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Porcelli V, Barile S, Capobianco L, Barile SN, Gorgoglione R, Fiermonte G, Monti B, Lasorsa FM, Palmieri L. The mitochondrial aspartate/glutamate carrier does not transport GABA. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOENERGETICS 2024; 1865:149487. [PMID: 38945283 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2024.149487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
ɣ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a four‑carbon amino acid acting as the main inhibitory transmitter in the invertebrate and vertebrate nervous systems. The metabolism of GABA is well compartmentalized in the cell and the uptake of cytosolic GABA into the mitochondrial matrix is required for its degradation. A previous study carried out in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster indicated that the mitochondrial aspartate/glutamate carrier (AGC) is responsible for mitochondrial GABA accumulation. Here, we investigated the transport of GABA catalysed by the human and D. melanogaster AGC proteins through a well-established method for the study of the substrate specificity and the kinetic parameters of the mitochondrial carriers. In this experimental system, the D. melanogaster spliced AGC isoforms (Aralar1-PA and Aralar1-PE) and the human AGC isoforms (AGC1/aralar1 and AGC2/citrin) are unable to transport GABA both in homo- and in hetero-exchange with either glutamate or aspartate, i.e. the canonical substrates of AGC. Moreover, GABA has no inhibitory effect on the exchange activities catalysed by the investigated AGCs. Our data demonstrate that AGC does not transport GABA and the molecular identity of the GABA transporter in human and D. melanogaster mitochondria remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Porcelli
- Department of Biosciences Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari "A. Moro", 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Serena Barile
- Department of Biosciences Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari "A. Moro", 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Loredana Capobianco
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Simona Nicole Barile
- CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Ruggiero Gorgoglione
- Department of Biosciences Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari "A. Moro", 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fiermonte
- Department of Biosciences Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari "A. Moro", 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Barbara Monti
- Department of Pharmacy and BioTechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Massimo Lasorsa
- Department of Biosciences Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari "A. Moro", 70125, Bari, Italy; CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), 70126 Bari, Italy.
| | - Luigi Palmieri
- Department of Biosciences Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari "A. Moro", 70125, Bari, Italy; CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), 70126 Bari, Italy.
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2
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Liu Y, Miao Z, Yang Q. AGC1-mediated Metabolic Reprogramming and Autophagy Sustain Survival of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells under Glutamine Deprivation. Cell Biochem Biophys 2024; 82:2037-2053. [PMID: 38789662 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-024-01311-y] [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] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The dependence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells on glutamine suggests the feasibility of targeting glutamine metabolism for therapy. However, drugs inhibiting glutamine uptake and breakdown have not shown promising outcomes. Therefore, investigating the mechanism of glutamine metabolism reprogramming in HCC cells is crucial. We used bioinformatics approaches to investigate the metabolic flux of glutamine in HCC cells and validated it using qRT-PCR and western blotting. HCC cells were cultured in glutamine-deprived medium, and changes in glutamate and ATP levels were monitored. Western blotting was employed to assess the expression of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and autophagy-related proteins. The impact of Solute carrier family 25 member 12 (AGC1) on HCC cell proliferation was studied using CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Furthermore, the effects of AGC1 knockdown via siRNA on metabolic reprogramming and energy supply during glutamine deprivation in HCC were explored. During glutamine deprivation, HCC cells sustain cytosolic asparagine synthesis and ATP production through AGC1. Low ATP levels activate AMPK and inhibit mTOR activation, inducing autophagy to rescue HCC cell survival. Knockdown of AGC1 inhibits mitochondrial aspartate output and continuously activates autophagy, rendering HCC cells more sensitive to glutamine deprivation. AGC1 serves as a critical node in the reprogramming of glutamine metabolism and energy supply in HCC cells. This study provides theoretical support for overcoming resistance to drugs targeting glutamine metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Zeyu Miao
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Qing Yang
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin Province, China.
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3
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Flores L, Shene C. Single Amino Acids as Sole Nitrogen Source for the Production of Lipids and Coenzyme Q by Thraustochytrium sp. RT2316-16. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1428. [PMID: 39065196 PMCID: PMC11279195 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071428] [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: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This work analyzes the production of total lipids and the content of CoQ9 and CoQ10 in the biomass of Thraustochytrium sp. RT2316-16 grown in media containing a single amino acid at a concentration of 1 g L-1 as the sole nitrogen source; glucose (5 g L-1) was used as the carbon source. Biomass concentration and the content of total lipids and CoQ were determined as a function of the incubation time; ten amino acids were evaluated. The final concentration of the total biomass was found to be between 2.2 ± 0.1 (aspartate) and 3.9 ± 0.1 g L-1 (glutamate). The biomass grown in media containing glutamate, serine or phenylalanine reached a content of total lipids higher than 20% of the cell dry weight (DW) after 72, 60 and 72 h of incubation, respectively. The highest contents of CoQ9 (39.0 ± 0.7 µg g-1 DW) and CoQ10 (167.4 ± 3.4 mg g-1 DW) in the biomass of the thraustochytrid were obtained when glutamate and cysteine were used as the nitrogen source, respectively. Fatty acid oxidation, which decreased the total lipid content during the first 12 h of incubation, and the oxidation of hydrogen sulfide when cysteine was the nitrogen source, might be related to the content of CoQ10 in the biomass of the thraustochytrid.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carolina Shene
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Center of Food Biotechnology and Bioseparations, BIOREN, and Centre of Biotechnology and Bioengineering (CeBiB), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile;
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4
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Balboni N, Babini G, Poeta E, Protti M, Mercolini L, Magnifico MC, Barile SN, Massenzio F, Pignataro A, Giorgi FM, Lasorsa FM, Monti B. Transcriptional and metabolic effects of aspartate-glutamate carrier isoform 1 (AGC1) downregulation in mouse oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). Cell Mol Biol Lett 2024; 29:44. [PMID: 38553684 PMCID: PMC10979587 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-024-00563-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Aspartate-glutamate carrier isoform 1 (AGC1) is a carrier responsible for the export of mitochondrial aspartate in exchange for cytosolic glutamate and is part of the malate-aspartate shuttle, essential for the balance of reducing equivalents in the cells. In the brain, mutations in SLC25A12 gene, encoding for AGC1, cause an ultra-rare genetic disease, reported as a neurodevelopmental encephalopathy, whose symptoms include global hypomyelination, arrested psychomotor development, hypotonia and seizures. Among the biological components most affected by AGC1 deficiency are oligodendrocytes, glial cells responsible for myelination processes, and their precursors [oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs)]. The AGC1 silencing in an in vitro model of OPCs was documented to cause defects of proliferation and differentiation, mediated by alterations of histone acetylation/deacetylation. Disrupting AGC1 activity could possibly reduce the availability of acetyl groups, leading to perturbation of many biological pathways, such as histone modifications and fatty acids formation for myelin production. Here, we explore the transcriptome of mouse OPCs partially silenced for AGC1, reporting results of canonical analyses (differential expression) and pathway enrichment analyses, which highlight a disruption in fatty acids synthesis from both a regulatory and enzymatic stand. We further investigate the cellular effects of AGC1 deficiency through the identification of most affected transcriptional networks and altered alternative splicing. Transcriptional data were integrated with differential metabolite abundance analysis, showing downregulation of several amino acids, including glutamine and aspartate. Taken together, our results provide a molecular foundation for the effects of AGC1 deficiency in OPCs, highlighting the molecular mechanisms affected and providing a list of actionable targets to mitigate the effects of this pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Balboni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgia Babini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Eleonora Poeta
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Protti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Mercolini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Magnifico
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Simona Nicole Barile
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Massenzio
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonella Pignataro
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Federico M Giorgi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | | | - Barbara Monti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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5
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Protti M, Cirrincione M, Palano S, Poeta E, Babini G, Magnifico MC, Barile SN, Balboni N, Massenzio F, Mahdavijalal M, Giorgi FM, Mandrioli R, Lasorsa FM, Monti B, Mercolini L. Targeted quantitative metabolic profiling of brain-derived cell cultures by semi-automated MEPS and LC-MS/MS. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2023; 236:115757. [PMID: 37801818 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115757] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
The accurate characterisation of metabolic profiles is an important prerequisite to determine the rate and the efficiency of the metabolic pathways taking place in the cells. Changes in the balance of metabolites involved in vital processes such as glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), as well as in the biochemical pathways related to amino acids, lipids, nucleotides, and their precursors reflect the physiological condition of the cells and may contribute to the development of various human diseases. The feasible and reliable measurement of a wide array of metabolites and biomarkers possesses great potential to elucidate physiological and pathological mechanisms, aid preclinical drug development and highlight potential therapeutic targets. An effective, straightforward, sensitive, and selective liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) approach was developed for the simultaneous quali-quantitative analysis of 41 compounds in both cell pellet and cell growth medium obtained from brain-derived cell cultures. Sample pretreatment miniaturisation was achieved thanks to the development and optimisation of an original extraction/purification approach based on digitally programmed microextraction by packed sorbent (eVol®-MEPS). MEPS allows satisfactory and reproducible clean-up and preconcentration of both low-volume homogenate cell pellet lysate and cell growth medium with advantages including, but not limited to, minimal sample handling and method sustainability in terms of sample, solvents, and energy consumption. The MEPS-LC-MS/MS method showed good sensitivity, selectivity, linearity, and precision. As a proof of concept, the developed method was successfully applied to the analysis of both cell pellet and cell growth medium obtained from a line of mouse immortalised oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs; Oli-neu cell line), leading to the unambiguous determination of all the considered target analytes. This method is thus expected to be suitable for targeted, quantitative metabolic profiling in most brain cell models, thus allowing accurate investigations on the biochemical pathways that can be altered in central nervous system (CNS) neuropathologies, including e.g., mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis, or use of specific nutrients for growth and proliferation, or lipid, amino acid and nucleotide metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Protti
- Research group of Pharmaco-Toxicological Analysis (PTA Lab), Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Cirrincione
- Research group of Pharmaco-Toxicological Analysis (PTA Lab), Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Sarah Palano
- Research group of Pharmaco-Toxicological Analysis (PTA Lab), Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Eleonora Poeta
- Cellular Neurobiology Lab, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgia Babini
- Cellular Neurobiology Lab, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Magnifico
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Simona Nicole Barile
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Balboni
- Cellular Neurobiology Lab, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Massenzio
- Cellular Neurobiology Lab, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Mohammadreza Mahdavijalal
- Research group of Pharmaco-Toxicological Analysis (PTA Lab), Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico M Giorgi
- Computational Genomics Lab, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Mandrioli
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Corso d'Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Francesco M Lasorsa
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; National Research Council (CNR) Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), Via Giovanni Amendola 122, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Barbara Monti
- Cellular Neurobiology Lab, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Mercolini
- Research group of Pharmaco-Toxicological Analysis (PTA Lab), Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
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6
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Gorgoglione R, Seccia R, Ahmed A, Vozza A, Capobianco L, Lodi A, Marra F, Paradies E, Palmieri L, Coppola V, Dolce V, Fiermonte G. Generation of a Yeast Cell Model Potentially Useful to Identify the Mammalian Mitochondrial N-Acetylglutamate Transporter. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050808. [PMID: 37238678 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050808] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The human mitochondrial carrier family (MCF) consists of 53 members. Approximately one-fifth of them are still orphans of a function. Most mitochondrial transporters have been functionally characterized by reconstituting the bacterially expressed protein into liposomes and transport assays with radiolabeled compounds. The efficacy of this experimental approach is constrained to the commercial availability of the radiolabeled substrate to be used in the transport assays. A striking example is that of N-acetylglutamate (NAG), an essential regulator of the carbamoyl synthetase I activity and the entire urea cycle. Mammals cannot modulate mitochondrial NAG synthesis but can regulate the levels of NAG in the matrix by exporting it to the cytosol, where it is degraded. The mitochondrial NAG transporter is still unknown. Here, we report the generation of a yeast cell model suitable for identifying the putative mammalian mitochondrial NAG transporter. In yeast, the arginine biosynthesis starts in the mitochondria from NAG which is converted to ornithine that, once transported into cytosol, is metabolized to arginine. The deletion of ARG8 makes yeast cells unable to grow in the absence of arginine since they cannot synthetize ornithine but can still produce NAG. To make yeast cells dependent on a mitochondrial NAG exporter, we moved most of the yeast mitochondrial biosynthetic pathway to the cytosol by expressing four E. coli enzymes, argB-E, able to convert cytosolic NAG to ornithine. Although argB-E rescued the arginine auxotrophy of arg8∆ strain very poorly, the expression of the bacterial NAG synthase (argA), which would mimic the function of a putative NAG transporter increasing the cytosolic levels of NAG, fully rescued the growth defect of arg8∆ strain in the absence of arginine, demonstrating the potential suitability of the model generated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruggiero Gorgoglione
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Roberta Seccia
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Amer Ahmed
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Angelo Vozza
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Loredana Capobianco
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Alessia Lodi
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Dell Pediatric Research Institute, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, USA
| | - Federica Marra
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Eleonora Paradies
- CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Luigi Palmieri
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Coppola
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Vincenza Dolce
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fiermonte
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
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7
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Lecca D, Baron W, Butt AM. Editorial: Cellular and molecular factors that drive the behavior of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells in physiological conditions and disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1145627. [PMID: 36814864 PMCID: PMC9939830 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1145627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Davide Lecca
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy,*Correspondence: Davide Lecca ✉
| | - Wia Baron
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Arthur M. Butt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
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8
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Frattaruolo L, Marra F, Lauria G, Siciliano C, Curcio R, Muto L, Brindisi M, Aiello D, Napoli A, Fiermonte G, Cappello AR, Fiorillo M, Ahmed A, Dolce V. A Picrocrocin-Enriched Fraction from a Saffron Extract Affects Lipid Homeostasis in HepG2 Cells through a Non-Statin-like Mode. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:3060. [PMID: 36834472 PMCID: PMC9965904 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Dyslipidemia is a lipid metabolism disorder associated with the loss of the physiological homeostasis that ensures safe levels of lipids in the organism. This metabolic disorder can trigger pathological conditions such as atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. In this regard, statins currently represent the main pharmacological therapy, but their contraindications and side effects limit their use. This is stimulating the search for new therapeutic strategies. In this work, we investigated in HepG2 cells the hypolipidemic potential of a picrocrocin-enriched fraction, analyzed by high-resolution 1H NMR and obtained from a saffron extract, the stigmas of Crocus sativus L., a precious spice that has already displayed interesting biological properties. Spectrophotometric assays, as well as expression level of the main enzymes involved in lipid metabolism, have highlighted the interesting hypolipidemic effects of this natural compound; they seem to be exerted through a non-statin-like mechanism. Overall, this work provides new insights into the metabolic effects of picrocrocin, thus confirming the biological potential of saffron and paving the way for in vivo studies that could validate this spice or its phytocomplexes as useful adjuvants in balancing blood lipid homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Frattaruolo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Federica Marra
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Graziantonio Lauria
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Carlo Siciliano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Rosita Curcio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Luigina Muto
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Matteo Brindisi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Donatella Aiello
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Anna Napoli
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fiermonte
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Cappello
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Marco Fiorillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Amer Ahmed
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Vincenza Dolce
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
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9
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Lauria G, Curcio R, Lunetti P, Tiziani S, Coppola V, Dolce V, Fiermonte G, Ahmed A. Role of Mitochondrial Transporters on Metabolic Rewiring of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: A Comprehensive Review. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:411. [PMID: 36672360 PMCID: PMC9857038 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is among the deadliest cancers worldwide and commonly presents as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of PDAC. Glucose and glutamine metabolism are extensively rewired in order to fulfil both energetic and synthetic demands of this aggressive tumour and maintain favorable redox homeostasis. The mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC), the glutamine carrier (SLC1A5_Var), the glutamate carrier (GC), the aspartate/glutamate carrier (AGC), and the uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) have all been shown to influence PDAC cell growth and progression. The expression of MPC is downregulated in PDAC and its overexpression reduces cell growth rate, whereas the other four transporters are usually overexpressed and the loss of one or more of them renders PDAC cells unable to grow and proliferate by altering the levels of crucial metabolites such as aspartate. The aim of this review is to comprehensively evaluate the current experimental evidence about the function of these carriers in PDAC metabolic rewiring. Dissecting the precise role of these transporters in the context of the tumour microenvironment is necessary for targeted drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziantonio Lauria
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Rosita Curcio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Paola Lunetti
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Stefano Tiziani
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, USA
- Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, LiveSTRONG Cancer Institutes, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, USA
| | - Vincenzo Coppola
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Vincenza Dolce
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fiermonte
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Amer Ahmed
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
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10
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Ketogenic Diet Treatment of Defects in the Mitochondrial Malate Aspartate Shuttle and Pyruvate Carrier. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14173605. [PMID: 36079864 PMCID: PMC9460686 DOI: 10.3390/nu14173605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The mitochondrial malate aspartate shuttle system (MAS) maintains the cytosolic NAD+/NADH redox balance, thereby sustaining cytosolic redox-dependent pathways, such as glycolysis and serine biosynthesis. Human disease has been associated with defects in four MAS-proteins (encoded by MDH1, MDH2, GOT2, SLC25A12) sharing a neurological/epileptic phenotype, as well as citrin deficiency (SLC25A13) with a complex hepatopathic-neuropsychiatric phenotype. Ketogenic diets (KD) are high-fat/low-carbohydrate diets, which decrease glycolysis thus bypassing the mentioned defects. The same holds for mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) 1 deficiency, which also presents neurological deficits. We here describe 40 (18 previously unreported) subjects with MAS-/MPC1-defects (32 neurological phenotypes, eight citrin deficiency), describe and discuss their phenotypes and genotypes (presenting 12 novel variants), and the efficacy of KD. Of 13 MAS/MPC1-individuals with a neurological phenotype treated with KD, 11 experienced benefits—mainly a striking effect against seizures. Two individuals with citrin deficiency deceased before the correct diagnosis was established, presumably due to high-carbohydrate treatment. Six citrin-deficient individuals received a carbohydrate-restricted/fat-enriched diet and showed normalisation of laboratory values/hepatopathy as well as age-adequate thriving. We conclude that patients with MAS-/MPC1-defects are amenable to dietary intervention and that early (genetic) diagnosis is key for initiation of proper treatment and can even be lifesaving.
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Citrate Regulates the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mitochondrial GDP/GTP Carrier (Ggc1p) by Triggering Unidirectional Transport of GTP. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8080795. [PMID: 36012783 PMCID: PMC9410265 DOI: 10.3390/jof8080795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The yeast mitochondrial transport of GTP and GDP is mediated by Ggc1p, a member of the mitochondrial carrier family. The physiological role of Ggc1p in S. cerevisiae is probably to transport GTP into mitochondria in exchange for GDP generated in the matrix. ggc1Δ cells exhibit lower levels of GTP and increased levels of GDP in mitochondria, are unable to grow on nonfermentable substrates and lose mtDNA. Because in yeast, succinyl-CoA ligase produces ATP instead of GTP, and the mitochondrial nucleoside diphosphate kinase is localized in the intermembrane space, Ggc1p is the only supplier of mitochondrial GTP required for the maturation of proteins containing Fe-S clusters, such as aconitase [4Fe-4S] and ferredoxin [2Fe-2S]. In this work, it was demonstrated that citrate is a regulator of purified and reconstituted Ggc1p by trans-activating unidirectional transport of GTP across the proteoliposomal membrane. It was also shown that the binding site of Ggc1p for citrate is different from the binding site for the substrate GTP. It is proposed that the citrate-induced GTP uniport (CIGU) mediated by Ggc1p is involved in the homeostasis of the guanine nucleotide pool in the mitochondrial matrix.
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12
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Shahroor MA, Lasorsa FM, Porcelli V, Dweikat I, Di Noia MA, Gur M, Agostino G, Shaag A, Rinaldi T, Gasparre G, Guerra F, Castegna A, Todisco S, Abu-Libdeh B, Elpeleg O, Palmieri L. PNC2 (SLC25A36) Deficiency Associated With the Hyperinsulinism/Hyperammonemia Syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:1346-1356. [PMID: 34971397 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The hyperinsulinism/hyperammonemia (HI/HA) syndrome, the second-most common form of congenital hyperinsulinism, has been associated with dominant mutations in GLUD1, coding for the mitochondrial enzyme glutamate dehydrogenase, that increase enzyme activity by reducing its sensitivity to allosteric inhibition by GTP. OBJECTIVE To identify the underlying genetic etiology in 2 siblings who presented with the biochemical features of HI/HA syndrome but did not carry pathogenic variants in GLUD1, and to determine the functional impact of the newly identified mutation. METHODS The patients were investigated by whole exome sequencing. Yeast complementation studies and biochemical assays on the recombinant mutated protein were performed. The consequences of stable slc25a36 silencing in HeLa cells were also investigated. RESULTS A homozygous splice site variant was identified in solute carrier family 25, member 36 (SLC25A36), encoding the pyrimidine nucleotide carrier 2 (PNC2), a mitochondrial nucleotide carrier that transports pyrimidine as well as guanine nucleotides across the inner mitochondrial membrane. The mutation leads to a 26-aa in-frame deletion in the first repeat domain of the protein, which abolishes transport activity. Furthermore, knockdown of slc25a36 expression in HeLa cells caused a marked reduction in the mitochondrial GTP content, which likely leads to a hyperactivation of glutamate dehydrogenase in our patients. CONCLUSION We report for the first time a mutation in PNC2/SLC25A36 leading to HI/HA and provide functional evidence of the molecular mechanism responsible for this phenotype. Our findings underscore the importance of mitochondrial nucleotide metabolism and expand the role of mitochondrial transporters in insulin secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maher A Shahroor
- Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, Al Makassed Hospital and Al-Quds University, 95908 Jerusalem, Palestine
- Department of Neonatology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, University of Toronto, M4N 3M5 Toronto, Canada
| | - Francesco M Lasorsa
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
- CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Porcelli
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Imad Dweikat
- Metabolic Unit, An-Najah National University, P467 Nablus, Palestine
| | - Maria Antonietta Di Noia
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Michal Gur
- Department of Genetics, Hadassah, Hebrew University Medical Center, 91120 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Giulia Agostino
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Avraham Shaag
- Department of Genetics, Hadassah, Hebrew University Medical Center, 91120 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Teresa Rinaldi
- Pasteur Institute-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gasparre
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Unit of Medical Genetics and Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Flora Guerra
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Unit of Medical Genetics and Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Castegna
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
- CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Simona Todisco
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Bassam Abu-Libdeh
- Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, Al Makassed Hospital and Al-Quds University, 95908 Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Orly Elpeleg
- Department of Genetics, Hadassah, Hebrew University Medical Center, 91120 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Luigi Palmieri
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
- CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, 70125 Bari, Italy
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Drosophila melanogaster Uncoupling Protein-4A (UCP4A) Catalyzes a Unidirectional Transport of Aspartate. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031020. [PMID: 35162943 PMCID: PMC8834685 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) form a distinct subfamily of the mitochondrial carrier family (MCF) SLC25. Four UCPs, DmUCP4A-C and DmUCP5, have been identified in Drosophila melanogaster on the basis of their sequence homology with mammalian UCP4 and UCP5. In a Parkinson’s disease model, DmUCP4A showed a protective role against mitochondrial dysfunction, by increasing mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP synthesis. To date, DmUCP4A is still an orphan of a biochemical function, although its possible involvement in mitochondrial uncoupling has been ruled out. Here, we show that DmUCP4A expressed in bacteria and reconstituted in phospholipid vesicles catalyzes a unidirectional transport of aspartate, which is saturable and inhibited by mercurials and other mitochondrial carrier inhibitors to various degrees. Swelling experiments carried out in yeast mitochondria have demonstrated that the unidirectional transport of aspartate catalyzed by DmUCP4 is not proton-coupled. The biochemical function of DmUCP4A has been further confirmed in a yeast cell model, in which growth has required an efflux of aspartate from mitochondria. Notably, DmUCP4A is the first UCP4 homolog from any species to be biochemically characterized. In Drosophila melanogaster, DmUCP4A could be involved in the transport of aspartate from mitochondria to the cytosol, in which it could be used for protein and nucleotide synthesis, as well as in the biosynthesis of ß-alanine and N-acetylaspartate, which play key roles in signal transmission in the central nervous system.
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Glutamine-Derived Aspartate Biosynthesis in Cancer Cells: Role of Mitochondrial Transporters and New Therapeutic Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14010245. [PMID: 35008407 PMCID: PMC8750728 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In recent years, aspartate has been increasingly acknowledged as a critical player in the metabolism of cancer cells which use this metabolite for nucleotide and protein synthesis and for redox homeostasis. Most intracellular aspartate derives from the mitochondrial catabolism of glutamine. To date at least four mitochondrial transporters have been involved in this metabolic pathway. Their involvement appears to be cancer type-specific and dependent on glutamine availability. Targeting these mitochondrial transporters may represent a new attractive strategy to fight cancer. The aim of this review is to dissect the role of each of these transporters in relation to the type of cancer and the availability of nutrients in the tumoral microenvironment. Abstract Aspartate has a central role in cancer cell metabolism. Aspartate cytosolic availability is crucial for protein and nucleotide biosynthesis as well as for redox homeostasis. Since tumor cells display poor aspartate uptake from the external environment, most of the cellular pool of aspartate derives from mitochondrial catabolism of glutamine. At least four transporters are involved in this metabolic pathway: the glutamine (SLC1A5_var), the aspartate/glutamate (AGC), the aspartate/phosphate (uncoupling protein 2, UCP2), and the glutamate (GC) carriers, the last three belonging to the mitochondrial carrier family (MCF). The loss of one of these transporters causes a paucity of cytosolic aspartate and an arrest of cell proliferation in many different cancer types. The aim of this review is to clarify why different cancers have varying dependencies on metabolite transporters to support cytosolic glutamine-derived aspartate availability. Dissecting the precise metabolic routes that glutamine undergoes in specific tumor types is of upmost importance as it promises to unveil the best metabolic target for therapeutic intervention.
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Marra F, Lunetti P, Curcio R, Lasorsa FM, Capobianco L, Porcelli V, Dolce V, Fiermonte G, Scarcia P. An Overview of Mitochondrial Protein Defects in Neuromuscular Diseases. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1633. [PMID: 34827632 PMCID: PMC8615828 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) are dysfunctions that involve skeletal muscle and cause incorrect communication between the nerves and muscles. The specific causes of NMDs are not well known, but most of them are caused by genetic mutations. NMDs are generally progressive and entail muscle weakness and fatigue. Muscular impairments can differ in onset, severity, prognosis, and phenotype. A multitude of possible injury sites can make diagnosis of NMDs difficult. Mitochondria are crucial for cellular homeostasis and are involved in various metabolic pathways; for this reason, their dysfunction can lead to the development of different pathologies, including NMDs. Most NMDs due to mitochondrial dysfunction have been associated with mutations of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolism. This review is focused on some mitochondrial routes such as the TCA cycle, OXPHOS, and β-oxidation, recently found to be altered in NMDs. Particular attention is given to the alterations found in some genes encoding mitochondrial carriers, proteins of the inner mitochondrial membrane able to exchange metabolites between mitochondria and the cytosol. Briefly, we discuss possible strategies used to diagnose NMDs and therapies able to promote patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Marra
- Department of Pharmacy, Health, and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (F.M.); (R.C.); (V.D.)
| | - Paola Lunetti
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (P.L.); (L.C.)
| | - Rosita Curcio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health, and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (F.M.); (R.C.); (V.D.)
| | - Francesco Massimo Lasorsa
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via E. Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (F.M.L.); (V.P.)
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Research Council, 00155 Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Capobianco
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (P.L.); (L.C.)
| | - Vito Porcelli
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via E. Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (F.M.L.); (V.P.)
| | - Vincenza Dolce
- Department of Pharmacy, Health, and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (F.M.); (R.C.); (V.D.)
| | - Giuseppe Fiermonte
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via E. Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (F.M.L.); (V.P.)
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Research Council, 00155 Rome, Italy
| | - Pasquale Scarcia
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via E. Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (F.M.L.); (V.P.)
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Song J, Yang X, Zhang M, Wang C, Chen L. Glutamate Metabolism in Mitochondria is Closely Related to Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 84:557-578. [PMID: 34602474 DOI: 10.3233/jad-210595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, and its excitatory neurotoxicity is closely related to the occurrence and development of Alzheimer's disease. However, increasing evidence shows that in the process of Alzheimer's disease, glutamate is not only limited to its excitotoxicity as a neurotransmitter but also related to the disorder of its metabolic balance. The balance of glutamate metabolism in the brain is an important determinant of central nervous system health, and the maintenance of this balance is closely related to glutamate uptake, glutamate circulation, intracellular mitochondrial transport, and mitochondrial metabolism. In this paper, we intend to elaborate the key role of mitochondrial glutamate metabolism in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and review glutamate metabolism in mitochondria as a potential target in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Song
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China.,Cadre's Ward, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuehan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- Cadre's Ward, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
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17
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The mitochondrial aspartate/glutamate carrier (AGC or Aralar1) isoforms in D. melanogaster: biochemical characterization, gene structure, and evolutionary analysis. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2021; 1865:129854. [PMID: 33497735 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2021.129854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In man two mitochondrial aspartate/glutamate carrier (AGC) isoforms, known as aralar and citrin, are required to accomplish several metabolic pathways. In order to fill the existing gap of knowledge in Drosophila melanogaster, we have studied aralar1 gene, orthologue of human AGC-encoding genes in this organism. METHODS The blastp algorithm and the "reciprocal best hit" approach have been used to identify the human orthologue of AGCs in Drosophilidae and non-Drosophilidae. Aralar1 proteins have been overexpressed in Escherichia coli and functionally reconstituted into liposomes for transport assays. RESULTS The transcriptional organization of aralar1 comprises six isoforms, three constitutively expressed (aralar1-RA, RD and RF), and the remaining three distributed during the development or in different tissues (aralar1-RB, RC and RE). Aralar1-PA and Aralar1-PE, representative of all isoforms, have been biochemically characterized. Recombinant Aralar1-PA and Aralar1-PE proteins share similar efficiency to exchange glutamate against aspartate, and same substrate affinities than the human isoforms. Interestingly, although Aralar1-PA and Aralar1-PE diverge only in their EF-hand 8, they greatly differ in their specific activities and substrate specificity. CONCLUSIONS The tight regulation of aralar1 transcripts expression and the high request of aspartate and glutamate during early embryogenesis suggest a crucial role of Aralar1 in this Drosophila developmental stage. Furthermore, biochemical characterization and calcium sensitivity have identified Aralar1-PA and Aralar1-PE as the human aralar and citrin counterparts, respectively. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE The functional characterization of the fruit fly mitochondrial AGC transporter represents a crucial step toward a complete understanding of the metabolic events acting during early embryogenesis.
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18
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Haferkamp S, Drexler K, Federlin M, Schlitt HJ, Berneburg M, Adamski J, Gaumann A, Geissler EK, Ganapathy V, Parkinson EK, Mycielska ME. Extracellular Citrate Fuels Cancer Cell Metabolism and Growth. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:602476. [PMID: 33425906 PMCID: PMC7793864 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.602476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells need excess energy and essential nutrients/metabolites not only to divide and proliferate but also to migrate and invade distant organs for metastasis. Fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis, considered a hallmark of cancer for anabolism and membrane biogenesis, requires citrate. We review here potential pathways in which citrate is synthesized and/or supplied to cancer cells and the impact of extracellular citrate on cancer cell metabolism and growth. Cancer cells employ different mechanisms to support mitochondrial activity and citrate synthesis when some of the necessary substrates are missing in the extracellular space. We also discuss the different transport mechanisms available for the entry of extracellular citrate into cancer cells and how citrate as a master metabolite enhances ATP production and fuels anabolic pathways. The available literature suggests that cancer cells show an increased metabolic flexibility with which they tackle changing environmental conditions, a phenomenon crucial for cancer cell proliferation and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Konstantin Drexler
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Marianne Federlin
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Medical Center, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hans J. Schlitt
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Mark Berneburg
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jerzy Adamski
- Research Unit Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Lehrstuhl für Experimentelle Genetik, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andreas Gaumann
- Institute of Pathology, Kaufbeuren-Ravensburg, Kaufbeuren, Germany
| | - Edward K. Geissler
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Vadivel Ganapathy
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - E. Kenneth Parkinson
- Center for Immunobiology and Regenerative Medicine, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Blizard Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria E. Mycielska
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Hillen AEJ, Heine VM. Glutamate Carrier Involvement in Mitochondrial Dysfunctioning in the Brain White Matter. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:151. [PMID: 32793632 PMCID: PMC7385250 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate homeostasis is an important determinant of health of the central nervous system (CNS). Mitochondria play crucial roles in glutamate metabolism, especially in processes with a high energy demand such as action potential generation. Mitochondrial glutamate carriers (GCs) and aspartate-GCs (AGCs) regulate the transport of glutamate from the cytoplasm across the mitochondrial membrane, which is needed to control energy demand, lipid metabolism, and metabolic activity including oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis. Dysfunction in these carriers are associated with seizures, spasticity, and/or myelin deficits, all of which are associated with inherited metabolic disorders. Since solute carrier functioning and associated processes are cell type- and context-specific, selective vulnerability to glutamate excitotoxicity and mitochondrial dysfunctioning is expected. Understanding this could offer important insights into the pathomechanisms of associated disorders. This perspective aims to explore the link between functions of both AGCs and GCs and their role in metabolic disorders, with a focus on a subclass of lysosomal storage disorders called leukodystrophies (LDs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E J Hillen
- Pediatric Neurology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Vivi M Heine
- Child and Youth Psychiatry, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Complex Trait Genetics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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20
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Zyśk M, Sakowicz-Burkiewicz M, Pikul P, Kowalski R, Michno A, Pawełczyk T. The Impact of Acetyl-CoA and Aspartate Shortages on the N-Acetylaspartate Level in Different Models of Cholinergic Neurons. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9060522. [PMID: 32545833 PMCID: PMC7346116 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9060522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
N-acetylaspartate is produced by neuronal aspartate N-acetyltransferase (NAT8L) from acetyl-CoA and aspartate. In cholinergic neurons, acetyl-CoA is also utilized in the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle and in acetylcholine production pathways. While aspartate has to be shared with the malate–aspartate shuttle, another mitochondrial machinery together with the tricarboxylic acid cycle supports the electron transport chain turnover. The main goal of this study was to establish the impact of toxic conditions on N-acetylaspartate production. SN56 cholinergic cells were exposed to either Zn2+ overload or Ca2+ homeostasis dysregulation and male adult Wistar rats’ brains were studied after 2 weeks of challenge with streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia or daily theophylline treatment. Our results allow us to hypothesize that the cholinergic neurons from brain septum prioritized the acetylcholine over N-acetylaspartate production. This report provides the first direct evidence for Zn2+-dependent suppression of N-acetylaspartate synthesis leading to mitochondrial acetyl-CoA and aspartate shortages. Furthermore, Zn2+ is a direct concentration-dependent inhibitor of NAT8L activity, while Zn2+-triggered oxidative stress is unlikely to be significant in such suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlena Zyśk
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland; (M.S.-B.); (T.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-5834-927-70
| | - Monika Sakowicz-Burkiewicz
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland; (M.S.-B.); (T.P.)
| | - Piotr Pikul
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Nephrology, Mossakowski Medical Research Center, Polish Academy of Science, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland;
- Clinical Laboratory University Clinical Center in Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Robert Kowalski
- Clinical Laboratory University Clinical Center in Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Anna Michno
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-2011 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Tadeusz Pawełczyk
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland; (M.S.-B.); (T.P.)
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Palmieri F, Scarcia P, Monné M. Diseases Caused by Mutations in Mitochondrial Carrier Genes SLC25: A Review. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10040655. [PMID: 32340404 PMCID: PMC7226361 DOI: 10.3390/biom10040655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the 1980s, after the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) had been sequenced, several diseases resulting from mtDNA mutations emerged. Later, numerous disorders caused by mutations in the nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial proteins were found. A group of these diseases are due to defects of mitochondrial carriers, a family of proteins named solute carrier family 25 (SLC25), that transport a variety of solutes such as the reagents of ATP synthase (ATP, ADP, and phosphate), tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, cofactors, amino acids, and carnitine esters of fatty acids. The disease-causing mutations disclosed in mitochondrial carriers range from point mutations, which are often localized in the substrate translocation pore of the carrier, to large deletions and insertions. The biochemical consequences of deficient transport are the compartmentalized accumulation of the substrates and dysfunctional mitochondrial and cellular metabolism, which frequently develop into various forms of myopathy, encephalopathy, or neuropathy. Examples of diseases, due to mitochondrial carrier mutations are: combined D-2- and L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria, carnitine-acylcarnitine carrier deficiency, hyperornithinemia-hyperammonemia-homocitrillinuria (HHH) syndrome, early infantile epileptic encephalopathy type 3, Amish microcephaly, aspartate/glutamate isoform 1 deficiency, congenital sideroblastic anemia, Fontaine progeroid syndrome, and citrullinemia type II. Here, we review all the mitochondrial carrier-related diseases known until now, focusing on the connections between the molecular basis, altered metabolism, and phenotypes of these inherited disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinando Palmieri
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via E. Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy;
- Correspondence: (F.P.); (M.M.); Tel.: +39-0805443323 (F.P.)
| | - Pasquale Scarcia
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via E. Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy;
| | - Magnus Monné
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via E. Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy;
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, via Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.P.); (M.M.); Tel.: +39-0805443323 (F.P.)
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Petralla S, Peña-Altamira LE, Poeta E, Massenzio F, Virgili M, Barile SN, Sbano L, Profilo E, Corricelli M, Danese A, Giorgi C, Ostan R, Capri M, Pinton P, Palmieri F, Lasorsa FM, Monti B. Deficiency of Mitochondrial Aspartate-Glutamate Carrier 1 Leads to Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cell Proliferation Defects Both In Vitro and In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184486. [PMID: 31514314 PMCID: PMC6769484 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspartate-Glutamate Carrier 1 (AGC1) deficiency is a rare neurological disease caused by mutations in the solute carrier family 25, member 12 (SLC25A12) gene, encoding for the mitochondrial aspartate-glutamate carrier isoform 1 (AGC1), a component of the malate-aspartate NADH shuttle (MAS), expressed in excitable tissues only. AGC1 deficiency patients are children showing severe hypotonia, arrested psychomotor development, seizures and global hypomyelination. While the effect of AGC1 deficiency in neurons and neuronal function has been deeply studied, little is known about oligodendrocytes and their precursors, the brain cells involved in myelination. Here we studied the effect of AGC1 down-regulation on oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), using both in vitro and in vivo mouse disease models. In the cell model, we showed that a reduced expression of AGC1 induces a deficit of OPC proliferation leading to their spontaneous and precocious differentiation into oligodendrocytes. Interestingly, this effect seems to be related to a dysregulation in the expression of trophic factors and receptors involved in OPC proliferation/differentiation, such as Platelet-Derived Growth Factor α (PDGFα) and Transforming Growth Factor βs (TGFβs). We also confirmed the OPC reduction in vivo in AGC1-deficent mice, as well as a proliferation deficit in neurospheres from the Subventricular Zone (SVZ) of these animals, thus indicating that AGC1 reduction could affect the proliferation of different brain precursor cells. These data clearly show that AGC1 impairment alters myelination not only by acting on N-acetyl-aspartate production in neurons but also on OPC proliferation and suggest new potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of AGC1 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Petralla
- Department of Pharmacy and BioTechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (S.P.); (L.E.P.-A.); (E.P.); (F.M.); (M.V.)
| | - Luis Emiliano Peña-Altamira
- Department of Pharmacy and BioTechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (S.P.); (L.E.P.-A.); (E.P.); (F.M.); (M.V.)
| | - Eleonora Poeta
- Department of Pharmacy and BioTechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (S.P.); (L.E.P.-A.); (E.P.); (F.M.); (M.V.)
| | - Francesca Massenzio
- Department of Pharmacy and BioTechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (S.P.); (L.E.P.-A.); (E.P.); (F.M.); (M.V.)
| | - Marco Virgili
- Department of Pharmacy and BioTechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (S.P.); (L.E.P.-A.); (E.P.); (F.M.); (M.V.)
| | - Simona Nicole Barile
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy (E.P.); (F.P.)
| | - Luigi Sbano
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.S.); (M.C.); (A.D.); (C.G.); (P.P.)
| | - Emanuela Profilo
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy (E.P.); (F.P.)
| | - Mariangela Corricelli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.S.); (M.C.); (A.D.); (C.G.); (P.P.)
| | - Alberto Danese
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.S.); (M.C.); (A.D.); (C.G.); (P.P.)
| | - Carlotta Giorgi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.S.); (M.C.); (A.D.); (C.G.); (P.P.)
| | - Rita Ostan
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES, Dipartimento di Medicina Specialistica Diagnostica e Sperimentale) and C.I.G. Interdepartmental Centre “L. Galvani”, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (R.O.); (M.C.)
| | - Miriam Capri
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES, Dipartimento di Medicina Specialistica Diagnostica e Sperimentale) and C.I.G. Interdepartmental Centre “L. Galvani”, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (R.O.); (M.C.)
| | - Paolo Pinton
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.S.); (M.C.); (A.D.); (C.G.); (P.P.)
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, Cotignola, 48010 Ravenna, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Palmieri
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy (E.P.); (F.P.)
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies IBIOM, CNR, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Massimo Lasorsa
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies IBIOM, CNR, 70126 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.M.L.); (B.M.); Tel.: +39-080-544-2772 (F.M.L.); +39-051-209-4134 (B.M.)
| | - Barbara Monti
- Department of Pharmacy and BioTechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (S.P.); (L.E.P.-A.); (E.P.); (F.M.); (M.V.)
- Correspondence: (F.M.L.); (B.M.); Tel.: +39-080-544-2772 (F.M.L.); +39-051-209-4134 (B.M.)
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Mitochondrial Carriers for Aspartate, Glutamate and Other Amino Acids: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184456. [PMID: 31510000 PMCID: PMC6769469 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the mitochondrial carrier (MC) protein family transport various molecules across the mitochondrial inner membrane to interlink steps of metabolic pathways and biochemical processes that take place in different compartments; i.e., are localized partly inside and outside the mitochondrial matrix. MC substrates consist of metabolites, inorganic anions (such as phosphate and sulfate), nucleotides, cofactors and amino acids. These compounds have been identified by in vitro transport assays based on the uptake of radioactively labeled substrates into liposomes reconstituted with recombinant purified MCs. By using this approach, 18 human, plant and yeast MCs for amino acids have been characterized and shown to transport aspartate, glutamate, ornithine, arginine, lysine, histidine, citrulline and glycine with varying substrate specificities, kinetics, influences of the pH gradient, and capacities for the antiport and uniport mode of transport. Aside from providing amino acids for mitochondrial translation, the transport reactions catalyzed by these MCs are crucial in energy, nitrogen, nucleotide and amino acid metabolism. In this review we dissect the transport properties, phylogeny, regulation and expression levels in different tissues of MCs for amino acids, and summarize the main structural aspects known until now about MCs. The effects of their disease-causing mutations and manipulation of their expression levels in cells are also considered as clues for understanding their physiological functions.
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24
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Princz A, Kounakis K, Tavernarakis N. Mitochondrial contributions to neuronal development and function. Biol Chem 2019; 399:723-739. [PMID: 29476663 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2017-0333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are critical to tissues and organs characterized by high-energy demands, such as the nervous system. They provide essential energy and metabolites, and maintain Ca2+ balance, which is imperative for proper neuronal function and development. Emerging findings further underline the role of mitochondria in neurons. Technical advances in the last decades made it possible to investigate key mechanisms in neuronal development and the contribution of mitochondria therein. In this article, we discuss the latest findings relevant to the involvement of mitochondria in neuronal development, placing emphasis on mitochondrial metabolism and dynamics. In addition, we survey the role of mitochondrial energy metabolism and Ca2+ homeostasis in proper neuronal function, and the involvement of mitochondria in axon myelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Princz
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, N. Plastira 100, Vassilika Vouton, Heraklion 70013, Crete, Greece
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, N. Plastira 100, Vassilika Vouton, Heraklion 70013, Crete, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Kounakis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, N. Plastira 100, Vassilika Vouton, Heraklion 70013, Crete, Greece
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, N. Plastira 100, Vassilika Vouton, Heraklion 70013, Crete, Greece
| | - Nektarios Tavernarakis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, N. Plastira 100, Vassilika Vouton, Heraklion 70013, Crete, Greece
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, N. Plastira 100, Vassilika Vouton, Heraklion 70013, Crete, Greece
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25
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Alkan HF, Walter KE, Luengo A, Madreiter-Sokolowski CT, Stryeck S, Lau AN, Al-Zoughbi W, Lewis CA, Thomas CJ, Hoefler G, Graier WF, Madl T, Vander Heiden MG, Bogner-Strauss JG. Cytosolic Aspartate Availability Determines Cell Survival When Glutamine Is Limiting. Cell Metab 2018; 28:706-720.e6. [PMID: 30122555 PMCID: PMC6390946 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2018.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial function is important for aspartate biosynthesis in proliferating cells. Here, we show that mitochondrial aspartate export via the aspartate-glutamate carrier 1 (AGC1) supports cell proliferation and cellular redox homeostasis. Insufficient cytosolic aspartate delivery leads to cell death when TCA cycle carbon is reduced following glutamine withdrawal and/or glutaminase inhibition. Moreover, loss of AGC1 reduces allograft tumor growth that is further compromised by treatment with the glutaminase inhibitor CB-839. Together, these findings argue that mitochondrial aspartate export sustains cell survival in low-glutamine environments and AGC1 inhibition can synergize with glutaminase inhibition to limit tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Furkan Alkan
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Humboldtstrasse 46/III, 8010 Graz, Austria; The Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Katharina E Walter
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Humboldtstrasse 46/III, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Alba Luengo
- The Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Corina T Madreiter-Sokolowski
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6/6, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Sarah Stryeck
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6/6, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Allison N Lau
- The Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Wael Al-Zoughbi
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Caroline A Lewis
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Craig J Thomas
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Gerald Hoefler
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, A-8010 Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Wolfgang F Graier
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6/6, A-8010 Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Tobias Madl
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6/6, A-8010 Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Matthew G Vander Heiden
- The Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Juliane G Bogner-Strauss
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Humboldtstrasse 46/III, 8010 Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria.
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