1
|
Duché G, Sanderson JM. The Chemical Reactivity of Membrane Lipids. Chem Rev 2024; 124:3284-3330. [PMID: 38498932 PMCID: PMC10979411 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
It is well-known that aqueous dispersions of phospholipids spontaneously assemble into bilayer structures. These structures have numerous applications across chemistry and materials science and form the fundamental structural unit of the biological membrane. The particular environment of the lipid bilayer, with a water-poor low dielectric core surrounded by a more polar and better hydrated interfacial region, gives the membrane particular biophysical and physicochemical properties and presents a unique environment for chemical reactions to occur. Many different types of molecule spanning a range of sizes, from dissolved gases through small organics to proteins, are able to interact with membranes and promote chemical changes to lipids that subsequently affect the physicochemical properties of the bilayer. This Review describes the chemical reactivity exhibited by lipids in their membrane form, with an emphasis on conditions where the lipids are well hydrated in the form of bilayers. Key topics include the following: lytic reactions of glyceryl esters, including hydrolysis, aminolysis, and transesterification; oxidation reactions of alkenes in unsaturated fatty acids and sterols, including autoxidation and oxidation by singlet oxygen; reactivity of headgroups, particularly with reactive carbonyl species; and E/Z isomerization of alkenes. The consequences of reactivity for biological activity and biophysical properties are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve Duché
- Génie
Enzimatique et Cellulaire, Université
Technologique de Compiègne, Compiègne 60200, France
| | - John M Sanderson
- Chemistry
Department, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Clifton LA, Wacklin-Knecht HP, Ådén J, Mushtaq AU, Sparrman T, Gröbner G. Creation of distinctive Bax-lipid complexes at mitochondrial membrane surfaces drives pore formation to initiate apoptosis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg7940. [PMID: 37267355 PMCID: PMC10413641 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg7940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Apotosis is an essential process tightly regulated by the Bcl-2 protein family where proapoptotic Bax triggers cell death by perforating the mitochondrial outer membrane. Although intensively studied, the molecular mechanism by which these proteins create apoptotic pores remains elusive. Here, we show that Bax creates pores by extracting lipids from outer mitochondrial membrane mimics by formation of Bax/lipid clusters that are deposited on the membrane surface. Time-resolved neutron reflectometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed two kinetically distinct phases in the pore formation process, both of which were critically dependent on cardiolipin levels. The initially fast adsorption of Bax on the mitochondrial membrane surface is followed by a slower formation of pores and Bax-lipid clusters on the membrane surface. Our findings provide a robust molecular understanding of mitochondrial membrane perforation by cell-killing Bax protein and illuminate the initial phases of programmed cellular death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke A. Clifton
- ISIS Pulsed Neutron and Muon Source, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 OQX, UK
| | - Hanna P. Wacklin-Knecht
- European Spallation Source ERIC, ESS, P.O. Box 176, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Physical Chemistry, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden
| | - Jörgen Ådén
- Department of Chemistry, University of Umeå, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ameeq Ul Mushtaq
- Department of Chemistry, University of Umeå, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Tobias Sparrman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Umeå, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Gerhard Gröbner
- Department of Chemistry, University of Umeå, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mushtaq AU, Ådén J, Ali K, Gröbner G. Domain-specific insight into the recognition of BH3-death motifs by the pro-survival Bcl-2 protein. Biophys J 2022; 121:4517-4525. [PMID: 36325615 PMCID: PMC9748362 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.10.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed mammalian cell death (apoptosis) is an essential mechanism in life that tightly regulates embryogenesis and removal of dysfunctional cells. In its intrinsic (mitochondrial) pathway, opposing members of the Bcl-2 (B cell lymphoma 2) protein family meet at the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) to control its integrity. Any imbalance can cause disorders, with upregulation of the cell-guarding antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein itself being common in many, often incurable, cancers. Normally, the Bcl-2 protein itself is embedded in the MOM where it sequesters cell-killing apoptotic proteins such as Bax (Bcl-2-associated X protein) that would otherwise perforate the MOM and subsequently cause cell death. However, the molecular basis of Bcl-2's ability to recognize those apoptotic proteins via their common BH3 death motifs remains elusive due to the lack of structural insight. By employing nuclear magnetic resonance on fully functional human Bcl-2 protein in membrane-mimicking micelles, we identified glycine residues across all functional domains of the Bcl-2 protein and could monitor their residue-specific individual response upon the presence of a Bax-derived 36aa long BH3 domain. The observed chemical shift perturbations allowed us to determine the response and individual affinity of each glycine residue and provide an overall picture of the individual roles by which Bcl-2's functional domains engage in recognizing and inhibiting apoptotic proteins via their prominent BH3 motifs. This way, we provide a unique residue- and domain-specific insight into the molecular functioning of Bcl-2 at the membrane level, an insight also opening up for interfering with this cell-protecting mechanism in cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jörgen Ådén
- Department of Chemistry, University of Umeå, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Katan Ali
- Department of Chemistry, University of Umeå, Umeå, Sweden
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mushtaq AU, Ådén J, Clifton LA, Wacklin-Knecht H, Campana M, Dingeldein APG, Persson C, Sparrman T, Gröbner G. Neutron reflectometry and NMR spectroscopy of full-length Bcl-2 protein reveal its membrane localization and conformation. Commun Biol 2021; 4:507. [PMID: 33907308 PMCID: PMC8079415 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02032-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) proteins are the main regulators of mitochondrial apoptosis. Anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins possess a hydrophobic tail-anchor enabling them to translocate to their target membrane and to shift into an active conformation where they inhibit pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins to ensure cell survival. To address the unknown molecular basis of their cell-protecting functionality, we used intact human Bcl-2 protein natively residing at the mitochondrial outer membrane and applied neutron reflectometry and NMR spectroscopy. Here we show that the active full-length protein is entirely buried into its target membrane except for the regulatory flexible loop domain (FLD), which stretches into the aqueous exterior. The membrane location of Bcl-2 and its conformational state seems to be important for its cell-protecting activity, often infamously upregulated in cancers. Most likely, this situation enables the Bcl-2 protein to sequester pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins at the membrane level while sensing cytosolic regulative signals via its FLD region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jörgen Ådén
- Department of Chemistry, University of Umeå, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Luke A Clifton
- ISIS Pulsed Neutron and Muon Source, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Science&Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Hanna Wacklin-Knecht
- European Spallation Source ERIC, ESS, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Physical Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mario Campana
- ISIS Pulsed Neutron and Muon Source, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Science&Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire, UK
| | | | - Cecilia Persson
- The Swedish NMR Center, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shi S, Quarta N, Zhang H, Lu Z, Hof M, Šachl R, Liu R, Hoernke M. Hidden complexity in membrane permeabilization behavior of antimicrobial polycations. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:1475-1488. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cp05651k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
There are diverse membrane permeabilization behaviors of antimicrobial polycations in zwitterionic or charged vesicles; different mechanisms may occur over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Shi
- Chemistry and Pharmacy
- Albert-Ludwigs-Universität
- 79104 Freiburg i.Br
- Germany
| | - Ndjali Quarta
- Chemistry and Pharmacy
- Albert-Ludwigs-Universität
- 79104 Freiburg i.Br
- Germany
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry
| | - Haodong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering
- Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- East China University of Science and Technology
- Shanghai 200237
| | - Ziyi Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering
- Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- East China University of Science and Technology
- Shanghai 200237
| | - Martin Hof
- J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences
- 182 23 Prague
- Czech Republic
| | - Radek Šachl
- J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences
- 182 23 Prague
- Czech Republic
| | - Runhui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering
- Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- East China University of Science and Technology
- Shanghai 200237
| | - Maria Hoernke
- Chemistry and Pharmacy
- Albert-Ludwigs-Universität
- 79104 Freiburg i.Br
- Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Naumova N, Šachl R. Regulation of Cell Death by Mitochondrial Transport Systems of Calcium and Bcl-2 Proteins. MEMBRANES 2020; 10:E299. [PMID: 33096926 PMCID: PMC7590060 DOI: 10.3390/membranes10100299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria represent the fundamental system for cellular energy metabolism, by not only supplying energy in the form of ATP, but also by affecting physiology and cell death via the regulation of calcium homeostasis and the activity of Bcl-2 proteins. A lot of research has recently been devoted to understanding the interplay between Bcl-2 proteins, the regulation of these interactions within the cell, and how these interactions lead to the changes in calcium homeostasis. However, the role of Bcl-2 proteins in the mediation of mitochondrial calcium homeostasis, and therefore the induction of cell death pathways, remain underestimated and are still not well understood. In this review, we first summarize our knowledge about calcium transport systems in mitochondria, which, when miss-regulated, can induce necrosis. We continue by reviewing and analyzing the functions of Bcl-2 proteins in apoptosis. Finally, we link these two regulatory mechanisms together, exploring the interactions between the mitochondrial Ca2+ transport systems and Bcl-2 proteins, both capable of inducing cell death, with the potential to determine the cell death pathway-either the apoptotic or the necrotic one.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Radek Šachl
- J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, 182 23 Prague, Czech Republic;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yeang C, Hasanally D, Que X, Hung MY, Stamenkovic A, Chan D, Chaudhary R, Margulets V, Edel AL, Hoshijima M, Gu Y, Bradford W, Dalton N, Miu P, Cheung DY, Jassal DS, Pierce GN, Peterson KL, Kirshenbaum LA, Witztum JL, Tsimikas S, Ravandi A. Reduction of myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury by inactivating oxidized phospholipids. Cardiovasc Res 2020; 115:179-189. [PMID: 29850765 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvy136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims Myocardial ischaemia followed by reperfusion (IR) causes an oxidative burst resulting in cellular dysfunction. Little is known about the impact of oxidative stress on cardiomyocyte lipids and their role in cardiac cell death. Our goal was to identify oxidized phosphatidylcholine-containing phospholipids (OxPL) generated during IR, and to determine their impact on cell viability and myocardial infarct size. Methods and results OxPL were quantitated in isolated rat cardiomyocytes using mass spectrophotometry following 24 h of IR. Cardiomyocyte cell death was quantitated following exogenously added OxPL and in the absence or presence of E06, a 'natural' murine monoclonal antibody that binds to the PC headgroup of OxPL. The impact of OxPL on mitochondria in cardiomyocytes was also determined using cell fractionation and Bnip expression. Transgenic Ldlr-/- mice, overexpressing a single-chain variable fragment of E06 (Ldlr-/--E06-scFv-Tg) were used to assess the effect of inactivating endogenously generated OxPL in vivo on myocardial infarct size. Following IR in vitro, isolated rat cardiomyocytes showed a significant increase in the specific OxPLs PONPC, POVPC, PAzPC, and PGPC (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001 for all). Exogenously added OxPLs resulted in significant death of rat cardiomyocytes, an effect inhibited by E06 (percent cell death with added POVPC was 22.6 ± 4.14% and with PONPC was 25.3 ± 3.4% compared to 8.0 ± 1.6% and 6.4 ± 1.0%, respectively, with the addition of E06, P < 0.05 for both). IR increased mitochondrial content of OxPL in rat cardiomyocytes and also increased expression of Bcl-2 death protein 3 (Bnip3), which was inhibited in presence of E06. Notably cardiomyocytes with Bnip3 knock-down were protected against cytotoxic effects of OxPL. In mice exposed to myocardial IR in vivo, compared to Ldlr-/- mice, Ldlr-/--E06-scFv-Tg mice had significantly smaller myocardial infarct size normalized to area at risk (72.4 ± 21.9% vs. 47.7 ± 17.6%, P = 0.023). Conclusions OxPL are generated within cardiomyocytes during IR and have detrimental effects on cardiomyocyte viability. Inactivation of OxPL in vivo results in a reduction of infarct size.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Calvin Yeang
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Devin Hasanally
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Xuchu Que
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ming-Yow Hung
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Aleksandra Stamenkovic
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - David Chan
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Rakesh Chaudhary
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Victoria Margulets
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Andrea L Edel
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Masahiko Hoshijima
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yusu Gu
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - William Bradford
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nancy Dalton
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Phuong Miu
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - David Yc Cheung
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Davinder S Jassal
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Grant N Pierce
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Kirk L Peterson
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lorrie A Kirshenbaum
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Joseph L Witztum
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sotirios Tsimikas
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Amir Ravandi
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bax to the future - A novel, high-yielding approach for purification and expression of full-length Bax protein for structural studies. Protein Expr Purif 2019; 158:20-26. [PMID: 30738180 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria-mediated apoptosis (programmed cell death) involves a sophisticated signaling and regulatory network that is regulated by the Bcl-2 protein family. Members of this family have either pro- or anti-apoptotic functions. An important pro-apoptotic member of this family is the cytosolic Bax. This protein is crucial for the onset of apoptosis by perforating the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM). This process can be seen as point of no return, since disintegration of the MOM leads to the release of apotogenic factors such as cytochrome c into the cytosol triggering the activation of caspases and subsequent apoptotic steps. Bax is able to interact with the MOM with both its termini, making it inherently difficult to express in E. coli. In this study, we present a novel approach to express and purify full-length Bax with significantly increased yields, when compared to the commonly applied strategy. Using a double fusion approach with an N-terminal GST-tag and a C-terminal Intein-CBD-tag, we were able to render both Bax termini inactive and prevent disruptive interactions from occurring during gene expression. By deploying an Intein-CBD-tag at the C-terminus we were further able to avoid the introduction of any artificial residues, hence ensuring the native like activity of the membrane-penetrating C-terminus of Bax. Further, by engineering a His6-tag to the C-terminus of the CBD-tag we greatly improved the robustness of the purification procedure. We report yields for pure, full-length Bax protein that are increased by an order of magnitude, when compared to commonly used Bax expression protocols.
Collapse
|
9
|
Dingeldein A, Sparrman T, Gröbner G. Oxidatively stressed mitochondria-mimicking membranes: A molecular insight into their organization during apoptosis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2018; 1860:2644-2654. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2018.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
10
|
How cardiolipin peroxidation alters the properties of the inner mitochondrial membrane? Chem Phys Lipids 2018; 214:15-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
|
11
|
Braun S, Pokorná Š, Šachl R, Hof M, Heerklotz H, Hoernke M. Biomembrane Permeabilization: Statistics of Individual Leakage Events Harmonize the Interpretation of Vesicle Leakage. ACS NANO 2018; 12:813-819. [PMID: 29244483 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.7b08184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The mode of action of membrane-active molecules, such as antimicrobial, anticancer, cell penetrating, and fusion peptides and their synthetic mimics, transfection agents, drug permeation enhancers, and biological signaling molecules (e.g., quorum sensing), involves either the general or local destabilization of the target membrane or the formation of defined, rather stable pores. Some effects aim at killing the cell, while others need to be limited in space and time to avoid serious damage. Biological tests reveal translocation of compounds and cell death but do not provide a detailed, mechanistic, and quantitative understanding of the modes of action and their molecular basis. Model membrane studies of membrane leakage have been used for decades to tackle this issue, but their interpretation in terms of biology has remained challenging and often quite limited. Here we compare two recent, powerful protocols to study model membrane leakage: the microscopic detection of dye influx into giant liposomes and time-correlated single photon counting experiments to characterize dye efflux from large unilamellar vesicles. A statistical treatment of both data sets does not only harmonize apparent discrepancies but also makes us aware of principal issues that have been confusing the interpretation of model membrane leakage data so far. Moreover, our study reveals a fundamental difference between nano- and microscale systems that needs to be taken into account when conclusions about microscale objects, such as cells, are drawn from nanoscale models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Braun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Freiburg , 79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Šárka Pokorná
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic , 182 23 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Šachl
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic , 182 23 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Hof
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic , 182 23 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Heiko Heerklotz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Freiburg , 79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg , 79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto , 144 College St., Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Maria Hoernke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Freiburg , 79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg , 79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Dingeldein APG, Pokorná Š, Lidman M, Sparrman T, Šachl R, Hof M, Gröbner G. Apoptotic Bax at Oxidatively Stressed Mitochondrial Membranes: Lipid Dynamics and Permeabilization. Biophys J 2017; 112:2147-2158. [PMID: 28538152 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2017.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are crucial compartments of eukaryotic cells because they function as the cellular power plant and play a central role in the early stages of programmed cell death (apoptosis). To avoid undesired cell death, this apoptotic pathway is tightly regulated by members of the Bcl-2 protein family, which interact on the external surface of the mitochondria, i.e., the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM), and modulate its permeability to apoptotic factors, controlling their release into the cytosol. A growing body of evidence suggests that the MOM lipids play active roles in this permeabilization process. In particular, oxidized phospholipids (OxPls) formed under intracellular stress seem to directly induce apoptotic activity at the MOM. Here we show that the process of MOM pore formation is sensitive to the type of OxPls species that are generated. We created MOM-mimicking liposome systems, which resemble the cellular situation before apoptosis and upon triggering of oxidative stress conditions. These vesicles were studied using 31P solid-state magic-angle-spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry, together with dye leakage assays. Direct polarization and cross-polarization nuclear magnetic resonance experiments enabled us to probe the heterogeneity of these membranes and their associated molecular dynamics. The addition of apoptotic Bax protein to OxPls-containing vesicles drastically changed the membranes' dynamic behavior, almost completely negating the previously observed effect of temperature on the lipids' molecular dynamics and inducing an ordering effect that led to more cooperative membrane melting. Our results support the hypothesis that the mitochondrion-specific lipid cardiolipin functions as a first contact site for Bax during its translocation to the MOM in the onset of apoptosis. In addition, dye leakage assays revealed that different OxPls species in the MOM-mimicking vesicles can have opposing effects on Bax pore formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Šárka Pokorná
- J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Lidman
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Radek Šachl
- J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Hof
- J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cosentino K, García-Sáez AJ. Bax and Bak Pores: Are We Closing the Circle? Trends Cell Biol 2016; 27:266-275. [PMID: 27932064 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2016.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Bax and its homolog Bak are key regulators of the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. On cell stress Bax and Bak accumulate at distinct foci on the mitochondrial surface where they undergo a conformational change, oligomerize, and mediate cytochrome c release, leading to cell death. The molecular mechanisms of Bax and Bak assembly and mitochondrial permeabilization have remained a longstanding question in the field. Recent structural and biophysical studies at several length scales have shed light on key aspects of Bax and Bak function that have shifted how we think this process occurs. These discoveries reveal an unexpected molecular mechanism in which Bax (and likely Bak) dimers assemble into oligomers with an even number of molecules that fully or partially delineate pores of different sizes to permeabilize the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) during apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katia Cosentino
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 4, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ana J García-Sáez
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 4, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Heisenbergstr. 3, Stuttgart, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|