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Yen HC, Hsu CT, Wu SY, Kan CC, Chang CW, Chang HM, Chien YA, Wei YH, Wu CY. Alterations in coenzyme Q 10 status in a cybrid line harboring the 3243A>G mutation of mitochondrial DNA is associated with abnormal mitochondrial bioenergetics and dysregulated mitochondrial biogenesis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOENERGETICS 2024:149492. [PMID: 38960080 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2024.149492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations, including the m.3243A>G mutation that causes mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS), are associated with secondary coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency. We previously demonstrated that PPARGC1A knockdown repressed the expression of PDSS2 and several COQ genes. In the present study, we compared the mitochondrial function, CoQ10 status, and levels of PDSS and COQ proteins and genes between mutant cybrids harboring the m.3243A>G mutation and wild-type cybrids. Decreased mitochondrial energy production, defective respiratory function, and reduced CoQ10 levels were observed in the mutant cybrids. The ubiquinol-10:ubiquinone-10 ratio was lower in the mutant cybrids, indicating blockage of the electron transfer upstream of CoQ, as evident from the reduced ratio upon rotenone treatment and increased ratio upon antimycin A treatment in 143B cells. The mutant cybrids exhibited downregulation of PDSS2 and several COQ genes and upregulation of COQ8A. In these cybrids, the levels of PDSS2, COQ3-a isoform, COQ4, and COQ9 were reduced, whereas those of COQ3-b and COQ8A were elevated. The mutant cybrids had repressed PPARGC1A expression, elevated ATP5A levels, and reduced levels of mtDNA-encoded proteins, nuclear DNA-encoded subunits of respiratory enzyme complexes, MNRR1, cytochrome c, and DHODH, but no change in TFAM, TOM20, and VDAC1 levels. Alterations in the CoQ10 level in MELAS may be associated with mitochondrial energy deficiency and abnormal gene regulation. The finding of a reduction in the ubiquinol-10:ubiquinone-10 ratio in the MELAS mutant cybrids differs from our previous discovery that cybrids harboring the m.8344A>G mutation exhibit a high ubiquinol-10:ubiquinone-10 ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiu-Chuan Yen
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Nephrology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Chia-Tzu Hsu
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Yu Wu
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chi Kan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Wei Chang
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Ming Chang
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-An Chien
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yau-Huei Wei
- Center for Mitochondrial Medicine and Free Radical Research, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yen Wu
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Benzo Y, Prada JG, Dattilo MA, Bigi MM, Castillo AF, Mori Sequeiros Garcia MM, Poderoso C, Maloberti PM. Acyl-CoA synthetase 4 modulates mitochondrial function in breast cancer cells. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30639. [PMID: 38756582 PMCID: PMC11096749 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that respond to cellular stress through changes in global mass, interconnection, and subcellular location. As mitochondria play an important role in tumor development and progression, alterations in energy metabolism allow tumor cells to survive and spread even in challenging conditions. Alterations in mitochondrial bioenergetics have been recently proposed as a hallmark of cancer, and positive regulation of lipid metabolism constitutes one of the most common metabolic changes observed in tumor cells. Acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4) is an enzyme catalyzing the activation of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids with a strong substrate preference for arachidonic acid (AA). High ACSL4 expression has been related to aggressive cancer phenotypes, including breast cancer, and its overexpression has been shown to positively regulate the mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, involved in the regulation of mitochondrial metabolism genes. However, little is known about the role of ACSL4 in the regulation of mitochondrial function and metabolism in cancer cells. In this context, our objective was to study whether mitochondrial function and metabolism, processes usually altered in tumors, are modulated by ACSL4 in breast cancer cells. Using ACSL4 overexpression in MCF-7 cells, we demonstrate that this enzyme can increase the mRNA and protein levels of essential mitochondrial regulatory proteins such as nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF-1), voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) and respiratory chain Complex III. Furthermore, respiratory parameters analysis revealed an increase in oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and in spare respiratory capacity (SRC), among others. ACSL4 knockdown in MDA-MB-231 cells led to the decrease in OCR and in SCR, supporting the role of ACSL4 in the regulation of mitochondrial bioenergetics. Moreover, ACSL4 overexpression induced an increase in glycolytic function, in keeping with an increase in mitochondrial respiratory activity. Finally, there was a decrease in mitochondrial mass detected in cells that overexpressed ACSL4, while the knockdown of ACSL4 expression in MDA-MB-231 cells showed the opposite effect. Altogether, these results unveil the role of ACSL4 in mitochondrial function and metabolism and expand the knowledge of ACSL4 participation in pathological processes such as breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanina Benzo
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- CONICET – Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jesica G. Prada
- CONICET – Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Melina A. Dattilo
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- CONICET – Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Mercedes Bigi
- CONICET – Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana F. Castillo
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- CONICET – Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Mercedes Mori Sequeiros Garcia
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- CONICET – Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Poderoso
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- CONICET – Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paula M. Maloberti
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- CONICET – Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Magrì A, Lipari CLR, Caccamo A, Battiato G, Conti Nibali S, De Pinto V, Guarino F, Messina A. AAV-mediated upregulation of VDAC1 rescues the mitochondrial respiration and sirtuins expression in a SOD1 mouse model of inherited ALS. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:178. [PMID: 38627359 PMCID: PMC11021507 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01949-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction represents one of the most common molecular hallmarks of both sporadic and familial forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the selective degeneration and death of motor neurons. The accumulation of misfolded proteins on and within mitochondria, as observed for SOD1 G93A mutant, correlates with a drastic reduction of mitochondrial respiration and the inhibition of metabolites exchanges, including ADP/ATP and NAD+/NADH, across the Voltage-Dependent Anion-selective Channel 1 (VDAC1), the most abundant channel protein of the outer mitochondrial membrane. Here, we show that the AAV-mediated upregulation of VDAC1 in the spinal cord of transgenic mice expressing SOD1 G93A completely rescues the mitochondrial respiratory profile. This correlates with the increased activity and levels of key regulators of mitochondrial functions and maintenance, namely the respiratory chain Complex I and the sirtuins (Sirt), especially Sirt3. Furthermore, the selective increase of these mitochondrial proteins is associated with an increase in Tom20 levels, the receptor subunit of the TOM complex. Overall, our results indicate that the overexpression of VDAC1 has beneficial effects on ALS-affected tissue by stabilizing the Complex I-Sirt3 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Magrì
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy
- we.MitoBiotech s.r.l., C.so Italia 172, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Cristiana Lucia Rita Lipari
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonella Caccamo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, V.le F. Stagno d'Alcontres 32, 98166, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Battiato
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Stefano Conti Nibali
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Vito De Pinto
- we.MitoBiotech s.r.l., C.so Italia 172, 95125, Catania, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca Guarino
- we.MitoBiotech s.r.l., C.so Italia 172, 95125, Catania, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Angela Messina
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy.
- we.MitoBiotech s.r.l., C.so Italia 172, 95125, Catania, Italy.
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Wang Z, Xu T, Sun Y, Zhang X, Wang X. AMPK/PGC-1α and p53 modulate VDAC1 expression mediated by reduced ATP level and metabolic oxidative stress in neuronal cells. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2024; 56:162-173. [PMID: 38298056 PMCID: PMC10984866 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2024012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) is a pore protein located in the outer mitochondrial membrane. Its channel gating mediates mitochondrial respiration and cell metabolism, and it has been identified as a critical modulator of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. In many diseases characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction, such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, VDAC1 is considered a promising potential therapeutic target. However, there is limited research on the regulatory factors involved in VDAC1 protein expression in both normal and pathological states. In this study, we find that VDAC1 protein expression is up-regulated in various neuronal cell lines in response to intracellular metabolic and oxidative stress. We further demonstrate that VDAC1 expression is modulated by intracellular ATP level. Through the use of pharmacological agonists and inhibitors and small interfering RNA (siRNA), we reveal that the AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway is involved in regulating VDAC1 expression. Additionally, based on bioinformatics predictions and biochemical verification, we identify p53 as a potential transcription factor that regulates VDAC1 promoter activity during metabolic oxidative stress. Our findings suggest that VDAC1 expression is regulated by the AMPK/PGC-1α and p53 pathways, which contributes to the maintenance of stress adaptation and apoptotic homeostasis in neuronal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhitong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural MedicinesDepartment of PharmacologyInstitute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100050China
- Department of PharmacyPeking University Third HospitalInstitute for Drug EvaluationPeking University Health Science CenterTherapeutic Drug Monitoring and Clinical Toxicology CenterPeking UniversityBeijing100191China
| | - Tingting Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural MedicinesDepartment of PharmacologyInstitute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100050China
| | - Yingni Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural MedicinesDepartment of PharmacologyInstitute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100050China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural MedicinesDepartment of PharmacologyInstitute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100050China
| | - Xiaoliang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural MedicinesDepartment of PharmacologyInstitute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100050China
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Yoon J, Kim S, Lee M, Kim Y. Mitochondrial nucleic acids in innate immunity and beyond. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:2508-2518. [PMID: 38036728 PMCID: PMC10766607 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01121-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria participate in a wide range of cellular processes. One essential function of mitochondria is to be a platform for antiviral signaling proteins during the innate immune response to viral infection. Recently, studies have revealed that mitochondrion-derived DNAs and RNAs are recognized as non-self molecules and act as immunogenic ligands. More importantly, the cytosolic release of these mitochondrial nucleic acids (mt-NAs) is closely associated with the pathogenesis of human diseases accompanying aberrant immune activation. The release of mitochondrial DNAs (mtDNAs) via BAX/BAK activation and/or VDAC1 oligomerization activates the innate immune response and inflammasome assembly. In addition, mitochondrial double-stranded RNAs (mt-dsRNAs) are sensed by pattern recognition receptors in the cytosol to induce type I interferon expression and initiate apoptotic programs. Notably, these cytosolic mt-NAs also mediate adipocyte differentiation and contribute to mitogenesis and mitochondrial thermogenesis. In this review, we summarize recent studies of innate immune signaling pathways regulated by mt-NAs, human diseases associated with mt-NAs, and the emerging physiological roles of mt-NAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimin Yoon
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sujin Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Mihye Lee
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, 31151, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, 31151, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yoosik Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
- Graduate School of Engineering Biology, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
- KAIST Institute for BioCentury (KIB), KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
- KAIST Institute for Health Science and Technology (KIHST), KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
- BioProcess Engineering Research Center and BioInformatics Research Center, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
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Pappalardo XG, Risiglione P, Zinghirino F, Ostuni A, Luciano D, Bisaccia F, De Pinto V, Guarino F, Messina A. Human VDAC pseudogenes: an emerging role for VDAC1P8 pseudogene in acute myeloid leukemia. Biol Res 2023; 56:33. [PMID: 37344914 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-023-00446-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Voltage-dependent anion selective channels (VDACs) are the most abundant mitochondrial outer membrane proteins, encoded in mammals by three genes, VDAC1, 2 and 3, mostly ubiquitously expressed. As 'mitochondrial gatekeepers', VDACs control organelle and cell metabolism and are involved in many diseases. Despite the presence of numerous VDAC pseudogenes in the human genome, their significance and possible role in VDAC protein expression has not yet been considered. RESULTS We investigated the relevance of processed pseudogenes of human VDAC genes, both in physiological and in pathological contexts. Using high-throughput tools and querying many genomic and transcriptomic databases, we show that some VDAC pseudogenes are transcribed in specific tissues and pathological contexts. The obtained experimental data confirm an association of the VDAC1P8 pseudogene with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). CONCLUSIONS Our in-silico comparative analysis between the VDAC1 gene and its VDAC1P8 pseudogene, together with experimental data produced in AML cellular models, indicate a specific over-expression of the VDAC1P8 pseudogene in AML, correlated with a downregulation of the parental VDAC1 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xena Giada Pappalardo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Risiglione
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Federica Zinghirino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Angela Ostuni
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - Daniela Luciano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Faustino Bisaccia
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - Vito De Pinto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy
- we.MitoBiotech S.R.L, C.so Italia 172, 95125, Catania, Italy
- I.N.B.B, National Institute for Biostructures and Biosystems, Interuniversity Consortium, Catania, Italy
- Research Centre on Nutraceuticals and Health Products (CERNUT), University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca Guarino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy
- we.MitoBiotech S.R.L, C.so Italia 172, 95125, Catania, Italy
- I.N.B.B, National Institute for Biostructures and Biosystems, Interuniversity Consortium, Catania, Italy
- Research Centre on Nutraceuticals and Health Products (CERNUT), University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Angela Messina
- we.MitoBiotech S.R.L, C.so Italia 172, 95125, Catania, Italy.
- I.N.B.B, National Institute for Biostructures and Biosystems, Interuniversity Consortium, Catania, Italy.
- Research Centre on Nutraceuticals and Health Products (CERNUT), University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy.
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy.
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Sulforaphane Protects against Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction-Induced Renal Damage in Rats by Alleviating Mitochondrial and Lipid Metabolism Impairment. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11101854. [PMID: 36290577 PMCID: PMC9598813 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11101854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) is an animal rodent model that allows the study of obstructive nephropathy in an accelerated manner. During UUO, tubular damage is induced, and alterations such as oxidative stress, inflammation, lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial impairment favor fibrosis development, leading to chronic kidney disease progression. Sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate derived from green cruciferous vegetables, might improve mitochondrial functions and lipid metabolism; however, its role in UUO has been poorly explored. Therefore, we aimed to determine the protective effect of SFN related to mitochondria and lipid metabolism in UUO. Our results showed that in UUO SFN decreased renal damage, attributed to increased mitochondrial biogenesis. We showed that SFN augmented peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator 1α (PGC-1α) and nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1). The increase in biogenesis augmented the mitochondrial mass marker voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) and improved mitochondrial structure, as well as complex III (CIII), aconitase 2 (ACO2) and citrate synthase activities in UUO. In addition, lipid metabolism was improved, observed by the downregulation of cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36), sterol regulatory-element binding protein 1 (SREBP1), fatty acid synthase (FASN), and diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1), which reduces triglyceride (TG) accumulation. Finally, restoring the mitochondrial structure reduced excessive fission by decreasing the fission protein dynamin-related protein-1 (DRP1). Autophagy flux was further restored by reducing beclin and sequestosome (p62) and increasing B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) and the ratio of microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3 II and I (LC3II/LC3I). These results reveal that SFN confers protection against UUO-induced kidney injury by targeting mitochondrial biogenesis, which also improves lipid metabolism.
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Jung YH, Chae CW, Choi GE, Shin HC, Lim JR, Chang HS, Park J, Cho JH, Park MR, Lee HJ, Han HJ. Cyanidin 3-O-arabinoside suppresses DHT-induced dermal papilla cell senescence by modulating p38-dependent ER-mitochondria contacts. J Biomed Sci 2022; 29:17. [PMID: 35255899 PMCID: PMC8900350 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-022-00800-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a genetic disorder caused by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), accompanied by the senescence of androgen-sensitive dermal papilla cells (DPCs) located in the base of hair follicles. DHT causes DPC senescence in AGA through mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the mechanism of this pathogenesis remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the protective role of cyanidins on DHT-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and DPC senescence and the regulatory mechanism involved. Methods DPCs were used to investigate the effect of DHT on mitochondrial dysfunction with MitoSOX and Rhod-2 staining. Senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity assay was performed to examine the involvement of membrane AR-mediated signaling in DHT-induced DPC senescence. AGA mice model was used to study the cyanidins on DHT-induced hair growth deceleration. Results Cyanidin 3-O-arabinoside (C3A) effectively decreased DHT-induced mtROS accumulation in DPCs, and C3A reversed the DHT-induced DPC senescence. Excessive mitochondrial calcium accumulation was blocked by C3A. C3A inhibited p38-mediated voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) expression that contributes to mitochondria-associated ER membrane (MAM) formation and transfer of calcium via VDAC1–IP3R1 interactions. DHT-induced MAM formation resulted in increase of DPC senescence. In AGA mice models, C3A restored DHT-induced hair growth deceleration, which activated hair follicle stem cell proliferation. Conclusions C3A is a promising natural compound for AGA treatments against DHT-induced DPC senescence through reduction of MAM formation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12929-022-00800-7.
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Bouhamida E, Morciano G, Perrone M, Kahsay AE, Della Sala M, Wieckowski MR, Fiorica F, Pinton P, Giorgi C, Patergnani S. The Interplay of Hypoxia Signaling on Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Inflammation in Cardiovascular Diseases and Cancer: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Approaches. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11020300. [PMID: 35205167 PMCID: PMC8869508 DOI: 10.3390/biology11020300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The regulation of hypoxia has recently emerged as having a central impact in mitochondrial function and dysfunction in various diseases, including the major disorders threatening worldwide: cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Despite the studies in this matter, its effective role in protection and disease progression even though its direct molecular mechanism in both disorders is still to be elucidated. This review aims to cover the current knowledge about the effect of hypoxia on mitochondrial function and dysfunction, and inflammation, in cardiovascular diseases and cancer, and reports further therapeutic strategies based on the modulation of hypoxic pathways. Abstract Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and cancer continue to be the primary cause of mortality worldwide and their pathomechanisms are a complex and multifactorial process. Insufficient oxygen availability (hypoxia) plays critical roles in the pathogenesis of both CVDs and cancer diseases, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), the main sensor of hypoxia, acts as a central regulator of multiple target genes in the human body. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that mitochondria are the major target of hypoxic injury, the most common source of reactive oxygen species during hypoxia and key elements for inflammation regulation during the development of both CVDs and cancer. Taken together, observations propose that hypoxia, mitochondrial abnormality, oxidative stress, inflammation in CVDs, and cancer are closely linked. Based upon these facts, this review aims to deeply discuss these intimate relationships and to summarize current significant findings corroborating the molecular mechanisms and potential therapies involved in hypoxia and mitochondrial dysfunction in CVDs and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmaa Bouhamida
- Department of Medical Sciences and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.B.); (G.M.); (M.P.); (A.E.K.); (M.D.S.); (P.P.)
- Translational Research Center, Maria Cecilia Hospital GVM Care & Research, 48022 Cotignola, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Morciano
- Department of Medical Sciences and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.B.); (G.M.); (M.P.); (A.E.K.); (M.D.S.); (P.P.)
- Translational Research Center, Maria Cecilia Hospital GVM Care & Research, 48022 Cotignola, Italy
| | - Mariasole Perrone
- Department of Medical Sciences and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.B.); (G.M.); (M.P.); (A.E.K.); (M.D.S.); (P.P.)
| | - Asrat E. Kahsay
- Department of Medical Sciences and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.B.); (G.M.); (M.P.); (A.E.K.); (M.D.S.); (P.P.)
| | - Mario Della Sala
- Department of Medical Sciences and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.B.); (G.M.); (M.P.); (A.E.K.); (M.D.S.); (P.P.)
| | - Mariusz R. Wieckowski
- Laboratory of Mitochondrial Biology and Metabolism, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Francesco Fiorica
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, AULSS 9 Scaligera, Ospedale Mater Salutis di Legnago, 37045 Verona, Italy;
| | - Paolo Pinton
- Department of Medical Sciences and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.B.); (G.M.); (M.P.); (A.E.K.); (M.D.S.); (P.P.)
- Translational Research Center, Maria Cecilia Hospital GVM Care & Research, 48022 Cotignola, Italy
| | - Carlotta Giorgi
- Department of Medical Sciences and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.B.); (G.M.); (M.P.); (A.E.K.); (M.D.S.); (P.P.)
- Correspondence: (C.G.); (S.P.)
| | - Simone Patergnani
- Department of Medical Sciences and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.B.); (G.M.); (M.P.); (A.E.K.); (M.D.S.); (P.P.)
- Translational Research Center, Maria Cecilia Hospital GVM Care & Research, 48022 Cotignola, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.G.); (S.P.)
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10
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Zinghirino F, Pappalardo XG, Messina A, Nicosia G, De Pinto V, Guarino F. VDAC Genes Expression and Regulation in Mammals. Front Physiol 2021; 12:708695. [PMID: 34421651 PMCID: PMC8374620 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.708695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
VDACs are pore-forming proteins, coating the mitochondrial outer membrane, and playing the role of main regulators for metabolites exchange between cytosol and mitochondria. In mammals, three isoforms have evolutionary originated, VDAC1, VDAC2, and VDAC3. Despite similarity in sequence and structure, evidence suggests different biological roles in normal and pathological conditions for each isoform. We compared Homo sapiens and Mus musculus VDAC genes and their regulatory elements. RNA-seq transcriptome analysis shows that VDAC isoforms are expressed in human and mouse tissues at different levels with a predominance of VDAC1 and VDAC2 over VDAC3, with the exception of reproductive system. Numerous transcript variants for each isoform suggest specific context-dependent regulatory mechanisms. Analysis of VDAC core promoters has highlighted that, both in a human and a mouse, VDAC genes show features of TATA-less ones. The level of CG methylation of the human VDAC genes revealed that VDAC1 promoter is less methylated than other two isoforms. We found that expression of VDAC genes is mainly regulated by transcription factors involved in controlling cell growth, proliferation and differentiation, apoptosis, and bioenergetic metabolism. A non-canonical initiation site termed "the TCT/TOP motif," the target for translation regulation by the mTOR pathway, was identified in human VDAC2 and VDAC3 and in every murine VDACs promoter. In addition, specific TFBSs have been identified in each VDAC promoter, supporting the hypothesis that there is a partial functional divergence. These data corroborate our experimental results and reinforce the idea that gene regulation could be the key to understanding the evolutionary specialization of VDAC isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Zinghirino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Xena Giada Pappalardo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Angela Messina
- Section of Molecular Biology, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- we.MitoBiotech.srl, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Nicosia
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Vito De Pinto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- we.MitoBiotech.srl, Catania, Italy
- Section of Catania, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca Guarino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- we.MitoBiotech.srl, Catania, Italy
- Section of Catania, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, Catania, Italy
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11
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Small Hexokinase 1 Peptide against Toxic SOD1 G93A Mitochondrial Accumulation in ALS Rescues the ATP-Related Respiration. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9080948. [PMID: 34440152 PMCID: PMC8392704 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9080948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in Cu/Zn Superoxide Dismutase (SOD1) gene represent one of the most common causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that specifically affects motor neurons (MNs). The dismutase-active SOD1 G93A mutant is responsible for the formation of toxic aggregates onto the mitochondrial surface, using the Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel 1 (VDAC1) as an anchor point to the organelle. VDAC1 is the master regulator of cellular bioenergetics and by binding to hexokinases (HKs) it controls apoptosis. In ALS, however, SOD1 G93A impairs VDAC1 activity and displaces HK1 from mitochondria, promoting organelle dysfunction, and cell death. Using an ALS cell model, we demonstrate that a small synthetic peptide derived from the HK1 sequence (NHK1) recovers the cell viability in a dose–response manner and the defective mitochondrial respiration profile relative to the ADP phosphorylation. This correlates with an unexpected increase of VDAC1 expression and a reduction of SOD1 mutant accumulation at the mitochondrial level. Overall, our findings provide important new insights into the development of therapeutic molecules to fight ALS and help to better define the link between altered mitochondrial metabolism and MNs death in the disease.
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12
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Reinsalu L, Puurand M, Chekulayev V, Miller S, Shevchuk I, Tepp K, Rebane-Klemm E, Timohhina N, Terasmaa A, Kaambre T. Energy Metabolic Plasticity of Colorectal Cancer Cells as a Determinant of Tumor Growth and Metastasis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:698951. [PMID: 34381722 PMCID: PMC8351413 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.698951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic plasticity is the ability of the cell to adjust its metabolism to changes in environmental conditions. Increased metabolic plasticity is a defining characteristic of cancer cells, which gives them the advantage of survival and a higher proliferative capacity. Here we review some functional features of metabolic plasticity of colorectal cancer cells (CRC). Metabolic plasticity is characterized by changes in adenine nucleotide transport across the outer mitochondrial membrane. Voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) is the main protein involved in the transport of adenine nucleotides, and its regulation is impaired in CRC cells. Apparent affinity for ADP is a functional parameter that characterizes VDAC permeability and provides an integrated assessment of cell metabolic state. VDAC permeability can be adjusted via its interactions with other proteins, such as hexokinase and tubulin. Also, the redox conditions inside a cancer cell may alter VDAC function, resulting in enhanced metabolic plasticity. In addition, a cancer cell shows reprogrammed energy transfer circuits such as adenylate kinase (AK) and creatine kinase (CK) pathway. Knowledge of the mechanism of metabolic plasticity will improve our understanding of colorectal carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leenu Reinsalu
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Tallinn, Estonia.,Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Science, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Marju Puurand
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Vladimir Chekulayev
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Sten Miller
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Tallinn, Estonia.,Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Science, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Igor Shevchuk
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Kersti Tepp
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Egle Rebane-Klemm
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Tallinn, Estonia.,Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Science, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Natalja Timohhina
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Anton Terasmaa
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Tuuli Kaambre
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Tallinn, Estonia
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13
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Alpha-Synuclein and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease: The Emerging Role of VDAC. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11050718. [PMID: 34064816 PMCID: PMC8170894 DOI: 10.3390/biom11050718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha-Synuclein (αSyn) is a protein whose function is still debated, as well as its role in modulation of mitochondrial function in both physiological and pathological conditions. Mitochondrial porins or Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel (VDAC) proteins are the main gates for ADP/ATP and various substrates towards the organelle. Furthermore, they act as a mitochondrial hub for many cytosolic proteins, including αSyn. This review analyzes the main aspects of αSyn-mitochondria interaction, focusing on the role of VDAC and its emerging involvement in the pathological processes.
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14
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De Pinto V. Renaissance of VDAC: New Insights on a Protein Family at the Interface between Mitochondria and Cytosol. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11010107. [PMID: 33467485 PMCID: PMC7831034 DOI: 10.3390/biom11010107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
It has become impossible to review all the existing literature on Voltage-Dependent Anion selective Channel (VDAC) in a single article. A real Renaissance of studies brings this protein to the center of decisive knowledge both for cell physiology and therapeutic application. This review, after highlighting the similarities between the cellular context and the study methods of the solute carriers present in the inner membrane and VDAC in the outer membrane of the mitochondria, will focus on the isoforms of VDAC and their biochemical characteristics. In particular, the possible reasons for their evolutionary onset will be discussed. The variations in their post-translational modifications and the differences between the regulatory regions of their genes, probably the key to understanding the current presence of these genes, will be described. Finally, the situation in the higher eukaryotes will be compared to that of yeast, a unicellular eukaryote, where there is only one active isoform and the role of VDAC in energy metabolism is better understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito De Pinto
- Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy; ; Tel.: +39-095-73842444
- we.MitoBiotech.srl, c.so Italia 172, 95129 Catania, Italy
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, Section of Catania, 00136 Rome, Italy
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15
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Pittalà MGG, Reina S, Cubisino SAM, Cucina A, Formicola B, Cunsolo V, Foti S, Saletti R, Messina A. Post-Translational Modification Analysis of VDAC1 in ALS-SOD1 Model Cells Reveals Specific Asparagine and Glutamine Deamidation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:E1218. [PMID: 33276691 PMCID: PMC7761621 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9121218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria from affected tissues of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients show morphological and biochemical abnormalities. Mitochondrial dysfunction causes oxidative damage and the accumulation of ROS, and represents one of the major triggers of selective death of motor neurons in ALS. We aimed to assess whether oxidative stress in ALS induces post-translational modifications (PTMs) in VDAC1, the main protein of the outer mitochondrial membrane and known to interact with SOD1 mutants related to ALS. In this work, specific PTMs of the VDAC1 protein purified by hydroxyapatite from mitochondria of a NSC34 cell line expressing human SOD1G93A, a suitable ALS motor neuron model, were analyzed by tryptic and chymotryptic proteolysis and UHPLC/High-Resolution ESI-MS/MS. We found selective deamidations of asparagine and glutamine of VDAC1 in ALS-related NSC34-SOD1G93A cells but not in NSC34-SOD1WT or NSC34 cells. In addition, we identified differences in the over-oxidation of methionine and cysteines between VDAC1 purified from ALS model or non-ALS NSC34 cells. The specific range of PTMs identified exclusively in VDAC1 from NSC34-SOD1G93A cells but not from NSC34 control lines, suggests the appearance of important changes to the structure of the VDAC1 channel and therefore to the bioenergetics metabolism of ALS motor neurons. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier .
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gaetana Giovanna Pittalà
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Molecular Biology Laboratory, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.G.G.P.); (S.R.); (S.A.M.C.)
| | - Simona Reina
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Molecular Biology Laboratory, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.G.G.P.); (S.R.); (S.A.M.C.)
- we.MitoBiotech.srl, c.so Italia 172, 95129 Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Antonio Maria Cubisino
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Molecular Biology Laboratory, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.G.G.P.); (S.R.); (S.A.M.C.)
| | - Annamaria Cucina
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Organic Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.C.); (V.C.); (S.F.)
| | - Beatrice Formicola
- School of Medicine & Surgery, Nanomedicine Center NANOMIB, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Cunsolo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Organic Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.C.); (V.C.); (S.F.)
| | - Salvatore Foti
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Organic Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.C.); (V.C.); (S.F.)
| | - Rosaria Saletti
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Organic Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.C.); (V.C.); (S.F.)
| | - Angela Messina
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Molecular Biology Laboratory, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.G.G.P.); (S.R.); (S.A.M.C.)
- we.MitoBiotech.srl, c.so Italia 172, 95129 Catania, Italy
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16
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Is the secret of VDAC Isoforms in their gene regulation? Characterization of human VDAC genes expression profile, promoter activity, and transcriptional regulators. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197388. [PMID: 33036380 PMCID: PMC7582299 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
VDACs (voltage-dependent anion-selective channels) are pore-forming proteins of the outer mitochondrial membrane, whose permeability is primarily due to VDACs’ presence. In higher eukaryotes, three isoforms are raised during the evolution: they have the same exon–intron organization, and the proteins show the same channel-forming activity. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the three human VDAC genes (VDAC1–3), their expression profiles, promoter activity, and potential transcriptional regulators. VDAC isoforms are broadly but also specifically expressed in various human tissues at different levels, with a predominance of VDAC1 and VDAC2 over VDAC3. However, an RNA-seq cap analysis gene expression (CAGE) approach revealed a higher level of transcription activation of VDAC3 gene. We experimentally confirmed this information by reporter assay of VDACs promoter activity. Transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) distribution in the promoters were investigated. The main regulators common to the three VDAC genes were identified as E2F-myc activator/cell cycle (E2FF), Nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), Krueppel-like transcription factors (KLFS), E-box binding factors (EBOX) transcription factor family members. All of them are involved in cell cycle and growth, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and metabolism. More transcription factors specific for each VDAC gene isoform were identified, supporting the results in the literature, indicating a general role of VDAC1, as an actor of apoptosis for VDAC2, and the involvement in sex determination and development of VDAC3. For the first time, we propose a comparative analysis of human VDAC promoters to investigate their specific biological functions. Bioinformatics and experimental results confirm the essential role of the VDAC protein family in mitochondrial functionality. Moreover, insights about a specialized function and different regulation mechanisms arise for the three isoform gene.
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