Oxaloacetate and adenosinetriphosphate levels during inhibition and activation of succinate oxidation

Metabolic clearance of oxaloacetate and mitochondrial complex II respiration: Divergent control in skeletal muscle and brown adipose tissue

At low inner mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ) oxaloacetate (OAA) accumulates in the organelles concurrently with decreased complex II-energized respiration. This is consistent with ΔΨ-dependent OAA inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase. To assess the metabolic importance of this process, we tested the hypothesis that perturbing metabolic clearance of OAA in complex II-energized mitochondria would alter O2 flux and, further, that this would occur in both ΔΨ and tissue-dependent fashion. We carried out respiratory and metabolite studies in skeletal muscle and interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT) directed at the effect of OAA transamination to aspartate (catalyzed by the mitochondrial form of glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, Got2) on complex II-energized respiration. Addition of low amounts of glutamate to succinate-energized mitochondria at low ΔΨ increased complex II (succinate)-energized respiration in muscle but had little effect in IBAT mitochondria. The transaminase inhibitor, aminooxyacetic acid, increased OAA concentrations and impaired succinate-energized respiration in muscle but not IBAT mitochondria at low but not high ΔΨ. Immunoblotting revealed that Got2 expression was far greater in muscle than IBAT mitochondria. Because we incidentally observed metabolism of OAA to pyruvate in IBAT mitochondria, more so than in muscle mitochondria, we also examined the expression of mitochondrial oxaloacetate decarboxylase (ODX). ODX was detected only in IBAT mitochondria. In summary, at low but not high ΔΨ, mitochondrial transamination clears OAA preventing loss of complex II respiration: a process far more active in muscle than IBAT mitochondria. We also provide evidence that OAA decarboxylation clears OAA to pyruvate in IBAT mitochondria.

Succinate Dehydrogenase, Succinate, and Superoxides: A Genetic, Epigenetic, Metabolic, Environmental Explosive Crossroad

Research focused on succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and its substrate, succinate, culminated in the 1950s accompanying the rapid development of research dedicated to bioenergetics and intermediary metabolism. This allowed researchers to uncover the implication of SDH in both the mitochondrial respiratory chain and the Krebs cycle. Nowadays, this theme is experiencing a real revival following the discovery of the role of SDH and succinate in a subset of tumors and cancers in humans. The aim of this review is to enlighten the many questions yet unanswered, ranging from fundamental to clinically oriented aspects, up to the danger of the current use of SDH as a target for a subclass of pesticides.

MDH2 produced OAA is a metabolic switch rewiring the fuelling of respiratory chain and TCA cycle

The mitochondrial respiratory chain (RC) enables many metabolic processes by regenerating both mitochondrial and cytosolic NAD⁺ and ATP. The oxidation by the RC of the NADH metabolically produced in the cytosol involves redox shuttles as the malate-aspartate shuttle (MAS) and is of paramount importance for cell fate. However, the specific metabolic regulations allowing mitochondrial respiration to prioritize NADH oxidation in response to high NADH/NAD⁺ redox stress have not been elucidated. The recent discovery that complex I (NADH dehydrogenase), and not complex II (Succinate dehydrogenase), can assemble with other respiratory chain complexes to form functional entities called respirasomes, led to the assumption that this supramolecular organization would favour NADH oxidation. Unexpectedly, characterization of heart and liver mitochondria demonstrates that the RC systematically favours electrons provided by the 'respirasome free' complex II. Our results demonstrate that the preferential succinate driven respiration is tightly controlled by OAA levels, and that OAA feedback inhibition of complex II rewires RC fuelling increasing NADH oxidation capacity. This new regulatory mechanism synergistically increases RC's NADH oxidative capacity and rewires MDH2 driven anaplerosis of the TCA, preventing malate production from succinate to favour oxidation of cytosolic malate. This regulatory mechanism synergistically adjusts RC and TCA fuelling in response to extramitochondrial malate produced by the MAS.

Membrane potential-dependent regulation of mitochondrial complex II by oxaloacetate in interscapular brown adipose tissue

Classically, mitochondrial respiration responds to decreased membrane potential (ΔΨ) by increasing respiration. However, we found that for succinate-energized complex II respiration in skeletal muscle mitochondria (unencumbered by rotenone), low ΔΨ impairs respiration by a mechanism culminating in oxaloacetate (OAA) inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH). Here, we investigated whether this phenomenon extends to far different mitochondria of a tissue wherein ΔΨ is intrinsically low, i.e., interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT). Also, to advance our knowledge of the mechanism, we performed isotopomer studies of metabolite flux not done in our previous muscle studies. In additional novel work, we addressed possible ways ADP might affect the mechanism in IBAT mitochondria. UCP1 activity, and consequently ΔΨ, were perturbed both by GDP, a well-recognized potent inhibitor of UCP1 and by the chemical uncoupler carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone (FCCP). In succinate-energized mitochondria, GDP increased ΔΨ but also increased rather than decreased (as classically predicted under low ΔΨ) O2 flux. In GDP-treated mitochondria, FCCP reduced potential but also decreased respiration. Metabolite studies by NMR and flux analyses by LC-MS support a mechanism, wherein ΔΨ effects on the production of reactive oxygen alters the NADH/NAD+ ratio affecting OAA accumulation and, hence, OAA inhibition of SDH. We also found that ADP-altered complex II respiration in complex fashion probably involving decreased ΔΨ due to ATP synthesis, a GDP-like nucleotide inhibition of UCP1, and allosteric enzyme action. In summary, complex II respiration in IBAT mitochondria is regulated by UCP1-dependent ΔΨ altering substrate flow through OAA and OAA inhibition of SDH.

Flow-cytometry-based protocol to analyze respiratory chain function in mouse microglia

Most of the protocols to analyze metabolic features of cell populations from different tissues rely on in vitro cell culture conditions. Here, we present a flow-cytometry-based protocol for measuring the respiratory chain function in permeabilized mouse microglia ex vivo. We describe microglial cell isolation, followed by analyzing complex I and II using flow cytometry. This optimized protocol requires a low input of permeabilized cells and can be applied to other ex vivo isolated cells or cells derived from cell cultures.

For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Erny et al. (2021).

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Flow cytometry-based protocol to measure respiratory chain function ex vivo

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Optimized protocol requiring a low input of permeabilized cells

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Analysis of complex I and II in permeabilized mouse microglial cells

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Applicable for all kinds of ex vivo isolated cells or cells derived from cell cultures

Substrate-dependent differential regulation of mitochondrial bioenergetics in the heart and kidney cortex and outer medulla

The kinetics and efficiency of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) can depend on the choice of respiratory substrates. Furthermore, potential differences in this substrate dependency among different tissues are not well-understood. Here, we determined the effects of different substrates on the kinetics and efficiency of OxPhos in isolated mitochondria from the heart and kidney cortex and outer medulla (OM) of Sprague-Dawley rats. The substrates were pyruvate+malate, glutamate+malate, palmitoyl-carnitine+malate, alpha-ketoglutarate+malate, and succinate±rotenone at saturating concentrations. The kinetics of OxPhos were interrogated by measuring mitochondrial bioenergetics under different ADP perturbations. Results show that the kinetics and efficiency of OxPhos are highly dependent on the substrates used, and this dependency is distinctly different between heart and kidney. Heart mitochondria showed higher respiratory rates and OxPhos efficiencies for all substrates in comparison to kidney mitochondria. Cortex mitochondria respiratory rates were higher than OM mitochondria, but OM mitochondria OxPhos efficiencies were higher than cortex mitochondria. State 3 respiration was low in heart mitochondria with succinate but increased significantly in the presence of rotenone, unlike kidney mitochondria. Similar differences were observed in mitochondrial membrane potential. Differences in H2O2 emission in the presence of succinate±rotenone were observed in heart mitochondria and to a lesser extent in OM mitochondria, but not in cortex mitochondria. Bioenergetics and H2O2 emission data with succinate±rotenone indicate that oxaloacetate accumulation and reverse electron transfer may play a more prominent regulatory role in heart mitochondria than kidney mitochondria. These studies provide novel quantitative data demonstrating that the choice of respiratory substrates affects mitochondrial responses in a tissue-specific manner.

Microbiota-derived acetate enables the metabolic fitness of the brain innate immune system during health and disease

As tissue macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS), microglia constitute the pivotal immune cells of this organ. Microglial features are strongly dependent on environmental cues such as commensal microbiota. Gut bacteria are known to continuously modulate microglia maturation and function by the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). However, the precise mechanism of this crosstalk is unknown. Here we determined that the immature phenotype of microglia from germ-free (GF) mice is epigenetically imprinted by H3K4me3 and H3K9ac on metabolic genes associated with substantial functional alterations including increased mitochondrial mass and specific respiratory chain dysfunctions. We identified acetate as the essential microbiome-derived SCFA driving microglia maturation and regulating the homeostatic metabolic state, and further showed that it is able to modulate microglial phagocytosis and disease progression during neurodegeneration. These findings indicate that acetate is an essential bacteria-derived molecule driving metabolic pathways and functions of microglia during health and perturbation.

Modulation of complex II-energized respiration in muscle, heart, and brown adipose mitochondria by oxaloacetate and complex I electron flow

We recently reported that membrane potential (ΔΨ) primarily determines the relationship of complex II-supported respiration by isolated skeletal muscle mitochondria to ADP concentrations. We observed that O₂ flux peaked at low ADP concentration ([ADP]) (high ΔΨ) before declining at higher [ADP] (low ΔΨ). The decline resulted from oxaloacetate (OAA) accumulation and inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase. This prompted us to question the effect of incremental [ADP] on respiration in interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT) mitochondria, wherein ΔΨ is intrinsically low because of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). We found that succinate-energized IBAT mitochondria, even in the absence of ADP, accumulate OAA and manifest limited respiration, similar to muscle mitochondria at high [ADP]. This could be prevented by guanosine 5'-diphosphate inhibition of UCP1. NAD⁺ cycling with NADH requires complex I electron flow and is needed to form OAA. Therefore, to assess the role of electron transit, we perturbed flow using a small molecule, N1-(3-acetamidophenyl)-N2-(2-(4-methyl-2-(p-tolyl)thiazol-5-yl)ethyl)oxalamide. We observed decreased OAA, increased NADH/NAD⁺, and increased succinate-supported mitochondrial respiration under conditions of low ΔΨ (IBAT) but not high ΔΨ (heart). In summary, complex II-energized respiration in IBAT mitochondria is tempered by complex I-derived OAA in a manner dependent on UCP1. These dynamics depend on electron transit in complex I.-Fink, B. D., Yu, L., Sivitz, W. I. Modulation of complex II-energized respiration in muscle, heart, and brown adipose mitochondria by oxaloacetate and complex I electron flow.

Oxaloacetic acid mediates ADP-dependent inhibition of mitochondrial complex II-driven respiration

We recently reported a previously unrecognized mitochondrial respiratory phenomenon. When [ADP] was held constant ("clamped") at sequentially increasing concentrations in succinate-energized muscle mitochondria in the absence of rotenone (commonly used to block complex I), we observed a biphasic, increasing then decreasing, respiratory response. Here we investigated the mechanism. We confirmed decades-old reports that oxaloacetate (OAA) inhibits succinate dehydrogenase (SDH). We then used an NMR method to assess OAA concentrations (known as difficult to measure by MS) as well as those of malate, fumarate, and citrate in isolated succinate-respiring mitochondria. When these mitochondria were incubated at varying clamped ADP concentrations, respiration increased at low [ADP] as expected given the concurrent reduction in membrane potential. With further increments in [ADP], respiration decreased associated with accumulation of OAA. Moreover, a low pyruvate concentration, that alone was not enough to drive respiration, was sufficient to metabolize OAA to citrate and completely reverse the loss of succinate-supported respiration at high [ADP]. Further, chemical or genetic inhibition of pyruvate uptake prevented OAA clearance and preserved respiration. In addition, we measured the effects of incremental [ADP] on NADH, superoxide, and H₂O₂ (a marker of reverse electron transport from complex II to I). In summary, our findings, taken together, support a mechanism (detailed within) wherein succinate-energized respiration as a function of increasing [ADP] is initially increased by [ADP]-dependent effects on membrane potential but subsequently decreased at higher [ADP] by inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase by OAA. The physiologic relevance is discussed.

Voltage-Dependent Regulation of Complex II Energized Mitochondrial Oxygen Flux

Oxygen consumption by isolated mitochondria is generally measured during state 4 respiration (no ATP production) or state 3 (maximal ATP production at high ADP availability). However, mitochondria in vivo do not function at either extreme. Here we used ADP recycling methodology to assess muscle mitochondrial function over intermediate clamped ADP concentrations. In so doing, we uncovered a previously unrecognized biphasic respiratory pattern wherein O₂ flux on the complex II substrate, succinate, initially increased and peaked over low clamped ADP concentrations then decreased markedly at higher clamped concentrations. Mechanistic studies revealed no evidence that the observed changes in O₂ flux were due to altered opening or function of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore or to changes in reactive oxygen. Based on metabolite and functional metabolic data, we propose a multifactorial mechanism that consists of coordinate changes that follow from reduced membrane potential (as the ADP concentration in increased). These changes include altered directional electron flow, altered NADH/NAD⁺ redox cycling, metabolite exit, and OAA inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase. In summary, we report a previously unrecognized pattern for complex II energized O₂ flux. Moreover, our findings suggest that the ADP recycling approach might be more widely adapted for mitochondrial studies.

Calcium transport by rat brain mitochondria and oxidation of 2-oxoglutarate

Contrary to previous reports brain mitochondria have a substantial capacity for net Ca2+ uptake (approx. 1.2 mueq. Ca2+ per mg protein) providing succinate is the oxidizable substrate. ATP stimulates calcium uptake (to 1.8 mueq. per mg protein), but is not required. The accumulation of Ca2+ with NAD-linked substrates is, however, significantly less. With 2-oxoglutarate, very limited Ca2+ uptake occurs before respiration is inhibited. At low concentrations (10 microM), Ca2+ stimulates the 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase activity of detergent solubilized mitochondria. Millimolar [Ca2+] is required for inhibition. Therefore, Ca2+ inhibition of 2-oxoglutarate oxidation can explain the low maximum uptake with this substrate, but probably not by directly effecting the dehydrogenase. Hence, the oxidation of 2-oxoglutarate can be either enhanced or suppressed depending upon the net Ca2+ accumulated by brain mitochondria.

The transport of L-cysteinesulfinate in rat liver mitochondria

1. The mechanism of L-cysteinesulfinate permeation into rat liver mitochondria has been investigated. 2. Mitochondria do not swell in ammonium or potassium salts of L-cysteinesulfinate in all the conditions tested, including the presence of valinomycin and/or carbonylcyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone. 3. The activation of malate oxidation by L-cysteinesulfinate is abolished by aminooxyacetate, an inhibitor of the intramitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase, it is not inhibited by high concentrations of carbonylcyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (in contrast to the oxidation of malate plus glutamate) and it is decreased on lowering the pH of the medium. 4. All the aspartate formed during the oxidation of malate plus L-cysteinesulfinate is exported into the extramitochondrial space. 5. Homocysteinesulfinate, cysteate and homocysteate, which are all good substrates of the mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase, are unable to activate the oxidation of malate. Homocysteinesulfinate and homocysteate have no inhibitory effect on the L-cysteinesulfinate-induced respiration, whereas cysteate inhibits it competitively with respect to L-cysteinesulfinate. 6. In contrast to D-aspartate, D-cysteinesulfinate and D-glutamate, L-aspartate inhibits the oxidation of malate plus L-cysteinesulfinate in a competitive way with respect to L-cysteinesulfinate. Vice versa, L-cysteinesulfinate inhibits the influx of L-aspartate. 7. Externally added L-cysteinesulfinate elicits efflux of intramitochondrial L-aspartate or L-glutamate. The cysteinesulfinate analogues homocysteinesulfinate, cysteate and homocysteate and the D-stereoisomers of cysteinesulfinate, aspartate and glutamate do not cause a significant release of internal glutamate or aspartate, indicating a high degree of specificity of the exchange reactions. External L-cysteinesulfinate does not cause efflux of intramitochondrial Pi, malate, malonate, citrate, oxoglutarate, pyruvate or ADP. The L-cysteinesulfinate-aspartate and L-cysteinesulfinate-glutamate exchanges are inhibited by glisoxepide and by known substrates of the glutamate-aspartate carrier. 8. The exchange between external L-cysteinesulfinate and intramitochondrial glutamate is accompanied by translocation of protons across the mitochondrial membrane in the same direction as glutamate. The L-cysteinesulfinate-aspartate exchange, on the other hand, is not accompanied by H+ translocation. 9. The ratios delta H+/delta glutamate, delta L-cysteinesulfinate/delta glutamate and delta L-cysteinesulfinate/delta aspartate are close to unity. 10. It is concluded that L-cysteinesulfinate is transported by the glutamate-aspartate carrier of rat liver mitochondria. The present data suggest that the dissociated form of L-cysteinesulfinate exchanges with H+-compensated glutamate or with negatively charged aspartate.

Transport of pyruvate and lactate in yeast mitochondria

Evidence for the existence of mediated transport of pyruvate and lactate in isolated mitochondria of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is presented. 1. The mitochondrial oxidation of pyruvate is specifically inhibited by the monocarboxylic oxoacids alpha-ketoisocaproate and by alpha-cyano-3-hydroxycinnamate, while pyruvate and malate dehydrogenases activities are not inhibited. 2. The stimulation of the mitochondrial oxidations of succinate, alpha-ketoglutarate and citrate by pyruvate are also inhibited by alpha-cyano-3-hydroxycinnamate. 3. The [14C]pyruvate uptake by yeast mitochondria follows saturation kinetics and is completely inhibited by alpha-cyano-3-hydroxycinnamate. 4. Large amplitude passive swellings of mitochondria of the wild type and of cytoplasmic rho- and rho-n mutants are induced by isoosmotic ammonium pyruvate and lactate. These pH-dependent swellings are inhibited by alpha-cyano-3-hydroxycinnamate suggesting that the carrier system is not coded by mitochondrial DNA.

Correlation of the effects of citric acid cycle metabolites on succinate oxidation by rat liver mitochondria and submitochondrial particles

1. Succinate dehydrogenase is inhibited by citrate and beta-hydroxy-butyrate in a complex manner, both in mitochondria and submitochondrial particles. Kinetics of inhibition in the particles points to a competitive component in the mechanism involved. 2. Pyruvate, alpha-ketoglutarate, malate, and glutamate stimulate oxidation of succinate by mitochondria. 3. Stimulation by alpha-ketoglutarate and glutamate is not influenced by the presence of rotenone. 4. Stimulation by pyruvate is higher in the absence of rotenone and increases significantly in the presence of K+ and valinomycin. Pyruvate supplies in mitochondria reducing equivalents for malate dehydrogenase operating in the reverse direction-reduction of oxaloacetate to malate. 5. Stimulation by malate is higher in the presence of rotenone.