Mitochondrial generation of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide as the source of mitochondrial redox signaling

Mitochondria in Cell Senescence: Is Mitophagy the Weakest Link?

Cell senescence is increasingly recognized as a major contributor to the loss of health and fitness associated with aging. Senescent cells accumulate dysfunctional mitochondria; oxidative phosphorylation efficiency is decreased and reactive oxygen species production is increased. In this review we will discuss how the turnover of mitochondria (a term referred to as mitophagy) is perturbed in senescence contributing to mitochondrial accumulation and Senescence-Associated Mitochondrial Dysfunction (SAMD). We will further explore the subsequent cellular consequences; in particular SAMD appears to be necessary for at least part of the specific Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP) and may be responsible for tissue-level metabolic dysfunction that is associated with aging and obesity. Understanding the complex interplay between these major senescence-associated phenotypes will help to select and improve interventions that prolong healthy life in humans.

SEARCH STRATEGY AND SELECTION CRITERIA

Data for this review were identified by searches of MEDLINE, PubMed, and references from relevant articles using the search terms "mitochondria AND senescence", "(autophagy OR mitophagy) AND senescence", "mitophagy AND aging" and related terms. Additionally, searches were performed based on investigator names. Abstracts and reports from meetings were excluded. Articles published in English between 1995 and 2017 were included. Articles were selected according to their relevance to the topic as perceived by the authors.

The human Krebs cycle 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex creates an additional source of superoxide/hydrogen peroxide from 2-oxoadipate as alternative substrate

Recently, we reported that the human 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase (hE1o) component of the 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (OGDHc) could produce the reactive oxygen species superoxide and hydrogen peroxide (detected by chemical means) from its substrate 2-oxoglutarate (OG), most likely concurrently with one-electron oxidation by dioxygen of the thiamin diphosphate (ThDP)-derived enamine intermediate to a C2α-centered radical (detected by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance) [Nemeria et al., 2014 [17]; Ambrus et al. 2015 [18]]. We here report that hE1o can also utilize the next higher homologue of OG, 2-oxoadipate (OA) as a substrate according to multiple criteria in our toolbox: (i) Both E1o-specific and overall complex activities (NADH production) were detected using OA as a substrate; (ii) Two post-decarboxylation intermediates were formed by hE1o from OA, the ThDP-enamine and the C2α-hydroxyalkyl-ThDP, with nearly identical rates for OG and OA; (iii) Both OG and OA could reductively acylate lipoyl domain created from dihydrolipoyl succinyltransferase (E2o); (iv) Both OG and OA gave α-ketol carboligaton products with glyoxylate, but with opposite chirality; a finding that could be of utility in chiral synthesis; (v) Dioxygen could oxidize the ThDP-derived enamine from both OG and OA, leading to ThDP-enamine radical and generation of superoxide and H₂O₂. While the observed oxidation-reduction with dioxygen is only a side reaction of the predominant physiological product glutaryl-CoA, the efficiency of superoxide/ H₂O₂ production was 7-times larger from OA than from OG, making the reaction of OGDHc with OA one of the important superoxide/ H₂O₂ producers among 2-oxo acid dehydrogenase complexes in mitochondria.

Role of Mitochondrial Reverse Electron Transport in ROS Signaling: Potential Roles in Health and Disease

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) can cause oxidative damage and have been proposed to be the main cause of aging and age-related diseases including cancer, diabetes and Parkinson's disease. Accordingly, mitochondria from old individuals have higher levels of ROS. However, ROS also participate in cellular signaling, are instrumental for several physiological processes and boosting ROS levels in model organisms extends lifespan. The current consensus is that low levels of ROS are beneficial, facilitating adaptation to stress via signaling, whereas high levels of ROS are deleterious because they trigger oxidative stress. Based on this model the amount of ROS should determine the physiological effect. However, recent data suggests that the site at which ROS are generated is also instrumental in determining effects on cellular homeostasis. The best example of site-specific ROS signaling is reverse electron transport (RET). RET is produced when electrons from ubiquinol are transferred back to respiratory complex I, reducing NAD+ to NADH. This process generates a significant amount of ROS. RET has been shown to be instrumental for the activation of macrophages in response to bacterial infection, re-organization of the electron transport chain in response to changes in energy supply and adaptation of the carotid body to changes in oxygen levels. In Drosophila melanogaster, stimulating RET extends lifespan. Here, we review what is known about RET, as an example of site-specific ROS signaling, and its implications for the field of redox biology.

Redox signaling during hypoxia in mammalian cells

Hypoxia triggers a wide range of protective responses in mammalian cells, which are mediated through transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms. Redox signaling in cells by reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) occurs through the reversible oxidation of cysteine thiol groups, resulting in structural modifications that can change protein function profoundly. Mitochondria are an important source of ROS generation, and studies reveal that superoxide generation by the electron transport chain increases during hypoxia. Other sources of ROS, such as the NAD(P)H oxidases, may also generate oxidant signals in hypoxia. This review considers the growing body of work indicating that increased ROS signals during hypoxia are responsible for regulating the activation of protective mechanisms in diverse cell types.

The role of flavin-containing enzymes in mitochondrial membrane hyperpolarization and ROS production in respiring Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells under heat-shock conditions

Heat shock is known to accelerate mitochondrial ROS production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. But how yeast mitochondria produce ROS under heat-shock condition is not completely clear. Previously, it was shown that ROS production in heat-stressed fermenting yeast cells was accompanied by mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) increase. In the current investigation the relationship between ROS production and MMP was studied in respiring yeast cells in stationary phase, using diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI), an inhibitor of flavin-containing proteins, as well as the mutants deleted for NDE1, NDE2 and NDI1 genes, encoding flavin-containing external and internal NADH dehydrogenases. It was shown that heat shock induced a transient burst in mitochondrial ROS production, which was paralleled by MMP rise. ROS production and MMP was significantly suppressed by DPI addition and deletion of NDE1. The effect of DPI on ROS production and MMP rise was specific for respiring cells. The results obtained suggest that the functioning of mitochondrial flavin-binding enzymes, Nde1p for instance, is required for the hyperpolarization of inner mitochondrial membrane and ROS production in respiring S. cerevisiae cells under heat-shock conditions.

Antioxidant mechanism of mitochondria-targeted plastoquinone SkQ1 is suppressed in aglycemic HepG2 cells dependent on oxidative phosphorylation

Previously suggested antioxidant mechanisms for mitochondria-targeted plastoquinone SkQ1 included: i) ion-pairing of cationic SkQ1⁺ with free fatty acid anions resulting in uncoupling; ii) SkQ1H₂ ability to interact with lipoperoxyl radical; iii) interference with electron flow at the inner ubiquinone (Q) binding site of Complex III (Q_i), involving the reduction of SkQ1 to SkQ1H₂ by ubiquinol. We elucidated SkQ1 antioxidant properties by confocal fluorescence semi-quantification of mitochondrial superoxide (J_m) and cytosolic H₂O₂ (J_c) release rates in HepG2 cells. Only in glycolytic cells, SkQ1 prevented the rotenone-induced enhancement of J_m and J_c but not basal releases without rotenone. The effect ceased in glutaminolytic aglycemic cells, in which the redox parameter NAD(P)H/FAD increased after rotenone in contrast to its decrease in glycolytic cells. Autofluorescence decay indicated decreased NADPH/NADH ratios with rotenone in both metabolic modes. SkQ1 did not increase cell respiration and diminished J_m established high by antimycin or myxothiazol but not by stigmatellin. The revealed SkQ1 antioxidant modes reflect its reduction to SkQ1H₂ at Complex I I_Q or Complex III Q_i site. Both reductions diminish electron diversions to oxygen thus attenuating superoxide formation. Resulting SkQ1H₂ oxidizes back to SkQ1at the second (flavin) Complex I site, previously indicated for MitoQ₁₀. Regeneration proceeds only at lower NAD(P)H/FAD in glycolytic cells. In contrast, cyclic SkQ1 reduction/SkQ1H₂ oxidation does not substantiate antioxidant activity in intact cells in the absence of oxidative stress (neither pro-oxidant activity, representing a great advantage). A targeted delivery to oxidative-stressed tissues is suggested for the effective antioxidant therapy based on SkQ1.

Examination of the superoxide/hydrogen peroxide forming and quenching potential of mouse liver mitochondria

Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDHC) and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (KGDHC) are important sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, it has been found that mitochondria can also serve as sinks for cellular hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). However, the ROS forming and quenching capacity of liver mitochondria has never been thoroughly examined. Here, we show that mouse liver mitochondria use catalase, glutathione (GSH), and peroxiredoxin (PRX) systems to quench ROS. Incubation of mitochondria with catalase inhibitor 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (triazole) induced a significant increase in pyruvate or α-ketoglutarate driven O₂^-/H₂O₂ formation. 1-Choro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB), which depletes glutathione (GSH), elicited a similar effect. Auranofin (AF), a thioredoxin reductase-2 (TR2) inhibitor which disables the PRX system, did not significantly change O₂^-/H₂O₂ formation. By contrast catalase, GSH, and PRX were all required to scavenging extramitochondrial H₂O₂. In this study, the ROS forming potential of PDHC, KGDHC, Complex I, and Complex III was also profiled. Titration of mitochondria with 3-methyl-2-oxovaleric acid (KMV), a specific inhibitor for O₂^-/H₂O₂ production by KGDHC, induced a ~86% and ~84% decrease in ROS production during α-ketoglutarate and pyruvate oxidation. Titration of myxothiazol, a Complex III inhibitor, decreased O₂^-/H₂O₂ formation by ~45%. Rotenone also lowered ROS production in mitochondria metabolizing pyruvate or α-ketoglutarate indicating that Complex I does not contribute to ROS production during forward electron transfer from NADH. Taken together, our results indicate that KGDHC and Complex III are high capacity sites for O₂^-/H₂O₂ production in mouse liver mitochondria. We also confirm that catalase plays a role in quenching either exogenous or intramitochondrial H₂O₂.

Glutamate contributes to alcohol hepatotoxicity by enhancing oxidative stress in mitochondria

Chronic alcohol intoxication is associated with increased oxidative stress. However, the mechanisms by which ethanol triggers an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the role of mitochondria in the development of oxidative stress has been insufficiently studied. The biochemical and proteomic data obtained in the present work suggest that one of the main causes of an increase in ROS generation is enhanced oxidation of glutamate in response to long-term alcohol exposure. In the course of glutamate oxidation, liver mitochondria from alcoholic rats generated more superoxide anion and H₂O₂ than in the presence of other substrates and more than control organelles. In mitochondria from alcoholic rats, rates of H₂O₂ production and NAD reduction in the presence of glutamate were almost twice higher than in the control. The proteomic study revealed a higher content of glutamate dehydrogenase in liver mitochondria of rats subjected to chronic alcohol exposure. Simultaneously, the content of mitochondrial catalase decreased compared to control. Each of these factors stimulates the production of ROS in addition to ROS generated by the respiratory chain complex I. The results are consistent with the conclusion that glutamate contributes to alcohol hepatotoxicity by enhancing oxidative stress in mitochondria.

Protein S-glutathionylation alters superoxide/hydrogen peroxide emission from pyruvate dehydrogenase complex

Pyruvate dehydrogenase (Pdh) is a vital source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in several different tissues. Pdh has also been suggested to serve as a mitochondrial redox sensor. Here, we report that O₂^•-/ H₂O₂ emission from pyruvate dehydrogenase (Pdh) is altered by S-glutathionylation. Glutathione disulfide (GSSG) amplified O₂^•-/ H₂O₂ production by purified Pdh during reverse electron transfer (RET) from NADH. Thiol oxidoreductase glutaredoxin-2 (Grx2) reversed these effects confirming that Pdh is a target for S-glutathionylation. S-glutathionylation had the opposite effect during forward electron transfer (FET) from pyruvate to NAD⁺ lowering O₂^•-/ H₂O₂ production. Immunoblotting for protein glutathione mixed disulfides (PSSG) following diamide treatment confirmed that purified Pdh can be S-glutathionylated. Similar observations were made with mouse liver mitochondria. S-glutathionylation catalysts diamide and disulfiram significantly reduced pyruvate or 2-oxoglutarate driven O₂^•-/ H₂O₂ production in liver mitochondria, results that were confirmed using various Pdh, 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase (Ogdh), and respiratory chain inhibitors. Immunoprecipitation of Pdh and Ogdh confirmed that either protein can be S-glutathionylated by diamide and disulfiram. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the S -glutathionylation of Pdh alters the amount of ROS formed by the enzyme complex. We also confirmed that Ogdh is controlled in a similar manner. Taken together, our results indicate that the redox sensing and ROS forming properties of Pdh and Ogdh are linked to S-glutathionylation.

Hydrogen peroxide as a central redox signaling molecule in physiological oxidative stress: Oxidative eustress

Hydrogen peroxide emerged as major redox metabolite operative in redox sensing, signaling and redox regulation. Generation, transport and capture of H2O2 in biological settings as well as their biological consequences can now be addressed. The present overview focuses on recent progress on metabolic sources and sinks of H2O2 and on the role of H2O2 in redox signaling under physiological conditions (1-10nM), denoted as oxidative eustress. Higher concentrations lead to adaptive stress responses via master switches such as Nrf2/Keap1 or NF-κB. Supraphysiological concentrations of H2O2 (>100nM) lead to damage of biomolecules, denoted as oxidative distress. Three questions are addressed: How can H2O2 be assayed in the biological setting? What are the metabolic sources and sinks of H2O2? What is the role of H2O2 in redox signaling and oxidative stress?

Mitochondrial function and bioenergetic trade-offs during lactation in the house mouse (Mus musculus)

Energy allocation theory predicts that a lactating female should alter the energetic demands of its organ systems in a manner that maximizes nutrient allocation to reproduction while reducing nutrient use for tasks that are not vital to immediate survival. We posit that organ‐specific plasticity in the function of mitochondria plays a key role in mediating these energetic trade‐offs. The goal of this project was to evaluate mitochondrial changes that occur in response to lactation in two of the most energetically demanding organs in the body of a rodent, the liver and skeletal muscle. This work was conducted in wild‐derived house mice (Mus musculus) kept in seminatural enclosures that allow the mice to maintain a natural social structure and move within a home range size typical of wild mice. Tissues were collected from females at peak lactation and from age‐matched nonreproductive females. Mitochondrial respiration, oxidative damage, antioxidant, PGC‐1α, and uncoupling protein levels were compared between lactating and nonreproductive females. Our findings suggest that both liver and skeletal muscle downregulate specific antioxidant proteins during lactation. The liver, but not skeletal muscle, of lactating females displayed higher oxidative damage than nonreproductive females. The liver mass of lactating females increased, but the liver displayed no change in mitochondrial respiratory control ratio. Skeletal muscle mass and mitochondrial respiratory control ratio were not different between groups. However, the respiratory function of skeletal muscle did vary among lactating females as a function of stage of concurrent pregnancy, litter size, and mass of the mammary glands. The observed changes are predicted to increase the efficiency of skeletal muscle mitochondria, reducing the substrate demands of skeletal muscle during lactation. Differences between our results and prior studies highlight the role that an animals’ social and physical environment could play in how it adapts to the energetic demands of reproduction.

Mitochondria control acute and chronic responses to hypoxia

There are numerous mechanisms by which mammals respond to hypoxia. These include acute changes in pulmonary arterial tone due to smooth muscle cell contraction, acute increases in respiration triggered by the carotid body chemosensory cells, and chronic changes such as induction of red blood cell proliferation and angiogenesis by hypoxia inducible factor targets erythropoietin and vascular endothelial growth factor, respectively. Mitochondria account for the majority of oxygen consumption in the cell and have recently been appreciated to serve as signaling organelles required for the initiation or propagation of numerous homeostatic mechanisms. Mitochondria can influence cell signaling by production of reactive oxygen species and metabolites. Here we review recent evidence that mitochondrial signals can imitate acute and chronic hypoxia responses.

Mitochondrial composition and function under the control of hypoxia

Hypoxia triggers several mechanisms to adapt cells to a low oxygen environment. Mitochondria are major consumers of oxygen and a potential source of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In response to hypoxia they exchange or modify distinct subunits of the respiratory chain and adjust their metabolism, especially lowering the citric acid cycle. Intermediates of the citric acid cycle participate in regulating hypoxia inducible factors (HIF), the key mediators of adaptation to hypoxia. Here we summarize how hypoxia conditions mitochondria with consequences for ROS-production and the HIF-pathway.

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Hypoxia provokes changes in mitochondrial morphology, metabolism, and respiration.

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Hypoxia calls forth changes in redox signaling.

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HIF-signaling is linked to mitochondrial metabolism and ROS formation.

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Hypoxia adjusts ETC complex formation, activity, respiration, and ROS formation.

Mitochondrial Complex II: At the Crossroads

Mitochondrial complex II (CII), also called succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), is a central purveyor of the reprogramming of metabolic and respiratory adaptation in response to various intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli and abnormalities. In this review we discuss recent findings regarding SDH biogenesis, which requires four known assembly factors, and modulation of its enzymatic activity by acetylation, succinylation, phosphorylation, and proteolysis. We further focus on the emerging role of both genetic and epigenetic aberrations leading to SDH dysfunction associated with various clinical manifestations. This review also covers the recent discovery of the role of SDH in inflammation-linked pathologies. Conceivably, SDH is a potential target for several hard-to-treat conditions, including cancer, that remains to be fully exploited.

Stress turns on the heat: Regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis and UCP1 by ROS in adipocytes

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative stress (OS) in adipose tissue are associated with obesity and insulin resistance (IR). The nature of this relationship i.e., cause and effect or consequence has not been clearly determined. We provide evidence that elevated mitochondrial ROS generated by adipocytes from mice with diet-induced obesity (DIO) represents an adaptive mechanism that precipitates fatty acid oxidation, mitochondrial biogenesis, and mitochondrial uncoupling in an effort to defend against weight gain. Consistent with that, mice with adipocyte-specific deletion of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) exhibit increased adipocyte superoxide generation and are protected from weight gain and insulin resistance which otherwise develops in wild-type (WT) mice that consume an obesogenic diet. The defense mechanism displayed by MnSOD-deficiency in fat cells appears to be mediated by a dual effect of ROS on inefficient substrate oxidation through uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation and enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis. The aim of this commentary is to summarize and contextualize additional evidence supporting the importance of mitochondrial ROS in the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis and the modulation of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) expression and activation in both white and brown adipocytes.

Choline and dimethylglycine produce superoxide/hydrogen peroxide from the electron transport chain in liver mitochondria

Here, we report that choline and dimethylglycine can stimulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in liver mitochondria. Choline stimulated O₂ ˙^- /H₂ O₂ formation at a concentration of 5 μm. We also observed that Complex II and III inhibitors, atpenin A5 and myxothiazol, collectively induced a 95% decrease in O₂ ˙^- /H₂ O₂ production indicating both sites serve as the main sources of ROS during choline oxidation. Dimethylglycine, an intermediate of choline oxidation, was a more effective ROS generator. Rates of production were ~ 43% higher than choline-mediated O₂ ˙^- /H₂ O₂ production. The main site for dimethylglycine-mediated ROS production was via reverse electron transfer to Complex I. Our results demonstrate that metabolism of essential metabolites involved in methionine and folic acid biosynthesis can stimulate mitochondrial ROS production.

Rpl13a small nucleolar RNAs regulate systemic glucose metabolism

Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that form ribonucleoproteins to guide covalent modifications of ribosomal and small nuclear RNAs in the nucleus. Recent studies have also uncovered additional non-canonical roles for snoRNAs. However, the physiological contributions of these small RNAs are largely unknown. Here, we selectively deleted four snoRNAs encoded within the introns of the ribosomal protein L13a (Rpl13a) locus in a mouse model. Loss of Rpl13a snoRNAs altered mitochondrial metabolism and lowered reactive oxygen species tone, leading to increased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic islets and enhanced systemic glucose tolerance. Islets from mice lacking Rpl13a snoRNAs demonstrated blunted oxidative stress responses. Furthermore, these mice were protected against diabetogenic stimuli that cause oxidative stress damage to islets. Our study illuminates a previously unrecognized role for snoRNAs in metabolic regulation.

Differential contribution of the mitochondrial translation pathway to the survival of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma subsets

Diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) are a highly heterogeneous group of tumors in which subsets share molecular features revealed by gene expression profiles and metabolic fingerprints. While B-cell receptor (BCR)-dependent DLBCLs are glycolytic, OxPhos-DLBCLs rely on mitochondrial energy transduction and nutrient utilization pathways that provide pro-survival benefits independent of BCR signaling. Integral to these metabolic distinctions is elevated mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) activity in OxPhos-DLBCLs compared with BCR-DLBCLs, which is linked to greater protein abundance of ETC components. To gain insights into molecular determinants of the selective increase in ETC activity and dependence on mitochondrial energy metabolism in OxPhos-DLBCLs, we examined the mitochondrial translation pathway in charge of the synthesis of mitochondrial DNA encoded ETC subunits. Quantitative mass spectrometry identified increased expression of mitochondrial translation factors in OxPhos-DLBCL as compared with the BCR subtype. Biochemical and functional assays indicate that the mitochondrial translation pathway is required for increased ETC activity and mitochondrial energy reserves in OxPhos-DLBCL. Importantly, molecular depletion of several mitochondrial translation proteins using RNA interference or pharmacological perturbation of the mitochondrial translation pathway with the FDA-approved inhibitor tigecycline (Tigecyl) is selectively toxic to OxPhos-DLBCL cell lines and primary tumors. These findings provide additional molecular insights into the metabolic characteristics of OxPhos-DLBCLs, and mark the mitochondrial translation pathway as a potential therapeutic target in these tumors.

Current versus future reproduction and longevity: a re-evaluation of predictions and mechanisms

Oxidative damage is predicted to be a mediator of trade-offs between current reproduction and future reproduction or survival, but most studies fail to support such predictions. We suggest that two factors underlie the equivocal nature of these findings: (1) investigators typically assume a negative linear relationship between current reproduction and future reproduction or survival, even though this is not consistently shown by empirical studies; and (2) studies often fail to target mechanisms that could link interactions between sequential life-history events. Here, we review common patterns of reproduction, focusing on the relationships between reproductive performance, survival and parity in females. Observations in a range of species show that performance between sequential reproductive events can decline, remain consistent or increase. We describe likely bioenergetic consequences of reproduction that could underlie these changes in fitness, including mechanisms that could be responsible for negative effects being ephemeral, persistent or delayed. Finally, we make recommendations for designing future studies. We encourage investigators to carefully consider additional or alternative measures of bioenergetic function in studies of life-history trade-offs. Such measures include reactive oxygen species production, oxidative repair, mitochondrial biogenesis, cell proliferation, mitochondrial DNA mutation and replication error and, importantly, a measure of the respiratory function to determine whether measured differences in bioenergetic state are associated with a change in the energetic capacity of tissues that could feasibly affect future reproduction or lifespan. More careful consideration of the life-history context and bioenergetic variables will improve our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the life-history patterns of animals.

Suppressors of Superoxide-H2O2 Production at Site IQ of Mitochondrial Complex I Protect against Stem Cell Hyperplasia and Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Using high-throughput screening we identified small molecules that suppress superoxide and/or H₂O₂ production during reverse electron transport through mitochondrial respiratory complex I (site I_Q) without affecting oxidative phosphorylation (suppressors of site I_Q electron leak, "S1QELs"). S1QELs diminished endogenous oxidative damage in primary astrocytes cultured at ambient or low oxygen tension, showing that site I_Q is a normal contributor to mitochondrial superoxide-H₂O₂ production in cells. They diminished stem cell hyperplasia in Drosophila intestine in vivo and caspase activation in a cardiomyocyte cell model driven by endoplasmic reticulum stress, showing that superoxide-H₂O₂ production by site I_Q is involved in cellular stress signaling. They protected against ischemia-reperfusion injury in perfused mouse heart, showing directly that superoxide-H₂O₂ production by site I_Q is a major contributor to this pathology. S1QELs are tools for assessing the contribution of site I_Q to cell physiology and pathology and have great potential as therapeutic leads.

Integration of superoxide formation and cristae morphology for mitochondrial redox signaling

The mitochondrial network provides the central cell's energetic and regulatory unit, which besides ATP and metabolite production participates in cellular signaling through regulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and various protein/ion fluxes. The inner membrane forms extensive folds, called cristae, i.e. cavities enfolded from and situated perpendicularly to its inner boundary membrane portion, which encompasses an inner cylinder within the outer membrane tubule. Mitochondrial cristae ultramorphology reflects various metabolic, physiological or pathological states. Since the mitochondrion is typically a predominant superoxide source and generated ROS also serve for the creation of information redox signals, we review known relationships between ROS generation within the respiratory chain complexes of cristae and cristae morphology. Notably, it is emphasized that cristae shape is governed by ATP-synthase dimers, MICOS complexes, OPA1 isoforms and the umbrella of their regulation, and also dependent on local protonmotive force (electrical potential component) in cristae. Cristae are also affected by redox-sensitive kinases/phosphatases or p66SHC. ATP-synthase dimers decrease in the inflated intracristal space, diminishing pH and hypothetically having minimal superoxide formation. Matrix-released signaling superoxide/H₂O₂ is predominantly integrated along mitochondrial tubules, whereas the diffusion of intracristal signaling ROS species is controlled by crista junctions, the widening of which enables specific retrograde redox signaling such as during hypoxic cell adaptation. Other physiological cases of H₂O₂ release from the mitochondrion include the modulation of insulin release in pancreatic β-cells, enhancement of insulin signaling in peripheral tissues, signaling by T-cell receptors, retrograde signaling during the cell cycle and cell differentiation, specifically that of adipocytes.

Redox signaling in cardiovascular pathophysiology: A focus on hydrogen peroxide and vascular smooth muscle cells

Oxidative stress represents excessive intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which plays a major role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Besides having a critical impact on the development and progression of vascular pathologies including atherosclerosis and diabetic vasculopathy, oxidative stress also regulates physiological signaling processes. As a cell permeable ROS generated by cellular metabolism involved in intracellular signaling, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) exerts tremendous impact on cardiovascular pathophysiology. Under pathological conditions, increased oxidase activities and/or impaired antioxidant systems results in uncontrolled production of ROS. In a pro-oxidant environment, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) undergo phenotypic changes which can lead to the development of vascular dysfunction such as vascular inflammation and calcification. Investigations are ongoing to elucidate the mechanisms for cardiovascular disorders induced by oxidative stress. This review mainly focuses on the role of H₂O₂ in regulating physiological and pathological signals in VSMC.

Known unknowns of cardiolipin signaling: The best is yet to come

Since its discovery 75years ago, a wealth of knowledge has accumulated on the role of cardiolipin, the hallmark phospholipid of mitochondria, in bioenergetics and particularly on the structural organization of the inner mitochondrial membrane. A surge of interest in this anionic doubly-charged tetra-acylated lipid found in both prokaryotes and mitochondria has emerged based on its newly discovered signaling functions. Cardiolipin displays organ, tissue, cellular and transmembrane distribution asymmetries. A collapse of the membrane asymmetry represents a pro-mitophageal mechanism whereby externalized cardiolipin acts as an "eat-me" signal. Oxidation of cardiolipin's polyunsaturated acyl chains - catalyzed by cardiolipin complexes with cytochrome c. - is a pro-apoptotic signal. The messaging functions of myriads of cardiolipin species and their oxidation products are now being recognized as important intracellular and extracellular signals for innate and adaptive immune systems. This newly developing field of research exploring cardiolipin signaling is the main subject of this review. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Lipids of Mitochondria edited by Guenther Daum.

Mitochondrial involvement in skeletal muscle insulin resistance: A case of imbalanced bioenergetics

Skeletal muscle insulin resistance in obesity associates with mitochondrial dysfunction, but the causality of this association is controversial. This review evaluates mitochondrial models of nutrient-induced muscle insulin resistance. It transpires that all models predict that insulin resistance arises as a result of imbalanced cellular bioenergetics. The nature and precise origin of the proposed insulin-numbing molecules differ between models but all species only accumulate when metabolic fuel supply outweighs energy demand. This observation suggests that mitochondrial deficiency in muscle insulin resistance is not merely owing to intrinsic functional defects, but could instead be an adaptation to nutrient-induced changes in energy expenditure. Such adaptive effects are likely because muscle ATP supply is fully driven by energy demand. This market-economic control of myocellular bioenergetics offers a mechanism by which insulin-signalling deficiency can cause apparent mitochondrial dysfunction, as insulin resistance lowers skeletal muscle anabolism and thus dampens ATP demand and, consequently, oxidative ATP synthesis.