Nuclear activators and coactivators in mammalian mitochondrial biogenesis

Branched-chain amino acids modulate the expression of hepatic fatty acid metabolism-related genes in female broiler chickens

SCOPE

The effects and roles of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in hepatic fat metabolism are still unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Here, we used broiler chickens, in which lipogenesis occurs essentially in the liver as in human, to investigate the effects of three levels of BCAAs (control "C," low "L" and exogenous supplemented diet "L+S") on growth, carcass traits, immunity, and hepatic fat metabolism. Despite the same productive performance, immunity, and plasma BCAA levels between all groups, low BCAA levels significantly downregulated the hepatic expression of lipogenic genes particularly acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha (ACCα) and stearoyl-coA desaturase 1 (p = 0.0036 and p = 0.0008, respectively) and upregulated the hepatic expression of mitochondrial β-oxidation- (uncoupling protein and NRF-1, p < 0.05) and dynamic-related genes (DNM1, p < 0.05). Concomitant with these changes, low BCAA levels increased the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)α(Thr172), ACCα(Ser79), and forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1(Ser256)) and decreased the phosphorylation of mTOR(Ser2481) and P70 S6 kinase (Thr389). The mRNA abundance of the transcription factors SREBP1/2, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha/beta, and FoxO1 were also increased in the liver of L group compared to the control.

CONCLUSION

Together our data indicate that low BCAA levels inhibit fatty acid synthesis and enhanced fatty acid β-oxidation in the liver of female broiler chickens and these effects were probably mediated through AMPK-mTOR-FoxO1 pathway.

Cryptotanshinone protects against adriamycin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiomyocytes

CONTEXT

The serious side effect of Adriamycin (ADR) is cardiomyopathy. Cryptotanshinone (CRY) is widely and safely used as antioxidant with MTD more than 5 mg/g in rats (p.o).

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to study the protection effects of CRY against ADR-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiomyocytes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical administration lasted for 20 days with an effective dose of CRY (p.o.) at 50 mg/kg in rats. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex activities, ATP generation, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), superoxide anion free radical, oxidative stress-relative enzymes, and mitochondrial biogenesis-relative factors in normal control, ADR (i.p., 1.25 mg/kg), and ADR (i.p., 1.25 mg/kg) + CYP (p.o., 50 mg/kg) groups were detected.

RESULTS

50 mg/kg CRY significantly promoted the energy production of ATP (16.99 ± 2.38 nmol/g Pro) (Pro: Protein) by increasing the complexes activities except II (p > 0.05). After the treatment of CRY, the suppressed MMP was increased while superoxide anion free radical (0.57 ± 0.07/mg Pro) was inhibited markedly. Mitochondrial biogenesis-relative factors PGC-1α, NRF-1, and TFAM were also promoted. Remarkable augmentations of NO, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and increased activity of GSH-PX (p < 0.05) were also detected after the treatment of CRY, while no obvious changes on the activity of nitric oxide synthase (cNOS; p > 0.05) were observed.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

These results suggest that CRY protects against ADR-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiomyocytes. It could be an ideal potential drug of cardioprotection.

Opposite phenotypes of muscle strength and locomotor function in mouse models of partial trisomy and monosomy 21 for the proximal Hspa13-App region

The trisomy of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21), which causes Down syndrome (DS), is the most common viable human aneuploidy. In contrast to trisomy, the complete monosomy (M21) of Hsa21 is lethal, and only partial monosomy or mosaic monosomy of Hsa21 is seen. Both conditions lead to variable physiological abnormalities with constant intellectual disability, locomotor deficits, and altered muscle tone. To search for dosage-sensitive genes involved in DS and M21 phenotypes, we created two new mouse models: the Ts3Yah carrying a tandem duplication and the Ms3Yah carrying a deletion of the Hspa13-App interval syntenic with 21q11.2-q21.3. Here we report that the trisomy and the monosomy of this region alter locomotion, muscle strength, mass, and energetic balance. The expression profiling of skeletal muscles revealed global changes in the regulation of genes implicated in energetic metabolism, mitochondrial activity, and biogenesis. These genes are downregulated in Ts3Yah mice and upregulated in Ms3Yah mice. The shift in skeletal muscle metabolism correlates with a change in mitochondrial proliferation without an alteration in the respiratory function. However, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production from mitochondrial complex I decreased in Ms3Yah mice, while the membrane permeability of Ts3Yah mitochondria slightly increased. Thus, we demonstrated how the Hspa13-App interval controls metabolic and mitochondrial phenotypes in muscles certainly as a consequence of change in dose of Gabpa, Nrip1, and Atp5j. Our results indicate that the copy number variation in the Hspa13-App region has a peripheral impact on locomotor activity by altering muscle function.

Molecular responses in the telomere-mitochondrial axis of ageing in the elderly: a candidate gene approach

Experimental evidence shows that telomere shortening induces mitochondrial damage but so far studies in humans are scarce. Here, we investigated the association between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content in elderly and explored possible intermediate mechanisms by determining the gene expression profile of candidate genes in the telomere-mitochondrial axis of ageing. Among 166 non-smoking elderly, LTL, leukocyte mtDNA content and expression of candidate genes: sirtuin1 (SIRT1), tumor protein p53 (TP53), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ-coactivator1α (PGC-1α), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ-coactivator1β (PGC-1β), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) and nuclear factor, erythroid 2 like 2 (NRF2), using a quantitave real time polymerase chain assay (qPCR). Statistical mediation analysis was used to study intermediate mechanisms of the telomere-mitochondrial axis of ageing. LTL correlated with leukocyte mtDNA content in our studied elderly (r = 0.23, p = 0.0047). SIRT1 gene expression correlated positively with LTL (r = 0.26, p = 0.0094) and leukocyte mtDNA content (r = 0.43, p < 0.0001). The other studied candidates showed significant correlations in the telomere-mitochondrial interactome but not independent from SIRT1. SIRT1 gene expression was estimated to mediate 40% of the positive association between LTL and leukocyte mtDNA content. The key finding of our study was that SIRT1 expression plays a pivotal role in the telomere-mitochondrial interactome.

Carbohydrate restricted recovery from long term endurance exercise does not affect gene responses involved in mitochondrial biogenesis in highly trained athletes

The aim was to determine if the metabolic adaptations, particularly PGC-1α and downstream metabolic genes were affected by restricting CHO following an endurance exercise bout in trained endurance athletes. A second aim was to compare baseline expression level of these genes to untrained. Elite endurance athletes (VO2max 66 ± 2 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1), n = 15) completed 4 h cycling at ~56% VO2max. During the first 4 h recovery subjects were provided with either CHO or only H2O and thereafter both groups received CHO. Muscle biopsies were collected before, after, and 4 and 24 h after exercise. Also, resting biopsies were collected from untrained subjects (n = 8). Exercise decreased glycogen by 67.7 ± 4.0% (from 699 ± 26.1 to 239 ± 29.5 mmol·kg(-1)·dw(-1)) with no difference between groups. Whereas 4 h of recovery with CHO partly replenished glycogen, the H2O group remained at post exercise level; nevertheless, the gene expression was not different between groups. Glycogen and most gene expression levels returned to baseline by 24 h in both CHO and H2O. Baseline mRNA expression of NRF-1, COX-IV, GLUT4 and PPAR-α gene targets were higher in trained compared to untrained. Additionally, the proportion of type I muscle fibers positively correlated with baseline mRNA for PGC-1α, TFAM, NRF-1, COX-IV, PPAR-α, and GLUT4 for both trained and untrained. CHO restriction during recovery from glycogen depleting exercise does not improve the mRNA response of markers of mitochondrial biogenesis. Further, baseline gene expression of key metabolic pathways is higher in trained than untrained.

New therapeutics to modulate mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy in cardiac diseases

The processes that control the number and shape of the mitochondria (mitochondrial dynamics) and the removal of damaged mitochondria (mitophagy) have been the subject of intense research. Recent work indicates that these processes may contribute to the pathology associated with cardiac diseases. This review describes some of the key proteins that regulate these processes and their potential as therapeutic targets for cardiac diseases.

Measuring PGC-1α and its acetylation status in mouse primary myotubes

Metabolic flexibility is vital for the cells to adapt to different energetic situations, allowing the organisms to adapt to changing conditions and survive challenges. One of the most important regulators of the metabolic flexibility is PGC-1α activity. PGC-1α integrates numerous signals and regulates a variety of transcription factors and nuclear receptors that together regulate mitochondrial homeostasis and fatty acid oxidation. One of the major ways that PGC-1α activity is regulated is by changes in its acetylation status. Thus measuring the acetylation status of PGC-1α is an important indicator of the metabolic flexibility of the cells. In this chapter, we describe an approach to evaluate PGC-1α acetylation in primary mouse myotubes. The method is applicable to other cell types and tissues as well.

The mitochondrial genome in aging and senescence

Aging is characterized by a progressive decline in organism functions due to the impairment of all organs. The deterioration of both proliferative tissues in liver, skin and the vascular system, as well as of largely post-mitotic organs, such as the heart and brain could be attributed at least in part to cell senescence. In this review we examine the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and mtDNA mutations in cell aging and senescence. Specifically, we address how p53 and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) activity switch their roles from cytoprotective to detrimental and also examine the role of microRNAs in cell aging. The proposed role of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), both as mutating agents and as signalling molecules, underlying these processes is also described.

Multi-omic integrated networks connect DNA methylation and miRNA with skeletal muscle plasticity to chronic exercise in Type 2 diabetic obesity

Epigenomic regulation of the transcriptome by DNA methylation and posttranscriptional gene silencing by miRNAs are potential environmental modulators of skeletal muscle plasticity to chronic exercise in healthy and diseased populations. We utilized transcriptome networks to connect exercise-induced differential methylation and miRNA with functional skeletal muscle plasticity. Biopsies of the vastus lateralis were collected from middle-aged Polynesian men and women with morbid obesity (44 kg/m(2) ± 10) and Type 2 diabetes before and following 16 wk of resistance (n = 9) or endurance training (n = 8). Longitudinal transcriptome, methylome, and microRNA (miRNA) responses were obtained via microarray, filtered by novel effect-size based false discovery rate probe selection preceding bioinformatic interrogation. Metabolic and microvascular transcriptome topology dominated the network landscape following endurance exercise. Lipid and glucose metabolism modules were connected to: microRNA (miR)-29a; promoter region hypomethylation of nuclear receptor factor (NRF1) and fatty acid transporter (SLC27A4), and hypermethylation of fatty acid synthase, and to exon hypomethylation of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase and Ser/Thr protein kinase. Directional change in the endurance networks was validated by lower intramyocellular lipid, increased capillarity, GLUT4, hexokinase, and mitochondrial enzyme activity and proteome. Resistance training also lowered lipid and increased enzyme activity and caused GLUT4 promoter hypomethylation; however, training was inconsequential to GLUT4, capillarity, and metabolic transcriptome. miR-195 connected to negative regulation of vascular development. To conclude, integrated molecular network modelling revealed differential DNA methylation and miRNA expression changes occur in skeletal muscle in response to chronic exercise training that are most pronounced with endurance training and topographically associated with functional metabolic and microvascular plasticity relevant to diabetes rehabilitation.

Sex differences in mitochondrial (dys)function: Implications for neuroprotection

Decades of research have revealed numerous differences in brain structure size, connectivity and metabolism between males and females. Sex differences in neurobehavioral and cognitive function after various forms of central nervous system (CNS) injury are observed in clinical practice and animal research studies. Sources of sex differences include early life exposure to gonadal hormones, chromosome compliment and adult hormonal modulation. It is becoming increasingly apparent that mitochondrial metabolism and cell death signaling are also sexually dimorphic. Mitochondrial metabolic dysfunction is a common feature of CNS injury. Evidence suggests males predominantly utilize proteins while females predominantly use lipids as a fuel source within mitochondria and that these differences may significantly affect cellular survival following injury. These fundamental biochemical differences have a profound impact on energy production and many cellular processes in health and disease. This review will focus on the accumulated evidence revealing sex differences in mitochondrial function and cellular signaling pathways in the context of CNS injury mechanisms and the potential implications for neuroprotective therapy development.

The order of exercise during concurrent training for rehabilitation does not alter acute genetic expression, mitochondrial enzyme activity or improvements in muscle function

Concurrent exercise combines different modes of exercise (e.g., aerobic and resistance) into one training protocol, providing stimuli meant to increase muscle strength, aerobic capacity and mass. As disuse is associated with decrements in strength, aerobic capacity and muscle size concurrent training is an attractive modality for rehabilitation. However, interference between the signaling pathways may result in preferential improvements for one of the exercise modes. We recruited 18 young adults (10 ♂, 8 ♀) to determine if order of exercise mode during concurrent training would differentially affect gene expression, protein content and measures of strength and aerobic capacity after 2 weeks of knee-brace induced disuse. Concurrent exercise sessions were performed 3x/week for 6 weeks at gradually increasing intensities either with endurance exercise preceding (END>RES) or following (RES>END) resistance exercise. Biopsies were collected from the vastus lateralis before, 3 h after the first exercise bout and 48 h after the end of training. Concurrent exercise altered the expression of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC-1α, PRC, PPARγ), hypertrophy (PGC-1α4, REDD2, Rheb) and atrophy (MuRF-1, Runx1), increased electron transport chain complex protein content, citrate synthase and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase enzyme activity, muscle mass, maximum isometric strength and VO_2peak. However, the order in which exercise was completed (END>RES or RES>END) only affected the protein content of mitochondrial complex II subunit. In conclusion, concurrent exercise training is an effective modality for the rehabilitation of the loss of skeletal muscle mass, maximum strength, and peak aerobic capacity resulting from disuse, regardless of the order in which the modes of exercise are performed.

Impaired mitochondrial homeostasis and neurodegeneration: towards new therapeutic targets?

The sustained integrity of the mitochondrial population of a cell is critical for maintained cell health, and disruption of that integrity is linked strongly to human disease, especially to the neurodegenerative diseases. These are appalling diseases causing untold levels of suffering for which treatment is woefully inadequate. Understanding the mechanisms that disturb mitochondrial homeostasis may therefore prove key to identification of potential new therapeutic pathways. Mechanisms causing mitochondrial dysfunction include the acute catastrophic loss of function caused by opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), which collapses bioenergetic function and initiates cell death. This is best characterised in ischaemic reperfusion injury, although it may also contribute to a number of other diseases. More insidious disturbances of mitochondrial homeostasis may result from impaired balance in the pathways that promote mitochondrial repair (biogenesis) and pathways that remove dysfunctional mitochondria (mitophagy). Impaired coordination between these processes is emerging as a key feature of a number of neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorders. Here we review pathways that may prove to be valuable potential therapeutic targets, focussing on the molecular mechanisms that govern the coordination of these processes and their involvement in neurodegenerative diseases.

Recent advances in mitochondrial turnover during chronic muscle disuse

Chronic muscle disuse, such as that resulting from immobilization, denervation, or prolonged physical inactivity, produces atrophy and a loss of mitochondria, yet the molecular relationship between these events is not fully understood. In this review we attempt to identify the key regulatory steps mediating the loss of muscle mass and the decline in mitochondrial content and function. An understanding of common intracellular signaling pathways may provide much-needed insight into the possible therapeutic targets for treatments that will maintain aerobic energy metabolism and preserve muscle mass during disuse conditions.

Phytochemical modulators of mitochondria: the search for chemopreventive agents and supportive therapeutics

Mitochondria are crucially important for maintaining not only the energy homeostasis, but the proper cellular functions in a general sense. Impairment of mitochondrial functions is observed in a broad variety of pathological states such as neoplastic transformations and cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders and chronic inflammation. Currently, in parallel to the classical drug design approaches, there is an increasing interest in the screening for natural bioactive substances, mainly phytochemicals, in order to develop new therapeutic solutions for the mentioned pathologies. Dietary phytochemicals such as resveratrol, curcumin and sulforaphane are very well tolerated and can effectively complement classical pharmacological therapeutic regimens. In this paper we disscuss the effect of the chosen phytochemicals (e.g., resveratrol, curcumin, sulforaphane) on various aspects of mitochondrial biology, namely mitochondrial biogenesis, membrane potential and reactive oxygen species production, signaling to and from the nucleus and unfolded protein response.

Energy metabolism and cytochrome oxidase activity: linking metabolism to gene expression

Modification of mitochondrial content demands the synthesis of hundreds of proteins encoded by nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. The responsibility for coordination of this process falls to nuclear-encoded master regulators of transcription. DNA-binding proteins and coactivators integrate information from energy-sensing pathways and hormones to alter mitochondrial gene expression. In mammals, the signaling cascade for mitochondrial biogenesis can be described as follows: hormonal signals and energetic information are sensed by protein-modifying enzymes that in turn regulate the post-translational modification of transcription factors. Once activated, transcription-factor complexes form on promoter elements of many of the nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes, recruiting proteins that remodel chromatin and initiate transcription. One master regulator in mammals, PGC-1α, is well studied because of its role in determining the metabolic phenotype of muscles, but also due to its importance in mitochondria-related metabolic diseases. However, relatively little is known about the role of this pathway in other vertebrates. These uncertainties raise broader questions about the evolutionary origins of the pathway and its role in generating the diversity in muscle metabolic phenotypes seen in nature.

Reperfusion promotes mitochondrial biogenesis following focal cerebral ischemia in rats

Background and Purpose

Reperfusion after transient cerebral ischemia causes severe damage to mitochondria; however, little is known regarding the continuous change in mitochondrial biogenesis during reperfusion. Mitochondrial biogenesis causes an increase in the individual mitochondrial mass of neurons and maintains their aerobic set-point in the face of declining function. The aim of this study was to examine mitochondrial biogenesis in the cortex during reperfusion following focal cerebral ischemia.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were subjected to transient focal cerebral ischemia. The relative amount of cortical mitochondrial DNA was analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR at 0 h, 24 h, 72 h, and 7 d after reperfusion. Three critical transcriptional regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis were measured by semi-quantitative reverse-transcription PCR. The protein expression of cytochrome C oxidase subunits I and IV was detected by Western blotting.

Results

Evidence of increased mitochondrial biogenesis was observed after reperfusion. The cortical mitochondrial DNA content increased after 24 h, peaked after 72 h, and maintained a high level for 7 d. The cortical expression of three critical genes for the transcriptional regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, namely, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor coactivator-1α, nuclear respiratory factor-1, and mitochondrial transcription factor A, also increased at 24 h and 72 h. The expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor coactivator-1α returned to the baseline level at 7 d, but two other factors maintained higher levels compared with the controls. Moreover, the expression of cytochrome C oxidase subunits I and IV was increased in the cortex.

Conclusions

These results indicate that reperfusion increased mitochondrial biogenesis following focal cerebral ischemia, and this tendency was exacerbated as the reperfusion time was extended. Reperfusion-induced mitochondrial biogenesis was mediated through up-regulation of critical transcriptional regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis.

The thyroid hormone receptor β induces DNA damage and premature senescence

There is increasing evidence that the thyroid hormone (TH) receptors (THRs) can play a role in aging, cancer and degenerative diseases. In this paper, we demonstrate that binding of TH T3 (triiodothyronine) to THRB induces senescence and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage in cultured cells and in tissues of young hyperthyroid mice. T3 induces a rapid activation of ATM (ataxia telangiectasia mutated)/PRKAA (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase) signal transduction and recruitment of the NRF1 (nuclear respiratory factor 1) and THRB to the promoters of genes with a key role on mitochondrial respiration. Increased respiration leads to production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, which in turn causes oxidative stress and DNA double-strand breaks and triggers a DNA damage response that ultimately leads to premature senescence of susceptible cells. Our findings provide a mechanism for integrating metabolic effects of THs with the tumor suppressor activity of THRB, the effect of thyroidal status on longevity, and the occurrence of tissue damage in hyperthyroidism.

Monitoring of neuronal loss in the hippocampus of Aβ-injected rat: autophagy, mitophagy, and mitochondrial biogenesis stand against apoptosis

In the present study, we tried to answer the following questions: which kind of defense pathways are activated after Aβ insult? How defense systems react against noxious effects of Aβ and whether they are able to deal against apoptosis or not? So, we traced some molecular pathways including autophagy, mitophagy, and mitochondrial biogenesis before reaching to the endpoint of apoptosis. Besides, we measured the function of mitochondria after injection of Aβ (1-42) in CA1 area of hippocampus as a model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Based on our data, autophagy markers reached to their maximum level and returned to the control level as apoptotic markers started to increase. As a specialized form of autophagy, mitophagy markers followed the trend of autophagy markers. Whereas mitochondrial dynamic processes shifted toward fission, mitochondrial biogenesis was severely affected by Aβ and significantly decreased. Alongside suppression of mitochondrial biogenesis, activity of specific enzymes involved in antioxidant defense system, electron transport chain, and tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) decreased in response to the Aβ. Activity of antioxidant enzymes increased at first and then decreased significantly compared to the control. TCA enzymes aconitase and malate dehydrogenase activities reduced immediately while citrate synthase and fumarase activities did not change. Based on our finding, monitoring of the master molecules of intracellular cascades and determining their trends before the destructive function of Aβ could be the target of therapeutic issues for AD.

Optimizing intramuscular adaptations to aerobic exercise: effects of carbohydrate restriction and protein supplementation on mitochondrial biogenesis

Mitochondrial biogenesis is a critical metabolic adaptation to aerobic exercise training that results in enhanced mitochondrial size, content, number, and activity. Recent evidence has shown that dietary manipulation can further enhance mitochondrial adaptations to aerobic exercise training, which may delay skeletal muscle fatigue and enhance exercise performance. Specifically, studies have demonstrated that combining carbohydrate restriction (endogenous and exogenous) with a single bout of aerobic exercise potentiates the beneficial effects of exercise on markers of mitochondrial biogenesis. Additionally, studies have demonstrated that high-quality protein supplementation enhances anabolic skeletal muscle intracellular signaling and mitochondrial protein synthesis following a single bout of aerobic exercise. Mitochondrial biogenesis is stimulated by complex intracellular signaling pathways that appear to be primarily regulated by 5'AMP-activated protein kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase mediated through proliferator-activated γ receptor co-activator 1 α activation, resulting in increased mitochondrial DNA expression and enhanced skeletal muscle oxidative capacity. However, the mechanisms by which concomitant carbohydrate restriction and dietary protein supplementation modulates mitochondrial adaptations to aerobic exercise training remains unclear. This review summarizes intracellular regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis and the effects of carbohydrate restriction and protein supplementation on mitochondrial adaptations to aerobic exercise.

Tumor suppressor p53 and estrogen receptors in nuclear-mitochondrial communication

Several gene transcription regulators considered solely localized within the nuclear compartment are being reported to be present in the mitochondria as well. There is growing interest in the role of mitochondria in regulating cellular metabolism in normal and disease states. Various findings demonstrate the importance of crosstalk between nuclear and mitochondrial genomes, transcriptomes, and proteomes in regulating cellular functions. Both tumor suppressor p53 and estrogen receptor (ER) were originally characterized as nuclear transcription factors. In addition to their individual roles as regulators of various genes, these two proteins interact resulting in major cellular consequences. In addition to its nuclear role, p53 has been localized to the mitochondria where it executes various transcription-independent functions. Likewise, ERs are reported to be present in mitochondria; however their functional roles remain to be clearly defined. In this review, we provide an integrated view of the current knowledge of nuclear and mitochondrial p53 and ERs and how it relates to normal and pathological physiology.

A small volatile bacterial molecule triggers mitochondrial dysfunction in murine skeletal muscle

Mitochondria integrate distinct signals that reflect specific threats to the host, including infection, tissue damage, and metabolic dysfunction; and play a key role in insulin resistance. We have found that the Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing infochemical, 2-amino acetophenone (2-AA), produced during acute and chronic infection in human tissues, including in the lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, acts as an interkingdom immunomodulatory signal that facilitates pathogen persistence, and host tolerance to infection. Transcriptome results have led to the hypothesis that 2-AA causes further harm to the host by triggering mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle. As normal skeletal muscle function is essential to survival, and is compromised in many chronic illnesses, including infections and CF-associated muscle wasting, we here determine the global effects of 2-AA on skeletal muscle using high-resolution magic-angle-spinning (HRMAS), proton (¹H) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics, in vivo³¹P NMR, whole-genome expression analysis and functional studies. Our results show that 2-AA when injected into mice, induced a biological signature of insulin resistance as determined by ¹H NMR analysis-, and dramatically altered insulin signaling, glucose transport, and mitochondrial function. Genes including Glut4, IRS1, PPAR-γ, PGC1 and Sirt1 were downregulated, whereas uncoupling protein UCP3 was up-regulated, in accordance with mitochondrial dysfunction. Although 2-AA did not alter high-energy phosphates or pH by in vivo³¹P NMR analysis, it significantly reduced the rate of ATP synthesis. This affect was corroborated by results demonstrating down-regulation of the expression of genes involved in energy production and muscle function, and was further validated by muscle function studies. Together, these results further demonstrate that 2-AA, acts as a mediator of interkingdom modulation, and likely effects insulin resistance associated with a molecular signature of mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle. Reduced energy production and mitochondrial dysfunctional may further favor infection, and be an important step in the establishment of chronic and persistent infections.

Aging and calorie restriction oppositely affect mitochondrial biogenesis through TFAM binding at both origins of mitochondrial DNA replication in rat liver

Aging affects mitochondria in a tissue-specific manner. Calorie restriction (CR) is, so far, the only intervention able to delay or prevent the onset of several age-related changes also in mitochondria. Using livers from middle age (18-month-old), 28-month-old and 32-month-old ad libitum-fed and 28-month-old calorie-restricted rats we found an age-related decrease in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) amount, fully prevented by CR. We revealed also an age-related decrease, completely prevented by CR, for the proteins PGC-1α NRF-1 and cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV, supporting the efficiency of CR to forestall the age-related decrease in mitochondrial biogenesis. Furthermore, CR counteracted the age-related increase in oxidative damage to proteins, represented by the increased amount of oxidized peroxiredoxins (PRX-SO3) in the ad libitum-fed animals. An unexpected age-related decrease in the mitochondrial proteins peroxiredoxin III (Prx III) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), usually induced by increased ROS and involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, suggested a prevailing relevance of the age-reduced mitochondrial biogenesis above the induction by ROS in the regulation of expression of these genes with aging. The partial prevention of the decrease in Prx III and SOD2 proteins by CR also supported the preservation of mitochondrial biogenesis in the anti-aging action of CR. To investigate further the age- and CR-related effects on mitochondrial biogenesis we analyzed the in vivo binding of TFAM to specific mtDNA regions and demonstrated a marked increase in the TFAM-bound amounts of mtDNA at both origins of replication with aging, fully prevented by CR. A novel, positive correlation between the paired amounts of TFAM-bound mtDNA at these sub-regions was found in the joined middle age ad libitum-fed and 28-month-old calorie-restricted groups, but not in the 28-month-old ad libitum-fed counterpart suggesting a quite different modulation of TFAM binding at both origins of replication in aging and CR.

Length variation in the mouse mitochondrial tRNA(Arg) DHU loop size promotes oxidative phosphorylation functional differences

The efficiency of the cellular oxidative phosphorylation system was recently shown to be modulated by common mitochondrial tRNA(A) (rg) haplotypes. The molecular mechanism by which some mt-Tr haplotypes induce these functional differences remains undetermined. Common polymorphisms in mouse mt-Tr genes affect the size of the dihydrouridine loop in the mature tRNA, producing loops of between five and seven nucleotides, the largest being a rare variant among mammals. Here, we analyzed a new mt-Tr variant identified in C3H mice, and found that it is mitochondrial tRNA loop size, but not the specific sequence, that is responsible for the observed differences in cellular respiration. We further found that the sensitivity of mitochondrial protein synthesis to specific inhibitors is dependent on the mt-Tr gene haplotype, and confirmed that the differences in oxidative phosphorylation performance are masked by a reactive oxygen species-induced compensatory increase in mitochondrial biogenesis.

Vitamin E management of oxidative damage-linked dysfunctions of hyperthyroid tissues

INTRODUCTION

Thyroid hormones affect growth, development, and metabolism of vertebrates, and are considered the major regulators of their homeostasis. On the other hand, elevated circulating levels of thyroid hormones are associated with modifications in the whole organism (weight loss and increased metabolism and temperature) and in several body regions. Indeed, tachycardia, atrial arrhythmias, heart failure, muscle weakness and wasting, bone mass loss, and hepatobiliary complications are commonly found in hyperthyroid animals and humans.

RESULTS

Most thyroid hormone actions result from influences on transcription of T3-responsive genes, which are mediated through nuclear receptors. However, there is significant evidence that tissue oxidative stress underlies some dysfunctions produced by hyperthyroidism.

DISCUSSION

During the last decades, increasing interest has been turned to the use of antioxidants as therapeutic agents in various diseases and pathophysiological disorders believed to be mediated by oxidative stress. In particular, because elevated circulating levels of thyroid hormones are associated with tissue oxidative injury, more attention has been paid to explore the application of antioxidants as therapeutic agents in thyroid related disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

At present, vitamin E is among the most commonly consumed dietary supplements due to the belief that it, as an antioxidant, may attenuate morbidity and mortality. This is due to the results of numerous scientific studies, which demonstrate that vitamin E has a primary function to destroy peroxyl radicals, thus protecting polyunsaturated fatty acids biological membranes from oxidative damage. However, results are also available indicating that protective vitamin E effects against oxidative damage can be obtained even through different mechanisms.

Exercise training increases the expression and nuclear localization of mRNA destabilizing proteins in skeletal muscle

While a paucity of information exists regarding posttranscriptional mechanisms influencing mitochondrial biogenesis, in resting muscle the stability of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) mRNA has been linked to mitochondrial content. Therefore, in the current study we have examined whether exercise promotes mRNA accumulation through the induction of proteins affiliated with mRNA stabilization (human antigen R, HuR) or conversely by decreasing the expression of mRNA destabilizing proteins [AU-rich binding factor (AUF1) and CUG binding protein (CUG-BP1)]. A single bout of exercise increased (P < 0.05) the mRNA content of the transcriptional coactivator PGC-1α ∼3.5-fold without affecting mRNA content for HuR, CUG-BP1, or AUF1. One week of treadmill exercise training did not alter markers of mitochondrial content, the mRNA stabilizing protein HuR, or the mRNA destabilizing protein AUF1. In contrast, the mRNA destabilizing protein CUG-BP1 increased ∼40%. Four weeks of treadmill training increased the content of subunits of the electron transport chain ∼50%, suggesting induction of mitochondrial biogenesis. Expression levels for HuR and CUG-BP1 were not altered with chronic training; however, AUF1 expression was increased posttraining. Specifically, training increased (P < 0.05) total muscle expression of two of four AUF1 isoforms ∼50% (AUF1(p37), AUF1(p40)). Interestingly, these two isoforms were not detected in isolated nuclei; however, a large band representing the other two isoforms (AUF1(p42), AUF1(p45)) was present in nuclei and increased ∼35% following chronic training. Altogether the current data provides evidence that mitochondrial biogenesis occurs in the presence of increased CUG-BP1 and AUF1, suggesting that reductions in known mRNA destabilizing proteins likely does not contribute to exercise-induced mitochondrial biogenesis.

Coenzyme Q10 depletion in medical and neuropsychiatric disorders: potential repercussions and therapeutic implications

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant, a membrane stabilizer, and a vital cofactor in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, enabling the generation of adenosine triphosphate. It additionally regulates gene expression and apoptosis; is an essential cofactor of uncoupling proteins; and has anti-inflammatory, redox modulatory, and neuroprotective effects. This paper reviews the known physiological role of CoQ10 in cellular metabolism, cell death, differentiation and gene regulation, and examines the potential repercussions of CoQ10 depletion including its role in illnesses such as Parkinson's disease, depression, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia. CoQ10 depletion may play a role in the pathophysiology of these disorders by modulating cellular processes including hydrogen peroxide formation, gene regulation, cytoprotection, bioenegetic performance, and regulation of cellular metabolism. CoQ10 treatment improves quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease and may play a role in delaying the progression of that disorder. Administration of CoQ10 has antidepressive effects. CoQ10 treatment significantly reduces fatigue and improves ergonomic performance during exercise and thus may have potential in alleviating the exercise intolerance and exhaustion displayed by people with myalgic encepholamyletis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Administration of CoQ10 improves hyperalgesia and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia. The evidence base for the effectiveness of treatment with CoQ10 may be explained via its ability to ameliorate oxidative stress and protect mitochondria.

Green tea polyphenols stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis and improve renal function after chronic cyclosporin a treatment in rats

Our previous studies showed that an extract from Camellia sinenesis (green tea), which contains several polyphenols, attenuates nephrotoxicity caused by cyclosporine A (CsA). Since polyphenols are stimulators of mitochondrial biogenesis (MB), this study investigated whether stimulation of MB plays a role in green tea polyphenol protection against CsA renal toxicity. Rats were fed a powdered diet containing green tea polyphenolic extract (0.1%) starting 3 days prior to CsA treatment (25 mg/kg, i.g. daily for 3 weeks). CsA alone decreased renal nuclear DNA-encoded oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) protein ATP synthase-β (AS-β) by 42%, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-encoded OXPHOS protein NADH dehydrogenase-3 (ND3) by 87% and their associated mRNAs. Mitochondrial DNA copy number was also decreased by 78% by CsA. Immunohistochemical analysis showed decreased cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV (COX-IV), an OXPHOS protein, in tubular cells. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator (PGC)-1α, the master regulator of MB, and mitochondrial transcription factor-A (Tfam), the transcription factor that regulates mtDNA replication and transcription, were 42% and 90% lower, respectively, in the kidneys of CsA-treated than in untreated rats. These results indicate suppression of MB by chronic CsA treatment. Green tea polyphenols alone and following CsA increased AS-β, ND3, COX-IV, mtDNA copy number, PGC-1α mRNA and protein, decreased acetylated PGC-1α, and increased Tfam mRNA and protein. In association with suppressed MB, CsA increased serum creatinine, caused loss of brush border and dilatation of proximal tubules, tubular atrophy, vacuolization, apoptosis, calcification, and increased neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin expression, leukocyte infiltration, and renal fibrosis. Green tea polyphenols markedly attenuated CsA-induced renal injury and improved renal function. Together, these results demonstrate that green tea polyphenols attenuate CsA-induced kidney injury, at least in part, through the stimulation of MB.

VASP increases hepatic fatty acid oxidation by activating AMPK in mice

Activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling reduces hepatic steatosis and hepatic insulin resistance; however, its regulatory mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we sought to determine whether vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) signaling improves lipid metabolism in the liver and, if so, whether VASP's effects are mediated by AMPK. We show that disruption of VASP results in significant hepatic steatosis as a result of significant impairment of fatty acid oxidation, VLDL-triglyceride (TG) secretion, and AMPK signaling. Overexpression of VASP in hepatocytes increased AMPK phosphorylation and fatty acid oxidation and reduced hepatocyte TG accumulation; however, these responses were suppressed in the presence of an AMPK inhibitor. Restoration of AMPK phosphorylation by administration of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide riboside in Vasp(-/-) mice reduced hepatic steatosis and normalized fatty acid oxidation and VLDL-TG secretion. Activation of VASP by the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, sildenafil, in db/db mice reduced hepatic steatosis and increased phosphorylated (p-)AMPK and p-acetyl CoA carboxylase. In Vasp(-/-) mice, however, sildendafil treatment did not increase p-AMPK or reduce hepatic TG content. These studies identify a role of VASP to enhance hepatic fatty acid oxidation by activating AMPK and to promote VLDL-TG secretion from the liver.

Mitochondrial signaling: forwards, backwards, and in between

Mitochondria are semiautonomous organelles that are a defining characteristic of almost all eukaryotic cells. They are vital for energy production, but increasing evidence shows that they play important roles in a wide range of cellular signaling and homeostasis. Our understanding of nuclear control of mitochondrial function has expanded over the past half century with the discovery of multiple transcription factors and cofactors governing mitochondrial biogenesis. More recently, nuclear changes in response to mitochondrial messaging have led to characterization of retrograde mitochondrial signaling, in which mitochondria have the ability to alter nuclear gene expression. Mitochondria are also integral to other components of stress response or quality control including ROS signaling, unfolded protein response, mitochondrial autophagy, and biogenesis. These avenues of mitochondrial signaling are discussed in this review.

Supplementation with α-lipoic acid, CoQ10, and vitamin E augments running performance and mitochondrial function in female mice

Antioxidant supplements are widely consumed by the general public; however, their effects of on exercise performance are controversial. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of an antioxidant cocktail (α-lipoic acid, vitamin E and coenzyme Q10) on exercise performance, muscle function and training adaptations in mice. C57Bl/J6 mice were placed on antioxidant supplement or placebo-control diets (n = 36/group) and divided into trained (8 wks treadmill running) (n = 12/group) and untrained groups (n = 24/group). Antioxidant supplementation had no effect on the running performance of trained mice nor did it affect training adaptations; however, untrained female mice that received antioxidants performed significantly better than placebo-control mice (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, antioxidant-supplemented females (untrained) showed elevated respiratory capacity in freshly excised muscle fibers (quadriceps femoris) (p ≤ 0.05), reduced oxidative damage to muscle proteins (p ≤ 0.05), and increased expression of mitochondrial proteins (p ≤ 0.05) compared to placebo-controls. These changes were attributed to increased expression of proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) (p ≤ 0.05) via activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) (p ≤ 0.05) by antioxidant supplementation. Overall, these results indicate that this antioxidant supplement exerts gender specific effects; augmenting performance and mitochondrial function in untrained females, but does not attenuate training adaptations.

Regulatory elements associated with paternally-expressed genes in the imprinted murine Angelman/Prader-Willi syndrome domain

The Angelman/Prader-Willi syndrome (AS/PWS) domain contains at least 8 imprinted genes regulated by a bipartite imprinting center (IC) associated with the SNRPN gene. One component of the IC, the PWS-IC, governs the paternal epigenotype and expression of paternal genes. The mechanisms by which imprinting and expression of paternal genes within the AS/PWS domain – such as MKRN3 and NDN – are regulated by the PWS-IC are unclear. The syntenic region in the mouse is organized and imprinted similarly to the human domain with the murine PWS-IC defined by a 6 kb interval within the Snrpn locus that includes the promoter. To identify regulatory elements that may mediate PWS-IC function, we mapped the location and allele-specificity of DNase I hypersensitive (DH) sites within the PWS-IC in brain cells, then identified transcription factor binding sites within a subset of these DH sites. Six major paternal-specific DH sites were detected in the Snrpn gene, five of which map within the 6 kb PWS-IC. We postulate these five DH sites represent functional components of the murine PWS-IC. Analysis of transcription factor binding within multiple DH sites detected nuclear respiratory factors (NRF's) and YY1 specifically on the paternal allele. NRF's and YY1 were also detected in the paternal promoter region of the murine Mrkn3 and Ndn genes. These results suggest that NRF's and YY1 may facilitate PWS-IC function and coordinately regulate expression of paternal genes. The presence of NRF's also suggests a link between transcriptional regulation within the AS/PWS domain and regulation of respiration. 3C analyses indicated Mkrn3 lies in close proximity to the PWS-IC on the paternal chromosome, evidence that the PWS-IC functions by allele-specific interaction with its distal target genes. This could occur by allele-specific co-localization of the PWS-IC and its target genes to transcription factories containing NRF's and YY1.

Dichloroacetate reverses the hypoxic adaptation to bevacizumab and enhances its antitumor effects in mouse xenografts

Inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor increases response rates to chemotherapy and progression-free survival in glioblastoma. However, resistance invariably occurs, prompting the urgent need for identification of synergizing agents. One possible strategy is to understand tumor adaptation to microenvironmental changes induced by antiangiogenic drugs and test agents that exploit this process. We used an in vivo glioblastoma-derived xenograft model of tumor escape in presence of continuous treatment with bevacizumab. U87-MG or U118-MG cells were subcutaneously implanted into either BALB/c SCID or athymic nude mice. Bevacizumab was given by intraperitoneal injection every 3 days (2.5 mg/kg/dose) and/or dichloroacetate (DCA) was administered by oral gavage twice daily (50 mg/kg/dose) when tumor volumes reached 0.3 cm(3) and continued until tumors reached approximately 1.5-2.0 cm(3). Microarray analysis of resistant U87 tumors revealed coordinated changes at the level of metabolic genes, in particular, a widening gap between glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration. There was a highly significant difference between U87-MG-implanted athymic nude mice 1 week after drug treatment. By 2 weeks of treatment, bevacizumab and DCA together dramatically blocked tumor growth compared to either drug alone. Similar results were seen in athymic nude mice implanted with U118-MG cells. We demonstrate for the first time that reversal of the bevacizumab-induced shift in metabolism using DCA is detrimental to neoplastic growth in vivo. As DCA is viewed as a promising agent targeting tumor metabolism, our data establish the timely proof of concept that combining it with antiangiogenic therapy represents a potent antineoplastic strategy.

MicroRNA-494 regulates mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle through mitochondrial transcription factor A and Forkhead box j3

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important posttranscriptional regulators of various biological pathways. In this study, we focused on the role of miRNAs during mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle. The expression of miR-494 was markedly decreased in murine myoblast C₂C₁₂ cells during myogenic differentiation, accompanied by an increase in mtDNA. Furthermore, the expression of predicted target genes for miR-494, including mitochondrial transcription factor A (mtTFA) and Forkhead box j3 (Foxj3), was posttranscriptionally increased during myogenic differentiation. Knockdown of miR-494 resulted in increased mitochondrial content and upregulation of mtTFA and Foxj3 at the protein level. A 3'-untranslated region reporter assay revealed that miR-494 knockdown directly upregulated the luciferase activity of mtTFA and Foxj3. All of these observations were reversed by overexpression of miR-494. Furthermore, the miR-494 content significantly decreased after endurance exercise in C57BL/6J mice, accompanied by an increase in expression of mtTFA and Foxj3 proteins. These results suggest that miR-494 regulates mitochondrial biogenesis by downregulating mtTFA and Foxj3 during myocyte differentiation and skeletal muscle adaptation to physical exercise.

Overexpression of human selenoprotein H in neuronal cells enhances mitochondrial biogenesis and function through activation of protein kinase A, protein kinase B, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein pathway

Mitochondrial biogenesis is activated by nuclear encoded transcription co-activator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), which is regulated by several upstream factors including protein kinase A and Akt/protein kinase B. We have previously shown that selenoprotein H enhances the levels of nuclear regulators for mitochondrial biogenesis, increases mitochondrial mass and improves mitochondrial respiratory rate, under physiological condition. Furthermore, overexpression of selenoprotein H protects neuronal HT22 cells from ultraviolet B irradiation-induced cell damage by lowering reactive oxygen species production, and inhibiting activation of caspase-3 and -9, as well as p53. The objective of this study is to identify the cell signaling pathways by which selenoprotein H initiates mitochondrial biogenesis. We first confirmed our previous observation that selenoprotein H transfected HT22 cells increased the protein levels of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial biogenesis factors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α, nuclear respiratory factor 1 and mitochondrial transcription factor A. We then observed that total and phosphorylation of protein kinase A, Akt/protein kinase B and cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (CREB) were significantly increased in selenoprotein H transfected cells compared to vector transfected HT22 cells. To verify whether the observed stimulating effects on mitochondrial biogenesis pathways are caused by selenoprotein H and mediated through CREB, we knocked down selenoprotein H mRNA level using siRNA and inhibited CREB with napthol AS-E phosphate in selenoprotein H transfected cells and repeated the measurements of the aforementioned biomarkers. Our results revealed that silencing of selenoprotein H not only decreased the protein levels of PGC-1α, nuclear respiratory factor 1 and mitochondrial transcription factor A, but also decreased the total and phosphorylation levels of protein kinase A, protein kinase B, and CREB. Similarly, CREB inhibition reduced CREB activation and PGC-1α protein levels in selenoprotein H transfected cells. Moreover, selenoprotein H transfection increased the activity of mitochondrial complexes and prevented the ultraviolet B induced fall of mitochondrial membrane potential. We conclude that the effects of selenoprotein H on mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial function are probably mediated through protein kinase A-CREB-PGC-1α and Akt/protein kinase B-CREB-PGC-1α pathways.

Redox regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis

The cell renews, adapts, or expands its mitochondrial population during episodes of cell damage or periods of intensified energy demand by the induction of mitochondrial biogenesis. This bigenomic program is modulated by redox-sensitive signals that respond to physiological nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production. This review summarizes our current ideas about the pathways involved in the activation of mitochondrial biogenesis by the physiological gases leading to changes in the redox milieu of the cell, with an emphasis on the responses to oxidative stress and inflammation. The cell's energy supply is protected from conditions that damage mitochondria by an inducible transcriptional program of mitochondrial biogenesis that operates in large part through redox signals involving the nitric oxide synthase and the heme oxygenase-1/CO systems. These redox events stimulate the coordinated activities of several multifunctional transcription factors and coactivators also involved in the elimination of defective mitochondria and the expression of counterinflammatory and antioxidant genes, such as IL10 and SOD2, as part of a unified damage-control network. The redox-regulated mechanisms of mitochondrial biogenesis schematically outlined in the graphical abstract link mitochondrial quality control to an enhanced capacity to support the cell's metabolic needs while improving its resistance to metabolic failure and avoidance of cell death during periods of oxidative stress.

Skeletal muscle mitochondrial energetics in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus: endocrine aspects

During the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, skeletal muscle is a major site of insulin resistance. The latter has been linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired fatty acid oxidation. Some hormones like insulin, thyroid hormones and adipokines (e.g., leptin, adiponectin) have positive effects on muscle mitochondrial bioenergetics through their direct or indirect effects on mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial protein expression, mitochondrial enzyme activities and/or AMPK pathway activation--all of which can improve fatty acid oxidation. It is therefore not surprising that treatment with these hormones has been proposed to improve muscle and whole body insulin sensitivity. However, treatment of diabetic patients with leptin and adiponectin has no effect on muscle mitochondrial bioenergetics showing resistance to these hormones during type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, treatment with most thyroid hormones has unexpectedly revealed negative effects on muscle insulin sensitivity. Future research should focus on development of agents that improve metabolic dysfunction downstream of hormone receptors.

Selenite stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis signaling and enhances mitochondrial functional performance in murine hippocampal neuronal cells

Supplementation of selenium has been shown to protect cells against free radical mediated cell damage. The objectives of this study are to examine whether supplementation of selenium stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis signaling pathways and whether selenium enhances mitochondrial functional performance. Murine hippocampal neuronal HT22 cells were treated with sodium selenite for 24 hours. Mitochondrial biogenesis markers, mitochondrial respiratory rate and activities of mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes were measured and compared to non-treated cells. The results revealed that treatment of selenium to the HT22 cells elevated the levels of nuclear mitochondrial biogenesis regulators PGC-1α and NRF1, as well as mitochondrial proteins cytochrome c and cytochrome c oxidase IV (COX IV). These effects are associated with phosphorylation of Akt and cAMP response element-binding (CREB). Supplementation of selenium significantly increased mitochondrial respiration and improved the activities of mitochondrial respiratory complexes. We conclude that selenium activates mitochondrial biogenesis signaling pathway and improves mitochondrial function. These effects may be associated with modulation of AKT-CREB pathway.

Regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis in eukaryotic cells

Mitochondria amount within a cell is modulated in response to energy demand. This involves a tight regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis and the coordinated expression of hundreds of genes, both at the nuclear and at the mitochondrial level. This review will focus on two aspects of mitochondrial biogenesis regulation: (i) In mammalian cells, physiological effectors, and the regulatory proteins that control the expression of the respiratory apparatus, will be considered, and different kinds of tissue will be addressed. (ii) In yeast, the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis in response to growth conditions as well as the signaling pathway involved will be considered.

Disorder of fatty acid metabolism in the kidney of PAN-induced nephrotic rats

Proteinuria is considered to play an essential role in the progression of tubulointerstitial damage, which causes end-stage renal disease. Fatty acid-binding albumins are filtered through glomeruli and reabsorbed into proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs). However, the role of fatty acid metabolism associated with albuminuria in the development of tubulointerstitial damage remains unclear. Thus, the present study was designed to determine the changes of fatty acid metabolism in the nephrotic kidney. To induce nephrotic syndrome, Sprague-Dawley rats (SDRs) and Nagase analbuminemic rats (NARs) with inherited hypoalbuminemia were treated with a single injection of puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN). In SDRs, PAN treatment induced massive proteinuria and albuminuria and caused tubular damage, apoptosis, and lipid accumulation in PTECs. Among the enzymes of fatty acid metabolism, expressions of medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) and cytochrome P-450 (CYP)4A significantly decreased in PTECs of PAN-treated SDRs. Expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ coactivator (PGC)-1α and estrogen-related receptor (ERR)α also significantly decreased, without changes in the expression of PPAR-α. In NARs, PAN treatment induced proteinuria but not albuminuria and did not cause tubular damage, apoptosis, or lipid accumulation. Expressions of MCAD, PGC-1α, or ERRα did not change in the kidney cortex of PAN-treated NARs, but the expression of CYP4A significantly decreased. These results indicate that massive albuminuria causes tubular damage and lipid accumulation with the reduction of MCAD, CYP4A, PGC-1α, and ERRα in PTECs.

Moderate superoxide production is an early promoter of mitochondrial biogenesis in differentiating N2a neuroblastoma cells

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been widely considered as harmful for cell development and as promoters of cell aging by increasing oxidative stress. However, ROS have an important role in cell signaling and they have been demonstrated to be beneficial by triggering hormetic signals, which could protect the organism from later insults. In the present study, N2a murine neuroblastoma cells were used as a paradigm of cell-specific (neural) differentiation partly mediated by ROS. Differentiation was triggered by the established treatments of serum starvation, forskolin or dibutyryl cyclic AMP. A marked differentiation, expressed as the development of neurites, was detected by fixation and staining with coomassie brilliant blue after 48 h treatment. This was accompanied by an increase in mitochondrial mass detected by mitotracker green staining, an increased expression of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) and succinate dehydrogenase activity as detected by MTT. In line with these results, an increase in free radicals, specifically superoxide anion, was detected in differentiating cells by flow cytometry. Superoxide scavenging by MnTBAP and MAPK inhibition by PD98059 partially reversed differentiation and mitochondrial biogenesis. In this way, we demonstrated that mitochondrial biogenesis and differentiation are mediated by superoxide and MAPK cues. Our data suggest that differentiation and mitochondrial biogenesis in N2a cells are part of a hormetic response which is triggered by a modest increase of superoxide anion concentration within the mitochondria.