Photoaffinity cross-linking of oligomycin-sensitive ATPase from beef heart mitochondria by 3'-arylazido-8-azido ATP

Redox Homeostasis Involvement in the Pharmacological Effects of Metformin in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Significance: Metformin has been proposed as a treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The primary target of metformin, the electron transport chain complex I in the mitochondria, is associated with redox homeostasis in immune cells, which plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. This review addresses the evidence and knowledge gaps on whether a beneficial effect of metformin in lupus may be due to a restoration of a balanced redox state. Recent Advances: Clinical trials in SLE patients with mild-to-moderate disease activity and preclinical studies in mice have provided encouraging results for metformin. The mechanism by which this therapeutic effect was achieved is largely unknown. Metformin regulates redox homeostasis in a context-specific manner. Multiple cell types contribute to SLE, with evidence of increased mitochondrial oxidative stress in T cells and neutrophils. Critical Issues: The major knowledge gaps are whether the efficacy of metformin is linked to a restored redox homeostasis in the immune system, and if it does, in which cell types it occurs? We also need to know which patients may have a better response to metformin, and whether it corresponds to a specific mechanism? Finally, the identification of biomarkers to predict treatment outcomes would be of great value. Future Directions: Mechanistic studies must address the context-dependent pharmacological effects of metformin. Multiple cell types as well as a complex disease etiology should be considered. These studies must integrate the rapid advances made in understanding how metabolic programs direct the effector functions of immune cells. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 36, 462-479.

AMPK is associated with the beneficial effects of antidiabetic agents on cardiovascular diseases

Diabetics have higher morbidity and mortality in cardiovascular disease (CVD). A variety of antidiabetic agents are available for clinical choice. Cardiovascular (CV) safety assessment of these agents is crucial in addition to hypoglycemic effect before clinical prescription. Adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an important cell energy sensor, which plays an important role in regulating myocardial energy metabolism, reducing ischemia and ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, improving heart failure (HF) and ventricular remodeling, ameliorating vascular endothelial dysfunction, antichronic inflammation, anti-apoptosis, and regulating autophagy. In this review, we summarized the effects of antidiabetic agents to CVD according to basic and clinical research evidence and put emphasis on whether these agents can play roles in CV system through AMPK-dependent signaling pathways. Metformin has displayed definite CV benefits related to AMPK. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors also demonstrate sufficient clinical evidence for CV protection, but the mechanisms need further exploration. Glucagon-likepeptide1 analogs, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, α-glucosidase inhibitors and thiazolidinediones also show some AMPK-dependent CV benefits. Sulfonylureas and meglitinides may be unfavorable to CV system. AMPK is becoming a promising target for the treatment of diabetes, metabolic syndrome and CVD. But there are still some questions to be answered.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of metformin: an overview

Considerable efforts have been made since the 1950s to better understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of action of metformin, a potent antihyperglycaemic agent now recommended as the first-line oral therapy for T2D (Type 2 diabetes). The main effect of this drug from the biguanide family is to acutely decrease hepatic glucose production, mostly through a mild and transient inhibition of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I. In addition, the resulting decrease in hepatic energy status activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), a cellular metabolic sensor, providing a generally accepted mechanism for the action of metformin on hepatic gluconeogenesis. The demonstration that respiratory chain complex I, but not AMPK, is the primary target of metformin was recently strengthened by showing that the metabolic effect of the drug is preserved in liver-specific AMPK-deficient mice. Beyond its effect on glucose metabolism, metformin has been reported to restore ovarian function in PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), reduce fatty liver, and to lower microvascular and macrovascular complications associated with T2D. Its use has also recently been suggested as an adjuvant treatment for cancer or gestational diabetes and for the prevention in pre-diabetic populations. These emerging new therapeutic areas for metformin will be reviewed together with recent findings from pharmacogenetic studies linking genetic variations to drug response, a promising new step towards personalized medicine in the treatment of T2D.

2,8-Diazido-ATP--a short-length bifunctional photoaffinity label for photoaffinity cross-linking of a stable F1 in ATP synthase (from thermophilic bacteria PS3)

To demonstrate the direct interfacial position of nucleotide binding sites between subunits of proteins we have synthesized the bifunctional photoaffinity label 2,8-diazidoadenosine 5'-triphosphate (2,8-DiN3ATP). UV irradiation of the F1-ATPase (TF1) from the thermophilic bacterium PS3 in the presence of 2,8-DiN3ATP results in a nucleotide-dependent inactivation of the enzyme and in a nucleotide-dependent formation of alpha-beta crosslinks. The results confirm an interfacial localization of all the nucleotide binding sites on TF1.

Photoaffinity cross-linking of F1ATPase from spinach chloroplasts by 3'-arylazido-beta-alanyl-8-azido ATP

UV irradiation of the ATPase (CF1) from spinach chloroplasts in the presence of 3'-arylazido-beta-alanyl-8-azido ATP (8,3'-DiN3ATP) results in a nucleotide-dependent inactivation of the enzyme and in a nucleotide-dependent formation of alpha-beta cross-links. The results demonstrate an interfacial localization of the nucleotide binding sites on CF1.

The ATP synthase (F0-F1) complex in oxidative phosphorylation

The transmembrane electrochemical proton gradient generated by the redox systems of the respiratory chain in mitochondria and aerobic bacteria is utilized by proton translocating ATP synthases to catalyze the synthesis of ATP from ADP and P(i). The bacterial and mitochondrial H(+)-ATP synthases both consist of a membranous sector, F0, which forms a H(+)-channel, and an extramembranous sector, F1, which is responsible for catalysis. When detached from the membrane, the purified F1 sector functions mainly as an ATPase. In chloroplasts, the synthesis of ATP is also driven by a proton motive force, and the enzyme complex responsible for this synthesis is similar to the mitochondrial and bacterial ATP synthases. The synthesis of ATP by H(+)-ATP synthases proceeds without the formation of a phosphorylated enzyme intermediate, and involves co-operative interactions between the catalytic subunits.

Demonstration of two exchangeable non-catalytic and two cooperative catalytic sites in isolated bovine heart mitochondrial F1, using the photoaffinity labels [2-3H]8-azido-ATP and [2-3H]8-azido-ADP

The photoreactive nucleotides [2-3H]8-azido-ATP and [2-3H]8-azido-ADP could be used to label the nucleotide binding sites on isolated mitochondrial F1-ATPase to a maximum of 4 mol of nucleotide per mol F1, also when the F1 was depleted of tightly bound nucleotides. At a photolabel concentration of 300-1000 microM, label was found on both alpha and beta subunits in a typically 1:3 ratio, independent of the total amount bound. Under these conditions the covalent binding of two nucleotides is needed for full inactivation (Wagenvoord, R.J., Van der Kraan, I. and Kemp, A. (1977) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 460, 17-24). At lower concentrations of [2-3H]8-azido-ATP (20 microM), it was found that covalent binding of only 1 mol of nucleotide per mole F1 was required for complete inactivation to take place indicating catalytic site cooperativity in the mechanism of ATP hydrolysis. Under those conditions, radioactivity was only found on the beta subunits, which would indicate that the catalytic site is located on a beta subunit and that a second site is located on the alpha/beta interface. It is found that four out of the six nucleotide binding sites are exchangeable and can be labelled with 8-azido-AT(D)P, i.e., two catalytic sites and two non-catalytic sites.

[Use of chemical probes in the study of F1-ATPases]

The purpose of the present review is to discuss in brief the use of chemical probes for the study of the structure and the function of F1-ATPases. Special focus is brought on probes that bind covalently to the proteins.

Uncoupler- and hypoxia-induced damage in the working rat heart and its treatment. II. Hypoxic reduction of aortic flow and its reversal

In the working rat heart we investigated heart function (aortic and coronary flow) during a normoxic, a hypoxic, and a reoxygenation phase after hypoxia. A depressed heart function was obtained by limiting oxygen supply and reducing left ventricular filling pressure (preload). After hypoxic perfusion for about 90 min, reoxygenation resulted in a 50% decrease of aortic flow. Lactate production and release increased immediately after oxygen deprivation and reached a maximum after about 35 min of hypoxia. Following reoxygenation, lactate release decreased. Lactate dehydrogenase became significant after reoxygenation. After stabilization of aortic flow at 50% in the reoxygenation phase different reagents were examined for their influence on heart performance. 1.5 mM of 2-Mercaptopropionylglycine (MPG) significantly increased aortic flow by 40%. The oxidized form of MPG (ox-MPG) at a concentration of 0.6 mM increased aortic flow by 125%. A molecular mechanism is proposed involving reorientation of the ATPase molecules at their membrane sites.