recent findings on mitocans and propose a common basis for their mode of action in inducing apoptosis of cancer cells. We use as an example the analogues of vitamin E that are proving to be cancer cell-specific and may soon be developed into efficient anti-cancer drugs.

Mitocans as anti-cancer agents targeting mitochondria: lessons from studies with vitamin E analogues, inhibitors of complex II

Recently mitochondria in cancer cells have emerged as the Achilles heel for tumour destruction. Anti-cancer agents specifically targeting cancer cell mitochondria are referred to as 'mitocans'. These compounds act by destabilising these organelles, unleashing their apoptogenic potential, resulting in the efficient death of malignant cells and suppression of tumour growth. Importantly, at least some mitocans are selective for cancer cells, and these are represented by the group of redox-silent vitamin E analogues, epitomised by alpha-tocopheryl succinate (alpha-TOS). This compound has proven itself in pre-clinical models to be an efficient anti-cancer agent, targeting complex II of the respiratory chain to displace ubiquinone binding. We propose that disrupting the electron flow of mitochondrial complex II results in generation of superoxide, triggering mitochondrial destabilisation and initiation of apoptotic pathways. Moreover, alpha-TOS is selective for cancer cells with their reduced anti-oxidant defenses and lower esterase activity than the normal (non-malignant) counterparts. In this mini-review we discuss the emerging significance of mitocans, as exemplified by alpha-TOS.

Discovery, chemistry, and chemical biology of microbial products

Our long-standing and continual screening of microorganisms, especially for antiparasitic agents, has produced a wide variety of compounds of global importance, such as the avermectins. Recent discoveries include nafuredin, atpenins, argifin, and argadin. Nafuredin is a helminth-specific inhibitor of electron-transport enzyme, complex I, which exhibits anthelmintic activity againstHaemonchus contortusin sheep. The atpenins are the most potent complex II inhibitors ever reported. Co-crystallization study of atpenin A5 andE. colicomplex II indicated the binding mechanism of ubiquinone to complex II. Argifin and argadin are the first cyclic peptides to inhibit chitinase at low concentration. Though structurally similar, their chitinase inhibition mechanisms are quite different.

The role of Sdh4p Tyr-89 in ubiquinone reduction by the Saccharomyces cerevisiae succinate dehydrogenase

Succinate dehydrogenase (complex II or succinate:ubiquinone oxidoreductase) is a tetrameric, membrane-bound enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of succinate and the reduction of ubiquinone in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Two electrons from succinate are transferred one at a time through a flavin cofactor and a chain of iron-sulfur clusters to reduce ubiquinone to an ubisemiquinone intermediate and to ubiquinol. Residues that form the proximal quinone-binding site (Q(P)) must recognize ubiquinone, stabilize the ubisemiquinone intermediate, and protonate the ubiquinone to ubiquinol, while minimizing the production of reactive oxygen species. We have investigated the role of the yeast Sdh4p Tyr-89, which forms a hydrogen bond with ubiquinone in the Q(P) site. This tyrosine residue is conserved in all succinate:ubiquinone oxidoreductases studied to date. In the human SDH, mutation of this tyrosine to cysteine results in paraganglioma, tumors of the parasympathetic ganglia in the head and neck. We demonstrate that Tyr-89 is essential for ubiquinone reductase activity and that mutation of Tyr-89 to other residues does not increase the production of reactive oxygen species. Our results support a role for Tyr-89 in the protonation of ubiquinone and argue that the generation of reactive oxygen species is not causative of tumor formation.

Crystal Structure of the DsbB-DsbA Complex Reveals a Mechanism of Disulfide Bond Generation

Oxidation of cysteine pairs to disulfide requires cellular factors present in the bacterial periplasmic space. DsbB is an E. coli membrane protein that oxidizes DsbA, a periplasmic dithiol oxidase. To gain insight into disulfide bond formation, we determined the crystal structure of the DsbB-DsbA complex at 3.7 A resolution. The structure of DsbB revealed four transmembrane helices and one short horizontal helix juxtaposed with Cys130 in the mobile periplasmic loop. Whereas DsbB in the resting state contains a Cys104-Cys130 disulfide, Cys104 in the binary complex is engaged in the intermolecular disulfide bond and captured by the hydrophobic groove of DsbA, resulting in separation from Cys130. This cysteine relocation prevents the backward resolution of the complex and allows Cys130 to approach and activate the disulfide-generating reaction center composed of Cys41, Cys44, Arg48, and ubiquinone. We propose that DsbB is converted by its specific substrate, DsbA, to a superoxidizing enzyme, capable of oxidizing this extremely oxidizing oxidase.

Phenotypic variability of mitochondrial disease caused by a nuclear mutation in complex II

We report a patient with relatively mild Leigh syndrome and mitochondrial respiratory chain complex II deficiency caused by a homozygous G555E mutation in the nuclear encoded flavoprotein subunit of succinate dehydrogenase. This mutation has previously been reported in a lethal-infantile presentation of complex II deficiency. Such marked phenotypic heterogeneity, although typical of heteroplasmic mutations in the mitochondrial genome, is unusual for nuclear mutations. Comparable activities and stability of mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes were demonstrated in both patients, so other reasons for the phenotypic variability are considered.

Optical and pharmacological tools to investigate the role of mitochondria during oxidative stress and neurodegeneration

Mitochondria are critical for cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production; however, recent studies suggest that these organelles fulfill a much broader range of tasks. For example, they are involved in the regulation of cytosolic Ca(2+) levels, intracellular pH and apoptosis, and are the major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Various reactive molecules that originate from mitochondria, such as ROS, are critical in pathological events, such as ischemia, as well as in physiological events such as long-term potentiation, neuronal-vascular coupling and neuronal-glial interactions. Due to their key roles in the regulation of several cellular functions, the dysfunction of mitochondria may be critical in various brain disorders. There has been increasing interest in the development of tools that modulate mitochondrial function, and the refinement of techniques that allow for real time monitoring of mitochondria, particularly within their intact cellular environment. Innovative imaging techniques are especially powerful since they allow for mitochondrial visualization at high resolution, tracking of mitochondrial structures and optical real time monitoring of parameters of mitochondrial function. The techniques discussed include classic imaging techniques, such as rhodamine-123, the highly advanced semi-conductor nanoparticles (quantum dots), and wide field microscopy as well as high-resolution multiphoton imaging. We have highlighted the use of these techniques to study mitochondrial function in brain tissue and have included studies from our laboratories in which these techniques have been successfully applied.

Dicoumarol impairs mitochondrial electron transport and pyrimidine biosynthesis in human myeloid leukemia HL-60 cells

Dicoumarol, a competitive inhibitor of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), increases intracellular superoxide and affects cell growth of tumor cells. This work was set to establish a mechanistic link between dicoumarol, superoxide and cell cycle alterations in HL-60 cells. Using ES936, a mechanism-based irreversible inhibitor of NQO1, we demonstrate that NQO1 inhibition is not a major factor involved in superoxide boost. Mitochondrial Complexes II, III and IV were directly inhibited by dicoumarol. Succinate, which inhibits superoxide generation by reversed electron flow in Complex II, significantly decreased superoxide boost in dicoumarol-treated cells and in isolated mitochondria incubated with dicoumarol and decylubiquinol. Superoxide generation in cells was strongly potentiated by blocking the quinone site of Complex II with thenoyltrifluoroacetone, supporting the involvement of cytochrome b560 to drive electrons for increasing superoxide. Simultaneous inhibition of the mitochondrial chain upstream ubiquinone and displacement of succinate from the Complex II active site is proposed as a major mechanism to explain how dicoumarol increases superoxide in HL-60 cells. Dicoumarol-treated cells accumulated in S phase due to the impairment of pyrimidine biosynthesis at dihydroorotate dehydrogenase step because blockade was overcome by addition of exogenous uridine or orotate, but not by dihydroorotate. We demonstrate for the first time that dicoumarol inhibits mitochondrial electron transport, induces superoxide release by reversed electron flow in Complex II, and inhibits pyrimidines biosynthesis. These actions must be taken into account when considering dicoumarol effects on cells.

Hypersensitivity to oxygen and shortened lifespan in a Drosophila mitochondrial complex II mutant

Oxidative stress is implicated as a major cause of aging and age-related diseases, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, as well as ischemia-reperfusion injury in stroke. The mitochondrial electron transport chain is the principal source of reactive oxygen species within cells. Despite considerable medical interest, the molecular mechanisms that regulate reactive oxygen species formation within the mitochondrion remain poorly understood. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of a Drosophila mutant with a defect in subunit b of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH; mitochondrial complex II). The sdhB mutant is hypersensitive to oxygen and displays hallmarks of a progeroid syndrome, including early-onset mortality and age-related behavioral decay. Pathological analysis of the flight muscle, which is amongst the most highly energetic tissues in the animal kingdom, reveals structural abnormalities in the mitochondria. Biochemical analysis shows that, in the mutant, there is a complex II-specific respiratory defect and impaired complex II-mediated electron transport, although the other respiratory complexes remain functionally intact. The complex II defect is associated with an increased level of mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide production, suggesting a possible mechanism for the observed sensitivity to elevated oxygen concentration and the decreased lifespan of the mutant fly.

Structure of electron transfer flavoprotein-ubiquinone oxidoreductase and electron transfer to the mitochondrial ubiquinone pool

Electron transfer flavoprotein-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (ETF-QO) is a 4Fe4S flavoprotein located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It catalyzes ubiquinone (UQ) reduction by ETF, linking oxidation of fatty acids and some amino acids to the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Deficiencies in ETF or ETF-QO result in multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency, a human metabolic disease. Crystal structures of ETF-QO with and without bound UQ were determined, and they are essentially identical. The molecule forms a single structural domain. Three functional regions bind FAD, the 4Fe4S cluster, and UQ and are closely packed and share structural elements, resulting in no discrete structural domains. The UQ-binding pocket consists mainly of hydrophobic residues, and UQ binding differs from that of other UQ-binding proteins. ETF-QO is a monotopic integral membrane protein. The putative membrane-binding surface contains an alpha-helix and a beta-hairpin, forming a hydrophobic plateau. The UQ-flavin distance (8.5 A) is shorter than the UQ-cluster distance (18.8 A), and the very similar redox potentials of FAD and the cluster strongly suggest that the flavin, not the cluster, transfers electrons to UQ. Two possible electron transfer paths can be envisioned. First, electrons from the ETF flavin semiquinone may enter the ETF-QO flavin one by one, followed by rapid equilibration with the cluster. Alternatively, electrons may enter via the cluster, followed by equilibration between centers. In both cases, when ETF-QO is reduced to a two-electron reduced state (one electron at each redox center), the enzyme is primed to reduce UQ to ubiquinol via FAD.

The Quinone Binding Site in Escherichia coli Succinate Dehydrogenase Is Required for Electron Transfer to the Heme b

We have examined the role of the quinone-binding (Q(P)) site of Escherichia coli succinate:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (succinate dehydrogenase) in heme reduction and reoxidation during enzyme turnover. The SdhCDAB electron transfer pathway leads from a cytosolically localized flavin adenine dinucleotide cofactor to a Q(P) site located within the membrane-intrinsic domain of the enzyme. The Q(P) site is sandwiched between the [3Fe-4S] cluster of the SdhB subunit and the heme b(556) that is coordinated by His residues from the SdhC and SdhD subunits. The intercenter distances between the cluster, heme, and Q(P) site are all within the theoretical 14 A limit proposed for kinetically competent intercenter electron transfer. Using EPR spectroscopy, we have demonstrated that the Q(P) site of SdhCDAB stabilized a ubisemiquinone radical intermediate during enzyme turnover. Potentiometric titrations indicate that this species has an E(m,8) of approximately 60 mV and a stability constant (K(STAB)) of approximately 1.0. Mutants of the following conserved Q(P) site residues, SdhC-S27, SdhC-R31, and SdhD-D82, have severe consequences on enzyme function. Mutation of the conserved SdhD-Y83 suggested to hydrogen bond to the ubiquinone cofactor had a less severe but still significant effect on function. In addition to loss of overall catalysis, these mutants also affect the rate of succinate-dependent heme reduction, indicating that the Q(P) site is an essential stepping stone on the electron transfer pathway from the [3Fe-4S] cluster to the heme. Furthermore, the mutations result in the elimination of EPR-visible ubisemiquinone during potentiometric titrations. Overall, these results demonstrate the importance of a functional, semiquinone-stabilizing Q(P) site for the observation of rapid succinate-dependent heme reduction.

Localization of superoxide anion production to mitochondrial electron transport chain in 3-NPA-treated cells

3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NPA), an inhibitor of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) at complex II of the mitochondrial electron transport chain induces cellular energy deficit and oxidative stress-related neurotoxicity. In the present study, we identified the site of reactive oxygen species production in mitochondria. 3-NPA increased O2- generation in mitochondria respiring on the complex I substrates pyruvate+malate, an effect fully inhibited by rotenone. Antimycin A increased O2- production in the presence of complex I and/or II substrates. Addition of 3-NPA markedly increased antimycin A-induced O2- production by mitochondria incubated with complex I substrates, but 3-NPA inhibited O2- formation driven with the complex II substrate succinate. At 0.6 microM, myxothiazol inhibits complex III, but only partially decreases complex I activity, and allowed 3-NPA-induced O2- formation; however, at 40 microM myxothiazol (which completely inhibits both complexes I and III) eliminated O2- production from mitochondria respiring via complex I substrates. These results indicate that in the presence of 3-NPA, mitochondria generate O2- from a site between the ubiquinol pool and the 3-NPA block in the respiratory complex II.

EA. Crystallographic studies of the binding of ligands to the dicarboxylate site of Complex II, and the identity of the ligand in the "oxaloacetate-inhibited" state

Mitochondrial Complex II (succinate:ubiquinone oxidoreductase) is purified in a partially inactivated state, which can be activated by removal of tightly bound oxaloacetate (E.B. Kearney, et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 49 1115-1121). We crystallized Complex II in the presence of oxaloacetate or with the endogenous inhibitor bound. The structure showed a ligand essentially identical to the "malate-like intermediate" found in Shewanella Flavocytochrome c crystallized with fumarate (P. Taylor, et al., Nat. Struct. Biol. 6 1108-1112) Crystallization of Complex II in the presence of excess fumarate also gave the malate-like intermediate or a mixture of that and fumarate at the active site. In order to more conveniently monitor the occupation state of the dicarboxylate site, we are developing a library of UV/Vis spectral effects induced by binding different ligands to the site. Treatment with fumarate results in rapid development of the fumarate difference spectrum and then a very slow conversion into a species spectrally similar to the OAA-liganded complex. Complex II is known to be capable of oxidizing malate to the enol form of oxaloacetate (Y.O. Belikova, et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 936 1-9). The observations above suggest it may also be capable of interconverting fumarate and malate. It may be useful for understanding the mechanism and regulation of the enzyme to identify the malate-like intermediate and its pathway of formation from oxaloacetate or fumarate.

Hypoxic vasoconstriction of partial muscular intra-acinar pulmonary arteries in murine precision cut lung slices

Background

Acute alveolar hypoxia causes pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) which serves to match lung perfusion to ventilation. The underlying mechanisms are not fully resolved yet. The major vascular segment contributing to HPV, the intra-acinar artery, is mostly located in that part of the lung that cannot be selectively reached by the presently available techniques, e.g. hemodynamic studies of isolated perfused lungs, recordings from dissected proximal arterial segments or analysis of subpleural vessels. The aim of the present study was to establish a model which allows the investigation of HPV and its underlying mechanisms in small intra-acinar arteries.

Methods

Intra-acinar arteries of the mouse lung were studied in 200 μm thick precision-cut lung slices (PCLS). The organisation of the muscle coat of these vessels was characterized by α-smooth muscle actin immunohistochemistry. Basic features of intra-acinar HPV were characterized, and then the impact of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers, inhibitors of the respiratory chain and Krebs cycle metabolites was analysed.

Results

Intra-acinar arteries are equipped with a discontinuous spiral of α-smooth muscle actin-immunoreactive cells. They exhibit a monophasic HPV (medium gassed with 1% O₂) that started to fade after 40 min and was lost after 80 min. This HPV, but not vasoconstriction induced by the thromboxane analogue U46619, was effectively blocked by nitro blue tetrazolium and diphenyleniodonium, indicating the involvement of ROS and flavoproteins. Inhibition of mitochondrial complexes II (3-nitropropionic acid, thenoyltrifluoroacetone) and III (antimycin A) specifically interfered with HPV, whereas blockade of complex IV (sodium azide) unspecifically inhibited both HPV and U46619-induced constriction. Succinate blocked HPV whereas fumarate had minor effects on vasoconstriction.

Conclusion

This study establishes the first model for investigation of basic characteristics of HPV directly in intra-acinar murine pulmonary vessels. The data are consistent with a critical involvement of ROS, flavoproteins, and of mitochondrial complexes II and III in intra-acinar HPV. In view of the lack of specificity of any of the classical inhibitors used in such types of experiments, validation awaits the use of appropriate knockout strains and siRNA interference, for which the present model represents a well-suited approach.

Molecular mechanism of 'mitocan'-induced apoptosis in cancer cells epitomizes the multiple roles of reactive oxygen species and Bcl-2 family proteins

Mitochondria have emerged recently as effective targets for novel anti-cancer drugs referred to as 'mitocans'. We propose that the molecular mechanism of induction of apoptosis by mitocans, as exemplified by the drug alpha-tocopheryl succinate, involves generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS then mediate the formation of disufide bridges between cytosolic Bax monomers, resulting in the formation of mitochondrial outer membrane channels. ROS also cause oxidation of cardiolipin, triggering the release of cytochrome c and its translocation via the activated Bax channels. This model may provide a general mechanism for the action of inducers of apoptosis and anticancer drugs, mitocans, targeting mitochondria via ROS production.

Mechanisms of iron-sulfur protein maturation in mitochondria, cytosol and nucleus of eukaryotes

Iron-sulfur (Fe/S) clusters are important cofactors of numerous proteins involved in electron transfer, metabolic and regulatory processes. In eukaryotic cells, known Fe/S proteins are located within mitochondria, the nucleus and the cytosol. Over the past years the molecular basis of Fe/S cluster synthesis and incorporation into apoproteins in a living cell has started to become elucidated. Biogenesis of these simple inorganic cofactors is surprisingly complex and, in eukaryotes such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is accomplished by three distinct proteinaceous machineries. The "iron-sulfur cluster (ISC) assembly machinery" of mitochondria was inherited from the bacterial ancestor of mitochondria. ISC components are conserved in eukaryotes from yeast to man. The key principle of biosynthesis is the assembly of the Fe/S cluster on a scaffold protein before it is transferred to target apoproteins. Cytosolic and nuclear Fe/S protein maturation also requires the function of the mitochondrial ISC assembly system. It is believed that mitochondria contribute a still unknown compound to biogenesis outside the organelle. This compound is exported by the mitochondrial "ISC export machinery" and utilised by the "cytosolic iron-sulfur protein assembly (CIA) machinery". Components of these two latter systems are also highly conserved in eukaryotes. Defects in the mitochondrial ISC assembly and export systems, but not in the CIA machinery have a strong impact on cellular iron uptake and intracellular iron distribution showing that mitochondria are crucial for both cellular Fe/S protein assembly and iron homeostasis.

Electron tunneling chains of mitochondria

The single, simple concept that natural selection adjusts distances between redox cofactors goes a long way towards encompassing natural electron transfer protein design. Distances are short or long as required to direct or insulate promiscuously tunneling single electrons. Along a chain, distances are usually 14 A or less. Shorter distances are needed to allow climbing of added energetic barriers at paired-electron catalytic centers in which substrate and the required number of cofactors form a compact cluster. When there is a short-circuit danger, distances between shorting centers are relatively long. Distances much longer than 14 A will support only very slow electron tunneling, but could act as high impedance signals useful in regulation. Tunneling simulations of the respiratory complexes provide clear illustrations of this simple engineering.

Direct and Indirect Roles of Cytochrome b in the Mediation of Superoxide Generation and NO Catabolism by Mitochondrial Succinate-Cytochrome c Reductase

Mitochondrial superoxide (O2*-) production is an important mediator of oxidative cellular injury. Succinate-cytochrome c reductase (SCR) of the electron transport chain has been implicated as an essential part of the mediation of O2*- generation and an alternative target of nitric oxide (NO) in the regulation of mitochondrial respiration. The Q cycle mechanism plays a central role in controlling both events. In the present work, O2*- generation by SCR was measured with the EPR spin-trapping technique using DEPMPO (5-diethoxylphosphoryl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide) as the spin trap. In the presence of succinate, O2*- generation from SCR was detected as the spin adduct DEPMPO/*OOH. Inhibitors of the Q(o*-) site only marginally reduced (20-30%) this O2*- production, suggesting a secondary role of Q(o*-) in the mediation of O2*- generation. Addition of cyanide significantly decreased (approximately 70%) O2*- production, indicating the involvement of the heme component. UV-visible spectral analysis revealed that oxidation of ferrocytochrome b was accompanied by cytochrome c(1) reduction, and the reaction was mediated by the formation of an O2*- intermediate, indicating a direct role for cytochrome b in O2*- generation. In the presence of NO, DEPMPO/*OOH production was progressively diminished, implying that NO interacted with SCR or trapped the O2*-. The consumption of NO by SCR was investigated by electrochemical detection using an NO electrode. In the presence of succinate, SCR-mediated NO consumption was observed and inhibited by the addition of superoxide dismutase, suggesting the involvement of O2*-. Under the conditions of argon saturation, the NO consumption rate was not enhanced by succinate, suggesting a direct role for O2*- in the mediation of NO consumption. In the presence of succinate, oxidation of the ferrocytochrome b moiety of SCR was accelerated by the addition of NO, and was inhibited by argon saturation, indicating an indirect role for cytochrome b in the mediation of NO consumption.

Fumarate Reductase and Succinate Oxidase Activity of Escherichia coli Complex II Homologs Are Perturbed Differently by Mutation of the Flavin Binding Domain

The Escherichia coli complex II homologues succinate:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (SQR, SdhCDAB) and menaquinol:fumarate oxidoreductase (QFR, FrdABCD) have remarkable structural homology at their dicarboxylate binding sites. Although both SQR and QFR can catalyze the interconversion of fumarate and succinate, QFR is a much better fumarate reductase, and SQR is a better succinate oxidase. An exception to the conservation of amino acids near the dicarboxylate binding sites of the two enzymes is that there is a Glu (FrdA Glu-49) near the covalently bound FAD cofactor in most QFRs, which is replaced with a Gln (SdhA Gln-50) in SQRs. The role of the amino acid side chain in enzymes with Glu/Gln/Ala substitutions at FrdA Glu-49 and SdhA Gln-50 has been investigated in this study. The data demonstrate that the mutant enzymes with Ala substitutions in either QFR or SQR remain functionally similar to their wild type counterparts. There were, however, dramatic changes in the catalytic properties when Glu and Gln were exchanged for each other in QFR and SQR. The data show that QFR and SQR enzymes are more efficient succinate oxidases when Gln is in the target position and a better fumarate reductase when Glu is present. Overall, structural and catalytic analyses of the FrdA E49Q and SdhA Q50E mutants suggest that coulombic effects and the electronic state of the FAD are critical in dictating the preferred directionality of the succinate/fumarate interconversions catalyzed by the complex II superfamily.

Heterologous production in Wolinella succinogenes and characterization of the quinol:fumarate reductase enzymes from Helicobacter pylori and Campylobacter jejuni

The epsilon-proteobacteria Helicobacter pylori and Campylobacter jejuni are both human pathogens. They colonize mucosal surfaces causing severe diseases. The membrane protein complex QFR (quinol:fumarate reductase) from H. pylori has previously been established as a potential drug target, and the same is likely for the QFR from C. jejuni. In the present paper, we describe the cloning of the QFR operons from the two pathogenic bacteria H. pylori and C. jejuni and their expression in Wolinella succinogenes, a non-pathogenic -proteobacterium. To our knowledge, this is the first documentation of heterologous membrane protein production in W. succinogenes. We demonstrate that the replacement of the homologous enzyme from W. succinogenes with the heterologous enzymes yields mutants where fumarate respiration is fully functional. We have isolated and characterized the heterologous QFR enzymes. The high quality of the enzyme preparation enabled us to determine unequivocally by analytical ultracentrifugation the homodimeric state of the three detergent-solubilized heterotrimeric QFR enzymes, to accurately determine the different oxidation-reduction ('redox') midpoint potentials of the six prosthetic groups, the Michaelis constants for the quinol substrate, maximal enzymatic activities and the characterization of three different anti-helminths previously suggested to be inhibitors of the QFR enzymes from H. pylori and C. jejuni. This characterization allows, for the first time, a detailed comparison of the QFR enzymes from C. jejuni and H. pylori with that of W. succinogenes.

3-nitropropionic acid is a suicide inhibitor of mitochondrial respiration that, upon oxidation by complex II, forms a covalent adduct with a catalytic base arginine in the active site of the enzyme

We report three new structures of mitochondrial respiratory Complex II (succinate ubiquinone oxidoreductase, E.C. 1.3.5.1) at up to 2.1 A resolution, with various inhibitors. The structures define the conformation of the bound inhibitors and suggest the residues involved in substrate binding and catalysis at the dicarboxylate site. In particular they support the role of Arg(297) as a general base catalyst accepting a proton in the dehydrogenation of succinate. The dicarboxylate ligand in oxaloacetate-containing crystals appears to be the same as that reported for Shewanella flavocytochrome c treated with fumarate. The plant and fungal toxin 3-nitropropionic acid, an irreversible inactivator of succinate dehydrogenase, forms a covalent adduct with the side chain of Arg(297). The modification eliminates a trypsin cleavage site in the flavoprotein, and tandem mass spectroscopic analysis of the new fragment shows the mass of Arg(297) to be increased by 83 Da and to have the potential of losing 44 Da, consistent with decarboxylation, during fragmentation.

Structural and Computational Analysis of the Quinone-binding Site of Complex II (Succinate-Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase)

The transfer of electrons and protons between membrane-bound respiratory complexes is facilitated by lipid-soluble redox-active quinone molecules (Q). This work presents a structural analysis of the quinone-binding site (Q-site) identified in succinate:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (SQR) from Escherichia coli. SQR, often referred to as Complex II or succinate dehydrogenase, is a functional member of the Krebs cycle and the aerobic respiratory chain and couples the oxidation of succinate to fumarate with the reduction of quinone to quinol (QH(2)). The interaction between ubiquinone and the Q-site of the protein appears to be mediated solely by hydrogen bonding between the O1 carbonyl group of the quinone and the side chain of a conserved tyrosine residue. In this work, SQR was co-crystallized with the ubiquinone binding-site inhibitor Atpenin A5 (AA5) to confirm the binding position of the inhibitor and reveal additional structural details of the Q-site. The electron density for AA5 was located within the same hydrophobic pocket as ubiquinone at, however, a different position within the pocket. AA5 was bound deeper into the site prompting further assessment using protein-ligand docking experiments in silico. The initial interpretation of the Q-site was re-evaluated in the light of the new SQR-AA5 structure and protein-ligand docking data. Two binding positions, the Q(1)-site and Q(2)-site, are proposed for the E. coli SQR quinone-binding site to explain these data. At the Q(2)-site, the side chains of a serine and histidine residue are suitably positioned to provide hydrogen bonding partners to the O4 carbonyl and methoxy groups of ubiquinone, respectively. This allows us to propose a mechanism for the reduction of ubiquinone during the catalytic turnover of the enzyme.

Electron Transfer within Complex II

Electron transfer within Escherichia coli succinate:ubiquinone oxidoreductase has been examined by the pulse radiolysis technique using spectrophotometric detection. Electrons have been introduced into the protein by the bimolecular reaction with quantified concentrations of the low potential N-methylnicotinamide radical at a rate constant of 7 x 10(8) M(-1) s(-1). Two redox-active centers in the protein are initially reduced, assigned as the high potential [3Fe-4S] center and the bound ubiquinone, followed by intramolecular equilibration with the b heme in both cases. Electron equilibration at 25 degrees C from the ubisemiquinone proceeds with an observed rate constant of 7,200 s(-1) and from the more distant [3Fe-4S] reduced center at a rate constant of 1,200 s(-1). Temperature dependence studies have revealed that both reactions have large free energies of activation, with deltaG(double dagger) values of +0.53 and +0.58 eV, respectively. Cumulative spectral changes, as well as accompanying decreases in the rates of intramolecular electron transfer, observed upon adding electrons to progressively reduced protein, indicate that 4 electrons must be introduced into the protein before the heme center is fully reduced. Overall, evidence is presented that the heme, far from being a bystander in the efficient transfer of reducing equivalents from succinate to the ubiquinone via the flavin-Fe/S centers, plays a pivotal role in providing a lower energy pathway for the transfer of an electron from the high potential [3Fe-4S] center to ubiquinone.