Mitochondrial ClpX Activates a Key Enzyme for Heme Biosynthesis and Erythropoiesis

Elucidating the Role of Human ALAS2 C-terminal Mutations Resulting in Loss of Function and Disease

The conserved enzyme aminolevulinic acid synthase (ALAS) initiates heme biosynthesis in certain bacteria and eukaryotes by catalyzing the condensation of glycine and succinyl-CoA to yield aminolevulinic acid. In humans, the ALAS isoform responsible for heme production during red blood cell development is the erythroid-specific ALAS2 isoform. Owing to its essential role in erythropoiesis, changes in human ALAS2 (hALAS2) function can lead to two different blood disorders. X-linked sideroblastic anemia results from loss of ALAS2 function, while X-linked protoporphyria results from gain of ALAS2 function. Interestingly, mutations in the ALAS2 C-terminal extension can be implicated in both diseases. Here, we investigate the molecular basis for enzyme dysfunction mediated by two previously reported C-terminal loss-of-function variants, hALAS2 V562A and M567I. We show that the mutations do not result in gross structural perturbations, but the enzyme stability for V562A is decreased. Additionally, we show that enzyme stability moderately increases with the addition of the pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) cofactor for both variants. The variants display differential binding to PLP and the individual substrates compared to wild-type hALAS2. Although hALAS2 V562A is a more active enzyme in vitro, it is less efficient concerning succinyl-CoA binding. In contrast, the M567I mutation significantly alters the cooperativity of substrate binding. In combination with previously reported cell-based studies, our work reveals the molecular basis by which hALAS2 C-terminal mutations negatively affect ALA production necessary for proper heme biosynthesis.

Update on heme biosynthesis, tissue-specific regulation, heme transport, relation to iron metabolism and cellular energy

Heme is a primordial macrocycle upon which most aerobic life on Earth depends. It is essential to the survival and health of nearly all cells, functioning as a prosthetic group for oxygen-carrying proteins and enzymes involved in oxidation/reduction and electron transport reactions. Heme is essential for the function of numerous hemoproteins and has numerous other roles in the biochemistry of life. In mammals, heme is synthesised from glycine, succinyl-CoA, and ferrous iron in a series of eight steps. The first and normally rate-controlling step is catalysed by 5-aminolevulinate synthase (ALAS), which has two forms: ALAS1 is the housekeeping form with highly variable expression, depending upon the supply of the end-product heme, which acts to repress its activity; ALAS2 is the erythroid form, which is regulated chiefly by the adequacy of iron for erythroid haemoglobin synthesis. Abnormalities in the several enzymes of the heme synthetic pathway, most of which are inherited partial enzyme deficiencies, give rise to rare diseases called porphyrias. The existence and role of heme importers and exporters in mammals have been debated. Recent evidence established the presence of heme transporters. Such transporters are important for the transfer of heme from mitochondria, where the penultimate and ultimate steps of heme synthesis occur, and for the transfer of heme from cytoplasm to other cellular organelles. Several chaperones of heme and iron are known and important for cell health. Heme and iron, although promoters of oxidative stress and potentially toxic, are essential cofactors for cellular energy production and oxygenation.

Knockout Mouse Studies Show That Mitochondrial CLPP Peptidase and CLPX Unfoldase Act in Matrix Condensates near IMM, as Fast Stress Response in Protein Assemblies for Transcript Processing, Translation, and Heme Production

LONP1 is the principal AAA+ unfoldase and bulk protease in the mitochondrial matrix, so its deletion causes embryonic lethality. The AAA+ unfoldase CLPX and the peptidase CLPP also act in the matrix, especially during stress periods, but their substrates are poorly defined. Mammalian CLPP deletion triggers infertility, deafness, growth retardation, and cGAS-STING-activated cytosolic innate immunity. CLPX mutations impair heme biosynthesis and heavy metal homeostasis. CLPP and CLPX are conserved from bacteria to humans, despite their secondary role in proteolysis. Based on recent proteomic-metabolomic evidence from knockout mice and patient cells, we propose that CLPP acts on phase-separated ribonucleoprotein granules and CLPX on multi-enzyme condensates as first-aid systems near the inner mitochondrial membrane. Trimming within assemblies, CLPP rescues stalled processes in mitoribosomes, mitochondrial RNA granules and nucleoids, and the D-foci-mediated degradation of toxic double-stranded mtRNA/mtDNA. Unfolding multi-enzyme condensates, CLPX maximizes PLP-dependent delta-transamination and rescues malformed nascent peptides. Overall, their actions occur in granules with multivalent or hydrophobic interactions, separated from the aqueous phase. Thus, the role of CLPXP in the matrix is compartment-selective, as other mitochondrial peptidases: MPPs at precursor import pores, m-AAA and i-AAA at either IMM face, PARL within the IMM, and OMA1/HTRA2 in the intermembrane space.

CLPP-Null Eukaryotes with Excess Heme Biosynthesis Show Reduced L-arginine Levels, Probably via CLPX-Mediated OAT Activation

The serine peptidase CLPP is conserved among bacteria, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In humans and mice, its loss causes Perrault syndrome, which presents with growth deficits, infertility, deafness, and ataxia. In the filamentous fungus Podospora anserina, CLPP loss leads to longevity. CLPP substrates are selected by CLPX, an AAA+ unfoldase. CLPX is known to target delta-aminolevulinic acid synthase (ALAS) to promote pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) binding. CLPX may also influence cofactor association with other enzymes. Here, the evaluation of P. anserina metabolomics highlighted a reduction in arginine/histidine levels. In Mus musculus cerebellum, reductions in arginine/histidine and citrulline occurred with a concomitant accumulation of the heme precursor protoporphyrin IX. This suggests that the increased biosynthesis of 5-carbon (C5) chain deltaALA consumes not only C4 succinyl-CoA and C1 glycine but also specific C5 delta amino acids. As enzymes responsible for these effects, the elevated abundance of CLPX and ALAS is paralleled by increased OAT (PLP-dependent, ornithine delta-aminotransferase) levels. Possibly as a consequence of altered C1 metabolism, the proteome profiles of P. anserina CLPP-null cells showed strong accumulation of a methyltransferase and two mitoribosomal large subunit factors. The reduced histidine levels may explain the previously observed metal interaction problems. As the main nitrogen-storing metabolite, a deficiency in arginine would affect the urea cycle and polyamine synthesis. Supplementation of arginine and histidine might rescue the growth deficits of CLPP-mutant patients.

Translation Fidelity and Respiration Deficits in CLPP-Deficient Tissues: Mechanistic Insights from Mitochondrial Complexome Profiling

The mitochondrial matrix peptidase CLPP is crucial during cell stress. Its loss causes Perrault syndrome type 3 (PRLTS3) with infertility, neurodegeneration, and a growth deficit. Its target proteins are disaggregated by CLPX, which also regulates heme biosynthesis via unfolding ALAS enzymes, providing access for pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP). Despite efforts in diverse organisms with multiple techniques, CLPXP substrates remain controversial. Here, avoiding recombinant overexpression, we employed complexomics in mitochondria from three mouse tissues to identify endogenous targets. A CLPP absence caused the accumulation and dispersion of CLPX-VWA8 as AAA+ unfoldases, and of PLPBP. Similar changes and CLPX-VWA8 co-migration were evident for mitoribosomal central protuberance clusters, translation factors like GFM1-HARS2, the RNA granule components LRPPRC-SLIRP, and enzymes OAT-ALDH18A1. Mitochondrially translated proteins in testes showed reductions to <30% for MTCO1-3, the mis-assembly of the complex IV supercomplex, and accumulated metal-binding assembly factors COX15-SFXN4. Indeed, heavy metal levels were increased for iron, molybdenum, cobalt, and manganese. RT-qPCR showed compensatory downregulation only for Clpx mRNA; most accumulated proteins appeared transcriptionally upregulated. Immunoblots validated VWA8, MRPL38, MRPL18, GFM1, and OAT accumulation. Co-immunoprecipitation confirmed CLPX binding to MRPL38, GFM1, and OAT, so excess CLPX and PLP may affect their activity. Our data mechanistically elucidate the mitochondrial translation fidelity deficits which underlie progressive hearing impairment in PRLTS3.

Hem25p is required for mitochondrial IPP transport in fungi

Coenzyme Q (CoQ, ubiquinone) is an essential cellular cofactor composed of a redox-active quinone head group and a long hydrophobic polyisoprene tail. How mitochondria access cytosolic isoprenoids for CoQ biosynthesis is a longstanding mystery. Here, via a combination of genetic screening, metabolic tracing and targeted uptake assays, we reveal that Hem25p-a mitochondrial glycine transporter required for haem biosynthesis-doubles as an isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) transporter in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Mitochondria lacking Hem25p failed to efficiently incorporate IPP into early CoQ precursors, leading to loss of CoQ and turnover of CoQ biosynthetic proteins. Expression of Hem25p in Escherichia coli enabled robust IPP uptake and incorporation into the CoQ biosynthetic pathway. HEM25 orthologues from diverse fungi, but not from metazoans, were able to rescue hem25∆ CoQ deficiency. Collectively, our work reveals that Hem25p drives the bulk of mitochondrial isoprenoid transport for CoQ biosynthesis in fungi.

CLPX regulates mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation in liver cells

Mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (β-oxidation) is an essential metabolic process for energy production in eukaryotic cells, but the regulatory mechanisms of this pathway are largely unknown. In the present study, we found that several enzymes involved in β-oxidation are associated with CLPX, the AAA+ unfoldase that is a component of the mitochondrial matrix protease ClpXP. The suppression of CLPX expression increased β-oxidation activity in the HepG2 cell line and in primary human hepatocytes without glucagon treatment. However, the protein levels of enzymes involved in β-oxidation did not significantly increase in CLPX-deleted HepG2 cells (CLPX-KO cells). Coimmunoprecipitation experiments revealed that the protein level in the immunoprecipitates of each antibody changed after the treatment of WT cells with glucagon, and a part of these changes was also observed in the comparison of WT and CLPX-KO cells without glucagon treatment. Although the exogenous expression of WT or ATP-hydrolysis mutant CLPX suppressed β-oxidation activity in CLPX-KO cells, glucagon treatment induced β-oxidation activity only in CLPX-KO cells expressing WT CLPX. These results suggest that the dissociation of CLPX from its target proteins is essential for the induction of β-oxidation in HepG2 cells. Moreover, specific phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase and a decrease in the expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 2 were observed in CLPX-KO cells, suggesting that CLPX might participate in the regulation of the cytosolic signaling pathway for β-oxidation. The mechanism for AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation remains elusive; however, our results uncovered the hitherto unknown role of CLPX in mitochondrial β-oxidation in human liver cells.

Molecular Determinants of Mitochondrial Shape and Function and Their Role in Glaucoma

Significance: Cells depend on well-functioning mitochondria for essential processes such as energy production, redox signaling, coordination of metabolic pathways, and cofactor biosynthesis. Mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic decline, and protein stress have been implicated in the etiology of multiple late-onset diseases, including various ataxias, diabetes, sarcopenia, neuromuscular disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases such as parkinsonism, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and glaucoma. Recent Advances: New evidence supports that increased energy metabolism protects neuron function during aging. Key energy metabolic enzymes, however, are susceptible to oxidative damage making it imperative that the mitochondrial proteome is protected. More than 40 different enzymes have been identified as important factors for guarding mitochondrial health and maintaining a dynamic pool of mitochondria. Critical Issues: Understanding shared mechanisms of age-related disorders of neurodegenerative diseases such as glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease is important for developing new therapies. Functional mitochondrial shape and dynamics rely on complex interactions between mitochondrial proteases and membrane proteins. Identifying the sequence of molecular events that lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic stress is a major challenge. Future Directions: A critical need exists for new strategies that reduce mitochondrial protein stress and promote mitochondrial dynamics in age-related neurological disorders. Discovering how mitochondria-associated degradation is related to proteostatic mechanisms in mitochondrial compartments may reveal new opportunities for therapeutic interventions. Also, little is known about how protein and membrane contacts in the inner and outer mitochondrial membrane are regulated, even though they are pivotal for mitochondrial architecture. Future work will need to delineate the molecular details of these processes.

Bioinformatic identification of ClpI, a distinct class of Clp unfoldases in Actinomycetota

All clades of bacteria possess Hsp100/Clp family unfoldase enzymes that contribute to aspects of protein quality control. In Actinomycetota, these include ClpB, which functions as an independent chaperone and disaggregase, and ClpC, which cooperates with the ClpP1P2 peptidase to carry out regulated proteolysis of client proteins. We initially sought to algorithmically catalog Clp unfoldase orthologs from Actinomycetota into ClpB and ClpC categories. In the process, we uncovered a phylogenetically distinct third group of double-ringed Clp enzymes, which we term ClpI. ClpI enzymes are architecturally similar to ClpB and ClpC, with intact ATPase modules and motifs associated with substrate unfolding and translation. While ClpI possess an M-domain similar in length to that of ClpC, its N-terminal domain is more variable than the strongly conserved N-terminal domain of ClpC. Surprisingly, ClpI sequences are divisible into sub-classes that either possess or lack the LGF-motifs required for stable assembly with ClpP1P2, suggesting distinct cellular roles. The presence of ClpI enzymes likely provides bacteria with expanded complexity and regulatory control over protein quality control programs, supplementing the conserved roles of ClpB and ClpC.

The yeast ALA synthase C-terminus positively controls enzyme structure and function

5-Aminolevulinic acid synthase (ALAS) is a pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the first and rate-limiting step of heme biosynthesis in α-proteobacteria and several non-plant eukaryotes. All ALAS homologs contain a highly conserved catalytic core, but eukaryotes also have a unique C-terminal extension that plays a role in enzyme regulation. Several mutations in this region are implicated in multiple blood disorders in humans. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae ALAS (Hem1), the C-terminal extension wraps around the homodimer core to contact conserved ALAS motifs proximal to the opposite active site. To determine the importance of these Hem1 C-terminal interactions, we determined the crystal structure of S. cerevisiae Hem1 lacking the terminal 14 amino acids (Hem1 ΔCT). With truncation of the C-terminal extension, we show structurally and biochemically that multiple catalytic motifs become flexible, including an antiparallel β-sheet important to Fold-Type I PLP-dependent enzymes. The changes in protein conformation result in an altered cofactor microenvironment, decreased enzyme activity and catalytic efficiency, and ablation of subunit cooperativity. These findings suggest that the eukaryotic ALAS C-terminus has a homolog-specific role in mediating heme biosynthesis, indicating a mechanism for autoregulation that can be exploited to allosterically modulate heme biosynthesis in different organisms.

Hem25p is a mitochondrial IPP transporter

Coenzyme Q (CoQ, ubiquinone) is an essential cellular cofactor comprised of a redox-active quinone head group and a long hydrophobic polyisoprene tail. How mitochondria access cytosolic isoprenoids for CoQ biosynthesis is a longstanding mystery. Here, via a combination of genetic screening, metabolic tracing, and targeted uptake assays, we reveal that Hem25p-a mitochondrial glycine transporter required for heme biosynthesis-doubles as an isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) transporter in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Mitochondria lacking Hem25p fail to efficiently incorporate IPP into early CoQ precursors, leading to loss of CoQ and turnover of CoQ biosynthetic proteins. Expression of Hem25p in Escherichia coli enables robust IPP uptake demonstrating that Hem25p is sufficient for IPP transport. Collectively, our work reveals that Hem25p drives the bulk of mitochondrial isoprenoid transport for CoQ biosynthesis in yeast.

Potent ClpP agonists with anticancer properties bind with improved structural complementarity and alter the mitochondrial N-terminome

The mitochondrial ClpP protease is responsible for mitochondrial protein quality control through specific degradation of proteins involved in several metabolic processes. ClpP overexpression is also required in many cancer cells to eliminate reactive oxygen species (ROS)-damaged proteins and to sustain oncogenesis. Targeting ClpP to dysregulate its function using small-molecule agonists is a recent strategy in cancer therapy. Here, we synthesized imipridone-derived compounds and related chemicals, which we characterized using biochemical, biophysical, and cellular studies. Using X-ray crystallography, we found that these compounds have enhanced binding affinities due to their greater shape and charge complementarity with the surface hydrophobic pockets of ClpP. N-terminome profiling of cancer cells upon treatment with one of these compounds revealed the global proteomic changes that arise and identified the structural motifs preferred for protein cleavage by compound-activated ClpP. Together, our studies provide the structural and molecular basis by which dysregulated ClpP affects cancer cell viability and proliferation.

Deciphering the mechanism and function of Hsp100 unfoldases from protein structure

Hsp100 chaperones, also known as Clp proteins, constitute a family of ring-forming ATPases that differ in 3D structure and cellular function from other stress-inducible molecular chaperones. While the vast majority of ATP-dependent molecular chaperones promote the folding of either the nascent chain or a newly imported polypeptide to reach its native conformation, Hsp100 chaperones harness metabolic energy to perform the reverse and facilitate the unfolding of a misfolded polypeptide or protein aggregate. It is now known that inside cells and organelles, different Hsp100 members are involved in rescuing stress-damaged proteins from a previously aggregated state or in recycling polypeptides marked for degradation. Protein degradation is mediated by a barrel-shaped peptidase that physically associates with the Hsp100 hexamer to form a two-component system. Notable examples include the ClpA:ClpP (ClpAP) and ClpX:ClpP (ClpXP) proteases that resemble the ring-forming FtsH and Lon proteases, which unlike ClpAP and ClpXP, feature the ATP-binding and proteolytic domains in a single polypeptide chain. Recent advances in electron cryomicroscopy (cryoEM) together with single-molecule biophysical studies have now provided new mechanistic insight into the structure and function of this remarkable group of macromolecular machines.

AAA+ proteases: the first line of defense against mitochondrial damage

Mitochondria play essential cellular roles in Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis, calcium homeostasis, and metabolism, but these vital processes have potentially deadly side effects. The production of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the aggregation of misfolded mitochondrial proteins can lead to severe mitochondrial damage and even cell death. The accumulation of mitochondrial damage is strongly implicated in aging and several incurable diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. To oppose this, metazoans utilize a variety of quality control strategies, including the degradation of the damaged mitochondrial proteins by the mitochondrial-resident proteases of the ATPase Associated with the diverse cellular Activities (AAA+) family. This mini-review focuses on the quality control mediated by the mitochondrial-resident proteases of the AAA+ family used to combat the accumulation of damaged mitochondria and on how the failure of this mitochondrial quality control contributes to diseases.

Mitochondrial matrix proteases: quality control and beyond

To ensure correct function, mitochondria have developed several mechanisms of protein quality control (QC). Protein homeostasis highly relies on chaperones and proteases to maintain proper folding and remove damaged proteins that might otherwise form cell-toxic aggregates. Besides quality control, mitochondrial proteases modulate and regulate many essential functions, such as trafficking, processing and activation of mitochondrial proteins, mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy and apoptosis. Therefore, the impaired function of mitochondrial proteases is associated with various pathological conditions, including cancer, metabolic syndromes and neurodegenerative disorders. This review recapitulates and discusses the emerging roles of two major proteases of the mitochondrial matrix, LON and ClpXP. Although commonly acknowledge for their protein quality control role, recent advances have uncovered several highly regulated processes controlled by the LON and ClpXP connected to mitochondrial gene expression and respiratory chain function maintenance. Furthermore, both proteases have been lately recognized as potent targets for anticancer therapies, and we summarize those findings.

Synthetic biology-instructed transdermal microneedle patch for traceable photodynamic therapy

5-Aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy heavily depends on the biological transformation efficiency of 5-aminolevulinic acid to protoporphyrin IX, while the lack of an effective delivery system and imaging navigation are major hurdles in improving the accumulation of protoporphyrin IX and optimizing therapeutic parameters. Herein, we leverage a synthetic biology approach to construct a transdermal theranostic microneedle patch integrated with 5-aminolevulinic acid and catalase co-loaded tumor acidity-responsive copper-doped calcium phosphate nanoparticles for efficient 5-aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy by maximizing the enrichment of intratumoral protoporphyrin IX. We show that continuous oxygen generation by catalase in vivo reverses tumor hypoxia, enhances protoporphyrin IX accumulation by blocking protoporphyrin IX efflux (downregulating hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and ferrochelatase) and upregulates protoporphyrin IX biosynthesis (providing exogenous 5-aminolevulinic acid and upregulating ALA-synthetase). In vivo fluorescence/photoacoustic duplex imaging can monitor intratumoral oxygen saturation and protoporphyrin IX metabolic kinetics simultaneously. This approach thus facilitates the optimization of therapeutic parameters for different cancers to realize Ca²⁺/Cu²⁺-interferences-enhanced repeatable photodynamic therapy, making this theranostic patch promising for clinical practice.

Iron Metabolism in the Disorders of Heme Biosynthesis

Given its remarkable property to easily switch between different oxidative states, iron is essential in countless cellular functions which involve redox reactions. At the same time, uncontrolled interactions between iron and its surrounding milieu may be damaging to cells and tissues. Heme—the iron-chelated form of protoporphyrin IX—is a macrocyclic tetrapyrrole and a coordination complex for diatomic gases, accurately engineered by evolution to exploit the catalytic, oxygen-binding, and oxidoreductive properties of iron while minimizing its damaging effects on tissues. The majority of the body production of heme is ultimately incorporated into hemoglobin within mature erythrocytes; thus, regulation of heme biosynthesis by iron is central in erythropoiesis. Additionally, heme is a cofactor in several metabolic pathways, which can be modulated by iron-dependent signals as well. Impairment in some steps of the pathway of heme biosynthesis is the main pathogenetic mechanism of two groups of diseases collectively known as porphyrias and congenital sideroblastic anemias. In porphyrias, according to the specific enzyme involved, heme precursors accumulate up to the enzyme stop in disease-specific patterns and organs. Therefore, different porphyrias manifest themselves under strikingly different clinical pictures. In congenital sideroblastic anemias, instead, an altered utilization of mitochondrial iron by erythroid precursors leads to mitochondrial iron overload and an accumulation of ring sideroblasts in the bone marrow. In line with the complexity of the processes involved, the role of iron in these conditions is then multifarious. This review aims to summarise the most important lines of evidence concerning the interplay between iron and heme metabolism, as well as the clinical and experimental aspects of the role of iron in inherited conditions of altered heme biosynthesis.

The Bacterial ClpXP-ClpB Family Is Enriched with RNA-Binding Protein Complexes

In the matrix of bacteria/mitochondria/chloroplasts, Lon acts as the degradation machine for soluble proteins. In stress periods, however, proteostasis and survival depend on the strongly conserved Clp/Hsp100 family. Currently, the targets of ATP-powered unfoldases/disaggregases ClpB and ClpX and of peptidase ClpP heptameric rings are still unclear. Trapping experiments and proteome profiling in multiple organisms triggered confusion, so we analyzed the consistency of ClpP-trap targets in bacteria. We also provide meta-analyses of protein interactions in humans, to elucidate where Clp family members are enriched. Furthermore, meta-analyses of mouse complexomics are provided. Genotype–phenotype correlations confirmed our concept. Trapping, proteome, and complexome data retrieved consistent coaccumulation of CLPXP with GFM1 and TUFM orthologs. CLPX shows broad interaction selectivity encompassing mitochondrial translation elongation, RNA granules, and nucleoids. CLPB preferentially attaches to mitochondrial RNA granules and translation initiation components; CLPP is enriched with them all and associates with release/recycling factors. Mutations in CLPP cause Perrault syndrome, with phenotypes similar to defects in mtDNA/mtRNA. Thus, we propose that CLPB and CLPXP are crucial to counteract misfolded insoluble protein assemblies that contain nucleotides. This insight is relevant to improve ClpP-modulating drugs that block bacterial growth and for the treatment of human infertility, deafness, and neurodegeneration.

Characterization of TR-107, a novel chemical activator of the human mitochondrial protease ClpP

We recently described the identification of a new class of small‐molecule activators of the mitochondrial protease ClpP. These compounds synthesized by Madera Therapeutics showed increased potency of cancer growth inhibition over the related compound ONC201. In this study, we describe chemical optimization and characterization of the next generation of highly potent and selective small‐molecule ClpP activators (TR compounds) and demonstrate their efficacy against breast cancer models in vitro and in vivo. We selected one compound (TR‐107) with excellent potency, specificity, and drug‐like properties for further evaluation. TR‐107 showed ClpP‐dependent growth inhibition in the low nanomolar range that was equipotent to paclitaxel in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell models. TR‐107 also reduced specific mitochondrial proteins, including OXPHOS and TCA cycle components, in a time‐, dose‐, and ClpP‐dependent manner. Seahorse XF analysis and glucose deprivation experiments confirmed the inactivation of OXPHOS and increased dependence on glycolysis following TR‐107 exposure. The pharmacokinetic properties of TR‐107 were compared with other known ClpP activators including ONC201 and ONC212. TR‐107 displayed excellent exposure and serum t_1/2 after oral administration. Using human TNBC MDA‐MB‐231 xenografts, the antitumor response to TR‐107 was investigated. Oral administration of TR‐107 resulted in a reduction in tumor volume and extension of survival in the treated compared with vehicle control mice. ClpP activation in vivo was validated by immunoblotting for TFAM and other mitochondrial proteins. In summary, we describe the identification of highly potent new ClpP agonists with improved efficacy against TNBC, through targeted inactivation of OXPHOS and disruption of mitochondrial metabolism.

Regulation of Heme Synthesis by Mitochondrial Homeostasis Proteins

Heme plays a central role in diverse, life-essential processes that range from ubiquitous, housekeeping pathways such as respiration, to highly cell-specific ones such as oxygen transport by hemoglobin. The regulation of heme synthesis and its utilization is highly regulated and cell-specific. In this review, we have attempted to describe how the heme synthesis machinery is regulated by mitochondrial homeostasis as a means of coupling heme synthesis to its utilization and to the metabolic requirements of the cell. We have focused on discussing the regulation of mitochondrial heme synthesis enzymes by housekeeping proteins, transport of heme intermediates, and regulation of heme synthesis by macromolecular complex formation and mitochondrial metabolism. Recently discovered mechanisms are discussed in the context of the model organisms in which they were identified, while more established work is discussed in light of technological advancements.

Structure and function of ClpXP, a AAA+ proteolytic machine powered by probabilistic ATP hydrolysis

ClpXP is an archetypical AAA+ protease, consisting of ClpX and ClpP. ClpX is an ATP-dependent protein unfoldase and polypeptide translocase, whereas ClpP is a self-compartmentalized peptidase. ClpXP is currently the only AAA+ protease for which high-resolution structures exist, the molecular basis of recognition for a protein substrate is understood, extensive biochemical and genetic analysis have been performed, and single-molecule optical trapping has allowed direct visualization of the kinetics of substrate unfolding and translocation. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of ClpXP structure and function, evaluate competing sequential and probabilistic mechanisms of ATP hydrolysis, and highlight open questions for future exploration.

Recent structural insights into the mechanism of ClpP protease regulation by AAA+ chaperones and small molecules

ClpP is a highly conserved serine protease that is a critical enzyme in maintaining protein homeostasis and is an important drug target in pathogenic bacteria and various cancers. In its functional form, ClpP is a self-compartmentalizing protease composed of two stacked heptameric rings that allow protein degradation to occur within the catalytic chamber. ATPase chaperones such as ClpX and ClpA are hexameric ATPases that form larger complexes with ClpP and are responsible for the selection and unfolding of protein substrates prior to their degradation by ClpP. Although individual structures of ClpP and ATPase chaperones have offered mechanistic insights into their function and regulation, their structures together as a complex have only been recently determined to high resolution. Here, we discuss the cryoelectron microscopy structures of ClpP-ATPase complexes and describe findings previously inaccessible from individual Clp structures, including how a hexameric ATPase and a tetradecameric ClpP protease work together in a functional complex. We then discuss the consensus mechanism for substrate unfolding and translocation derived from these structures, consider alternative mechanisms, and present their strengths and limitations. Finally, new insights into the allosteric control of ClpP gained from studies using small molecules and gain or loss-of-function mutations are explored. Overall, this review aims to underscore the multilayered regulation of ClpP that may present novel ideas for structure-based drug design.

Structural basis for dysregulation of aminolevulinic acid synthase in human disease

Heme is a critical biomolecule that is synthesized in vivo by several organisms such as plants, animals, and bacteria. Reflecting the importance of this molecule, defects in heme biosynthesis underlie several blood disorders in humans. Aminolevulinic acid synthase (ALAS) initiates heme biosynthesis in α-proteobacteria and nonplant eukaryotes. Debilitating and painful diseases such as X-linked sideroblastic anemia and X-linked protoporphyria can result from one of more than 91 genetic mutations in the human erythroid-specific enzyme ALAS2. This review will focus on recent structure-based insights into human ALAS2 function in health and how it dysfunctions in disease. We will also discuss how certain genetic mutations potentially result in disease-causing structural perturbations. Furthermore, we use thermodynamic and structural information to hypothesize how the mutations affect the human ALAS2 structure and categorize some of the unique human ALAS2 mutations that do not respond to typical treatments, that have paradoxical in vitro activity, or that are highly intolerable to changes. Finally, we will examine where future structure-based insights into the family of ALA synthases are needed to develop additional enzyme therapeutics.

Heme-dependent recognition of 5-aminolevulinate synthase by the human mitochondrial molecular chaperone ClpX

The caseinolytic mitochondrial matrix peptidase chaperone subunit (ClpX) plays an important role in the heme-dependent regulation of 5-aminolevulinate synthase (ALAS1), a key enzyme in heme biosynthesis. However, the mechanisms underlying the role of ClpX in this process remain unclear. In this in vitro study, we confirmed the direct binding between ALAS1 and ClpX in a heme-dependent manner. The substitution of C¹⁰⁸ P¹⁰⁹ [CP motif 3 (CP3)] with A¹⁰⁸ A¹⁰⁹ in ALAS1 resulted in a loss of ability to bind ClpX. Computational disorder analyses revealed that CP3 was located in a potential intrinsically disordered protein region (IDPR). Thus, we propose that conditional disorder-to-order transitions in the IDPRs of ALAS1 may represent key mechanisms underlying the heme-dependent recognition of ALAS1 by ClpX.

Using the Zebrafish as a Genetic Model to Study Erythropoiesis

Vertebrates generate mature red blood cells (RBCs) via a highly regulated, multistep process called erythropoiesis. Erythropoiesis involves synthesis of heme and hemoglobin, clearance of the nuclei and other organelles, and remodeling of the plasma membrane, and these processes are exquisitely coordinated by specific regulatory factors including transcriptional factors and signaling molecules. Defects in erythropoiesis can lead to blood disorders such as congenital dyserythropoietic anemias, Diamond–Blackfan anemias, sideroblastic anemias, myelodysplastic syndrome, and porphyria. The molecular mechanisms of erythropoiesis are highly conserved between fish and mammals, and the zebrafish (Danio rerio) has provided a powerful genetic model for studying erythropoiesis. Studies in zebrafish have yielded important insights into RBC development and established a number of models for human blood diseases. Here, we focus on latest discoveries of the molecular processes and mechanisms regulating zebrafish erythropoiesis and summarize newly established zebrafish models of human anemias.

The ubiquitous mitochondrial protein unfoldase CLPX regulates erythroid heme synthesis by control of iron utilization and heme synthesis enzyme activation and turnover

Heme plays a critical role in catalyzing life-essential redox reactions in all cells, and its synthesis must be tightly balanced with cellular requirements. Heme synthesis in eukaryotes is tightly regulated by the mitochondrial AAA+ unfoldase CLPX (caseinolytic mitochondrial matrix peptidase chaperone subunit X), which promotes heme synthesis by activation of δ-aminolevulinate synthase (ALAS/Hem1) in yeast and regulates turnover of ALAS1 in human cells. However, the specific mechanisms by which CLPX regulates heme synthesis are unclear. In this study, we interrogated the mechanisms by which CLPX regulates heme synthesis in erythroid cells. Quantitation of enzyme activity and protein degradation showed that ALAS2 stability and activity were both increased in the absence of CLPX, suggesting that CLPX primarily regulates ALAS2 by control of its turnover, rather than its activation. However, we also showed that CLPX is required for PPOX (protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase) activity and maintenance of FECH (ferrochelatase) levels, which are the terminal enzymes in heme synthesis, likely accounting for the heme deficiency and porphyrin accumulation observed in Clpx^−/− cells. Lastly, CLPX is required for iron utilization for hemoglobin synthesis during erythroid differentiation. Collectively, our data show that the role of CLPX in yeast ALAS/Hem1 activation is not conserved in vertebrates as vertebrates rely on CLPX to regulate ALAS turnover as well as PPOX and FECH activity. Our studies reveal that CLPX mutations may cause anemia and porphyria via dysregulation of ALAS, FECH, and PPOX activities, as well as of iron metabolism.

A Transcriptomic Approach to the Metabolism of Tetrapyrrolic Photosensitizers in a Marine Annelid

The past decade has seen growing interest in marine natural pigments for biotechnological applications. One of the most abundant classes of biological pigments is the tetrapyrroles, which are prized targets due their photodynamic properties; porphyrins are the best known examples of this group. Many animal porphyrinoids and other tetrapyrroles are produced through heme metabolic pathways, the best known of which are the bile pigments biliverdin and bilirubin. Eulalia is a marine Polychaeta characterized by its bright green coloration resulting from a remarkably wide range of greenish and yellowish tetrapyrroles, some of which have promising photodynamic properties. The present study combined metabolomics based on HPLC-DAD with RNA-seq transcriptomics to investigate the molecular pathways of porphyrinoid metabolism by comparing the worm’s proboscis and epidermis, which display distinct pigmentation patterns. The results showed that pigments are endogenous and seemingly heme-derived. The worm possesses homologs in both organs for genes encoding enzymes involved in heme metabolism such as ALAD, FECH, UROS, and PPOX. However, the findings also indicate that variants of the canonical enzymes of the heme biosynthesis pathway can be species- and organ-specific. These differences between molecular networks contribute to explain not only the differential pigmentation patterns between organs, but also the worm’s variety of novel endogenous tetrapyrrolic compounds.

Human ClpP protease, a promising therapy target for diseases of mitochondrial dysfunction

Human caseinolytic protease P (HsClpP), an ATP-dependent unfolding peptidase protein in the mitochondrial matrix, controls protein quality, regulates mitochondrial metabolism, and maintains the integrity and enzyme activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain (RC). Studies show that abnormalities in HsClpP lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and various human diseases. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the structure and biological function of HsClpP, and the involvement of its dysexpression or mutation in mitochondria for a panel of important human diseases. We also summarize the structural types and binding modes of known HsClpP modulators. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future directions of HsClpP targeting as promising approach for the treatment of human diseases of mitochondrial origin.

Progress and prospect of single-molecular ClpX ATPase researching system-a mini-review

ClpXP in Escherichia coli is a proteasome degrading protein substrates. It consists of one hexamer of ATPase (ClpX) and two heptamers of peptidase (ClpP). The ClpX binds ATP and translocates the substrate protein into the ClpP chamber by binding and hydrolysis of ATP. At single molecular level, ClpX harnesses cycles of power stroke (dwell and burst) to unfold the substrates, then releases the ADP and Pi. Based on the construction and function of ClpXP, especially the recent progress on how ClpX unfold protein substrates, in this mini-review, a currently proposed single ClpX molecular model system detected by optical tweezers, and its prospective for the elucidation of the mechanism of force generation of ClpX in its power stroke and the subunit interaction with each other, were discussed in detail.

Polymerase delta-interacting protein 38 (PDIP38) modulates the stability and activity of the mitochondrial AAA+ protease CLPXP

Over a decade ago Polymerase δ interacting protein of 38 kDa (PDIP38) was proposed to play a role in DNA repair. Since this time, both the physiological function and subcellular location of PDIP38 has remained ambiguous and our present understanding of PDIP38 function has been hampered by a lack of detailed biochemical and structural studies. Here we show, that human PDIP38 is directed to the mitochondrion in a membrane potential dependent manner, where it resides in the matrix compartment, together with its partner protein CLPX. Our structural analysis revealed that PDIP38 is composed of two conserved domains separated by an α/β linker region. The N-terminal (YccV-like) domain of PDIP38 forms an SH3-like β-barrel, which interacts specifically with CLPX, via the adaptor docking loop within the N-terminal Zinc binding domain of CLPX. In contrast, the C-terminal (DUF525) domain forms an immunoglobin-like β-sandwich fold, which contains a highly conserved putative substrate binding pocket. Importantly, PDIP38 modulates the substrate specificity of CLPX and protects CLPX from LONM-mediated degradation, which stabilises the cellular levels of CLPX. Collectively, our findings shed new light on the mechanism and function of mitochondrial PDIP38, demonstrating that PDIP38 is a bona fide adaptor protein for the mitochondrial protease, CLPXP.

Strack et al find that Polymerase δ interacting protein 38 (PDIP38) is targeted to the mitochondrial matrix where it colocalises with the mitochondrial AAA + protein CLPXP. PDIP38 modulates the specificity of CLPXP in vitro and alters the stability of CLPX in vitro and in cells. The PDIP38 structure leads the authors to speculate that PDIP38 is a CLPXP adaptor.

Mitochondrial ClpP serine protease-biological function and emerging target for cancer therapy

Mitochondrial ClpP is a serine protease located in the mitochondrial matrix. This protease participates in mitochondrial protein quality control by degrading misfolded or damaged proteins, thus maintaining normal metabolic function. Mitochondrial ClpP is a stable heptamer ring with peptidase activity that forms a multimeric complex with the ATP-dependent unfoldase ClpX (ClpXP) leading to proteolytic activity. Emerging evidence demonstrates that ClpXP is over-expressed in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors and is necessary for the viability of a subset of tumors. In addition, both inhibition and hyperactivation of ClpXP leads to impaired respiratory chain activity and causes cell death in cancer cells. Therefore, targeting mitochondrial ClpXP could be a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of malignancy. Here, we review the structure and function of mitochondrial ClpXP as well as strategies to target this enzyme complex as a novel therapeutic approach for malignancy.

The role of mitochondrial proteases in leukemic cells and leukemic stem cells

The biological function of most mitochondrial proteases has not been well characterized. Moreover, most of the available information on the normal function of these proteases has been derived from studies in model organisms. Recently, the mitochondrial proteases caseinolytic protease P (CLPP) and neurolysin (NLN) have been identified as therapeutic targets in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Both proteases are overexpressed in approximately 40% of AML patients. Mechanistically, CLPP and NLN maintain the integrity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain: CLPP cleaves defective respiratory chain proteins, while NLN promotes the formation of respiratory chain supercomplexes. In this review, we highlight the functional consequences of inhibiting and activating mitochondrial proteases and discuss their potential as therapeutic targets in AML.

Supply and demand-heme synthesis, salvage and utilization by Apicomplexa

The Apicomplexa phylum groups important human and animal pathogens that cause severe diseases, encompassing malaria, toxoplasmosis, and cryptosporidiosis. In common with most organisms, apicomplexans rely on heme as cofactor for several enzymes, including cytochromes of the electron transport chain. This heme derives from de novo synthesis and/or the development of uptake mechanisms to scavenge heme from their host. Recent studies have revealed that heme synthesis is essential for Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites, as well as for the mosquito and liver stages of Plasmodium spp. In contrast, the erythrocytic stages of the malaria parasites rely on scavenging heme from the host red blood cell. The unusual heme synthesis pathway in Apicomplexa spans three cellular compartments and comprises enzymes of distinct ancestral origin, providing promising drug targets. Remarkably given the requirement for heme, T. gondii can tolerate the loss of several heme synthesis enzymes at a high fitness cost, while the ferrochelatase is essential for survival. These findings indicate that T. gondii is capable of salvaging heme precursors from its host. Furthermore, heme is implicated in the activation of the key antimalarial drug artemisinin. Recent findings established that a reduction in heme availability corresponds to decreased sensitivity to artemisinin in T. gondii and Plasmodium falciparum, providing insights into the possible development of combination therapies to tackle apicomplexan parasites. This review describes the microeconomics of heme in Apicomplexa, from supply, either from de novo synthesis or scavenging, to demand by metabolic pathways, including the electron transport chain.

Human aminolevulinate synthase structure reveals a eukaryotic-specific autoinhibitory loop regulating substrate binding and product release

5'-aminolevulinate synthase (ALAS) catalyzes the first step in heme biosynthesis, generating 5'-aminolevulinate from glycine and succinyl-CoA. Inherited frameshift indel mutations of human erythroid-specific isozyme ALAS2, within a C-terminal (Ct) extension of its catalytic core that is only present in higher eukaryotes, lead to gain-of-function X-linked protoporphyria (XLP). Here, we report the human ALAS2 crystal structure, revealing that its Ct-extension folds onto the catalytic core, sits atop the active site, and precludes binding of substrate succinyl-CoA. The Ct-extension is therefore an autoinhibitory element that must re-orient during catalysis, as supported by molecular dynamics simulations. Our data explain how Ct deletions in XLP alleviate autoinhibition and increase enzyme activity. Crystallography-based fragment screening reveals a binding hotspot around the Ct-extension, where fragments interfere with the Ct conformational dynamics and inhibit ALAS2 activity. These fragments represent a starting point to develop ALAS2 inhibitors as substrate reduction therapy for porphyria disorders that accumulate toxic heme intermediates.

Stockpiling by pups and self-sacrifice by their fasting mothers observed in birth to weaning serum metabolomes of Atlantic grey seals

During the uniquely short lactations of true seals, pups acquire a greater proportion of maternal body resources, at a greater rate, than in any other group of mammals. Mothers in many species enter a period of anorexia but must preserve sufficient reserves to fuel hunting and thermoregulation for return to cold seas. Moreover, pups may undergo a period of development after weaning during which they have no maternal care or nutrition. This nutritionally closed system presents a potentially extreme case of conflict between maternal survival and adequate provisioning of offspring, likely presenting strains on their metabolisms. We examined the serum metabolomes of five mother and pup pairs of Atlantic grey seals, Halichoerus grypus, from birth to weaning. Changes with time were particularly evident in pups, with indications of strain in the fat and energy metabolisms of both. Crucially, pups accumulate certain compounds to levels that are dramatically greater than in mothers. These include compounds that pups cannot synthesise themselves, such as pyridoxine/vitamin B6, taurine, some essential amino acids, and a conditionally essential amino acid and its precursor. Fasting mothers therefore appear to mediate stockpiling of critical metabolites in their pups, potentially depleting their own reserves and prompting cessation of lactation.

Mitochondrial ClpX activates an essential biosynthetic enzyme through partial unfolding

Mitochondria control the activity, quality, and lifetime of their proteins with an autonomous system of chaperones, but the signals that direct substrate-chaperone interactions and outcomes are poorly understood. We previously discovered that the mitochondrial AAA+ protein unfoldase ClpX (mtClpX) activates the initiating enzyme for heme biosynthesis, 5-aminolevulinic acid synthase (ALAS), by promoting cofactor incorporation. Here, we ask how mtClpX accomplishes this activation. Using S. cerevisiae proteins, we identified sequence and structural features within ALAS that position mtClpX and provide it with a grip for acting on ALAS. Observation of ALAS undergoing remodeling by mtClpX revealed that unfolding is limited to a region extending from the mtClpX-binding site to the active site. Unfolding along this path is required for mtClpX to gate cofactor binding to ALAS. This targeted unfolding contrasts with the global unfolding canonically executed by ClpX homologs and provides insight into how substrate-chaperone interactions direct the outcome of remodeling.

Structural basis of nucleosome assembly by the Abo1 AAA+ ATPase histone chaperone

The fundamental unit of chromatin, the nucleosome, is an intricate structure that requires histone chaperones for assembly. ATAD2 AAA+ ATPases are a family of histone chaperones that regulate nucleosome density and chromatin dynamics. Here, we demonstrate that the fission yeast ATAD2 homolog, Abo1, deposits histone H3-H4 onto DNA in an ATP-hydrolysis-dependent manner by in vitro reconstitution and single-tethered DNA curtain assays. We present cryo-EM structures of an ATAD2 family ATPase to atomic resolution in three different nucleotide states, revealing unique structural features required for histone loading on DNA, and directly visualize the transitions of Abo1 from an asymmetric spiral (ATP-state) to a symmetric ring (ADP- and apo-states) using high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM). Furthermore, we find that the acidic pore of ATP-Abo1 binds a peptide substrate which is suggestive of a histone tail. Based on these results, we propose a model whereby Abo1 facilitates H3-H4 loading by utilizing ATP.

Chemical Modulation of Human Mitochondrial ClpP: Potential Application in Cancer Therapeutics

The human ClpP proteolytic complex (HsClpP) is a serine protease located in the mitochondrial matrix and participates in the maintenance of the mitochondrial proteome among other cellular functions. HsClpP typically forms a multimeric complex with the AAA+ protein unfoldase HsClpX. Notably, compared to that of normal, healthy cells, the expression of HsClpP in many types of solid and nonsolid cancers is found to be upregulated. While the exact role of HsClpP in tumorigenesis is not clear, certain types of cancers are highly dependent on the protease for cell proliferation and metastasis. In light of these observations, recent research has focused on the discovery and characterization of small organic molecules that can target and modulate HsClpP activity. These include compounds that inhibit HsClpP's proteolytic activity via covalent modification of its catalytic Ser residue as well as those that activate and dysregulate HsClpP by displacing HsClpX to negate its regulatory role. Importantly, several of these compounds have been shown to induce HsClpP-dependent apoptotic cell death in a variety of cancerous cells. This review provides an overview of these research efforts and highlights the various types of small molecule modulators of HsClpP activity with respect to their potential use as cancer therapeutics.

Staphylococcus aureus ClpX localizes at the division septum and impacts transcription of genes involved in cell division, T7-secretion, and SaPI5-excision

In all living cells, molecular chaperones are essential for facilitating folding and unfolding of proteins. ClpX is a highly conserved ATP-dependent chaperone that besides functioning as a classical chaperone can associate with ClpP to form the ClpXP protease. To investigate the relative impact of the ClpXP protease and the ClpX chaperone in cell physiology of the important pathogenic bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, we assessed the transcriptional changes induced by inactivating only ClpXP, or by completely deleting ClpX. This analysis revealed that ClpX has a profound impact on S. aureus cell physiology that is mediated primarily via ClpXP-dependent pathways. As an example, ClpX impacts expression of virulence genes entirely via ClpXP-dependent mechanisms. Furthermore, ClpX controls a high number of genes and sRNAs via pathways involving both ClpXP protease and ClpX chaperone activities; an interesting example being genes promoting excision and replication of the pathogenicity island SaPI5. Independently of ClpP, ClpX, impacts transcription of only a restricted number of genes involved in peptidoglycan synthesis, cell division, and type seven secretion. Finally, we demonstrate that ClpX localizes in single foci in close proximity to the division septum lending support to the idea that ClpX plays a role in S. aureus cell division.

Probing the rice Rubisco-Rubisco activase interaction via subunit heterooligomerization

During photosynthesis the AAA+ protein and essential molecular chaperone Rubisco activase (Rca) constantly remodels inhibited active sites of the CO₂-fixing enzyme Rubisco (ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) to release tightly bound sugar phosphates. Higher plant Rca is a crop improvement target, but its mechanism remains poorly understood. Here we used structure-guided mutagenesis to probe the Rubisco-interacting surface of rice Rca. Mutations in Ser-23, Lys-148, and Arg-321 uncoupled adenosine triphosphatase and Rca activity, implicating them in the Rubisco interaction. Mutant doping experiments were used to evaluate a suite of known Rubisco-interacting residues for relative importance in the context of the functional hexamer. Hexamers containing some subunits that lack the Rubisco-interacting N-terminal domain displayed a ∼2-fold increase in Rca function. Overall Rubisco-interacting residues located toward the rim of the hexamer were found to be less critical to Rca function than those positioned toward the axial pore. Rca is a key regulator of the rate-limiting CO₂-fixing reactions of photosynthesis. A detailed functional understanding will assist the ongoing endeavors to enhance crop CO₂ assimilation rate, growth, and yield.

Zebrafish as a model system to delineate the role of heme and iron metabolism during erythropoiesis

Coordination of iron acquisition and heme synthesis is required for effective erythropoiesis. The small teleost zebrafish (Danio rerio) is an ideal vertebrate animal model to replicate various aspects of human physiology and provides an efficient and cost-effective way to model human pathophysiology. Importantly, zebrafish erythropoiesis largely resembles mammalian erythropoiesis. Gene discovery by large-scale forward mutagenesis screening has identified key components in heme and iron metabolism. Reverse genetic screens, using morpholino-knockdown and CRISPR/Cas9, coupled with the genetic tractability of the developing embryo have further accelerated functional studies. Ultimately, the ex utero development of zebrafish embryos combined with their transparency and developmental plasticity could provide a deeper understanding of the role of iron and heme metabolism during early vertebrate embryonic development.

Recent advances on porphyria genetics: Inheritance, penetrance & molecular heterogeneity, including new modifying/causative genes

The inborn errors of heme biosynthesis, the Porphyrias, include eight major disorders resulting from loss-of-function (LOF) or gain-of-function (GOF) mutations in eight of the nine heme biosynthetic genes. The major sites of heme biosynthesis are the liver and erythron, and the underlying pathophysiology of each of these disorders depends on the unique biochemistry, cell biology, and genetic mechanisms in these tissues. The porphyrias are classified into three major categories: 1) the acute hepatic porphyrias (AHPs), including Acute Intermittent Porphyria (AIP), Hereditary Coproporphyria (HCP), Variegate Porphyria (VP), and 5-Aminolevlulinic Acid Dehydratase Deficient Porphyria (ADP); 2) a hepatic cutaneous porphyria, Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT); and 3) the cutaneous erythropoietic porphyrias, Congenital Erythropoietic Porphyria (CEP), Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP), and X-Linked Protoporphyria (XLP). Their modes of inheritance include autosomal dominant with markedly decreased penetrance (AIP, VP, and HCP), autosomal recessive (ADP, CEP, and EPP), or X-linked (XLP), as well as an acquired sporadic form (PCT). There are severe homozygous dominant forms of the three AHPs. For each porphyria, its phenotype, inheritance pattern, unique genetic principles, and molecular genetic heterogeneity are presented. To date, >1000 mutations in the heme biosynthetic genes causing their respective porphyrias have been reported, including low expression alleles and genotype/phenotype correlations that predict severity for certain porphyrias. The tissue-specific regulation of heme biosynthesis and the unique genetic mechanisms for each porphyria are highlighted.

Regulation and tissue-specific expression of δ-aminolevulinic acid synthases in non-syndromic sideroblastic anemias and porphyrias

Recently, new genes and molecular mechanisms have been identified in patients with porphyrias and sideroblastic anemias (SA). They all modulate either directly or indirectly the δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase (ALAS) activity. ALAS, is encoded by two genes: the erythroid-specific (ALAS2), and the ubiquitously expressed (ALAS1). In the liver, ALAS1 controls the rate-limiting step in the production of heme and hemoproteins that are rapidly turned over in response to metabolic needs. Several heme regulatory targets have been identified as regulators of ALAS1 activity: 1) transcriptional repression via a heme-responsive element, 2) post-transcriptional destabilization of ALAS1 mRNA, 3) post-translational inhibition via a heme regulatory motif, 4) direct inhibition of the activity of the enzyme and 5) breakdown of ALAS1 protein via heme-mediated induction of the protease Lon peptidase 1. In erythroid cells, ALAS2 is a gatekeeper of production of very large amounts of heme necessary for hemoglobin synthesis. The rate of ALAS2 synthesis is transiently increased during the period of active heme synthesis. Its gene expression is determined by trans-activation of nuclear factor GATA1, CACC box and NF-E2-binding sites in the promoter areas. ALAS2 mRNA translation is also regulated by the iron-responsive element (IRE)/iron regulatory proteins (IRP) binding system. In patients, ALAS enzyme activity is affected in most of the mutations causing non-syndromic SA and in several porphyrias. Decreased ALAS2 activity results either directly from loss-of-function ALAS2 mutations as seen in X-linked sideroblastic anemia (XLSA) or from defect in the availability of one of its two mitochondrial substrates: glycine in SLC25A38 mutations and succinyl CoA in GLRX5 mutations. Moreover, ALAS2 gain of function mutations is responsible for X-linked protoporphyria and increased ALAS1 activity lead to acute attacks of hepatic porphyrias. A missense dominant mutation in the Walker A motif of the ATPase binding site in the gene coding for the mitochondrial protein unfoldase CLPX also contributes to increasing ALAS and subsequently protoporphyrinemia. Altogether, these recent data on human ALAS have informed our understanding of porphyrias and sideroblastic anemias pathogeneses and may contribute to new therapeutic strategies.

Mitochondria orchestrate proteostatic and metabolic stress responses

The eukaryotic cell is morphologically and functionally organized as an interconnected network of organelles that responds to stress and aging. Organelles communicate via dedicated signal transduction pathways and the transfer of information in form of metabolites and energy levels. Recent data suggest that the communication between organellar proteostasis systems is a cornerstone of cellular stress responses in eukaryotic cells. Here, we discuss the integration of proteostasis and energy fluxes in the regulation of cellular stress and aging. We emphasize the molecular architecture of the regulatory transcriptional pathways that both sense and control metabolism and proteostasis. A special focus is placed on mechanistic insights gained from the model organism budding yeast in signaling from mitochondria to the nucleus and how this shapes cellular fitness.

Facile Nanolization Strategy for Therapeutic Ganoderma Lucidum Spore Oil to Achieve Enhanced Protection against Radiation-Induced Heart Disease

Radiotherapy (RT) has been extensively utilized for clinical cancer therapy, however, excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is becoming a main cause for radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD). Ganoderma lucidum spore oil (GLSO) is a popular functional food composite with potent antioxidant activity, but it is compromised by poor solubility and stability for further application. Therefore, a strategy for rational fabrication of GLSO@P188/PEG400 nanosystem (NS) is demonstrated in this study to realize good water solubility and achieve enhanced protection against RIHD. As expected, GLSO@P188/PEG400 NS can attenuate X-ray-induced excessive ROS levels thanks to its enhanced free radical scavenging capability, simultaneously protecting on mitochondria from X-ray irradiation (IR). Moreover, GLSO@P188/PEG400 NS alleviates DNA damage and promotes self-repair processes against IR, thus recovering G0/G1 proportion back to normal levels. Furthermore, pre- and post-treated GLSO@P188/PEG400 NS demonstrates potential protection on heart from X-rays in vivo, as evidenced by attenuating cardiac dysfunction and myocardial fibrosis. Meanwhile, the cell antioxidant capacity (including T-SOD, MDA, and GSH-x) stays in balance during this process. This study not only provides a promising strategy for facile nanolization of functional food composites with hydrophobic defects but also sheds light on their cardiac protection and action mechanisms against IR-induced disease.

Mechanical Protein Unfolding and Degradation

AAA+ proteolytic machines use energy from ATP hydrolysis to degrade damaged, misfolded, or unneeded proteins. Protein degradation occurs within a barrel-shaped self-compartmentalized peptidase. Before protein substrates can enter this peptidase, they must be unfolded and then translocated through the axial pore of an AAA+ ring hexamer. An unstructured region of the protein substrate is initially engaged in the axial pore, and conformational changes in the ring, powered by ATP hydrolysis, generate a mechanical force that pulls on and denatures the substrate. The same conformational changes in the hexameric ring then mediate mechanical translocation of the unfolded polypeptide into the peptidase chamber. For the bacterial ClpXP and ClpAP AAA+ proteases, the mechanical activities of protein unfolding and translocation have been directly visualized by single-molecule optical trapping. These studies in combination with structural and biochemical experiments illuminate many principles that underlie this universal mechanism of ATP-fueled protein unfolding and subsequent destruction.

Mitochondrial Proteolysis and Metabolic Control

Mitochondria are metabolic hubs that use multiple proteases to maintain proteostasis and to preserve their overall quality. A decline of mitochondrial proteolysis promotes cellular stress and may contribute to the aging process. Mitochondrial proteases have also emerged as tightly regulated enzymes required to support the remarkable mitochondrial plasticity necessary for metabolic adaptation in a number of physiological scenarios. Indeed, the mutation and dysfunction of several mitochondrial proteases can cause specific human diseases with severe metabolic phenotypes. Here, we present an overview of the proteolytic regulation of key mitochondrial functions such as respiration, lipid biosynthesis, and mitochondrial dynamics, all of which are required for metabolic control. We also pay attention to how mitochondrial proteases are acutely regulated in response to cellular stressors or changes in growth conditions, a greater understanding of which may one day uncover their therapeutic potential.

Porphyrin-Induced Protein Oxidation and Aggregation as a Mechanism of Porphyria-Associated Cell Injury

Genetic porphyrias comprise eight diseases caused by defects in the heme biosynthetic pathway that lead to accumulation of heme precursors. Consequences of porphyria include photosensitivity, liver damage and increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, and neurovisceral involvement, including seizures. Fluorescent porphyrins that include protoporphyrin-IX, uroporphyrin and coproporphyrin, are photo-reactive; they absorb light energy and are excited to high-energy singlet and triplet states. Decay of the porphyrin excited to ground state releases energy and generates singlet oxygen. Porphyrin-induced oxidative stress is thought to be the major mechanism of porphyrin-mediated tissue damage. Although this explains the acute photosensitivity in most porphyrias, light-induced porphyrin-mediated oxidative stress does not account for the effect of porphyrins on internal organs. Recent findings demonstrate the unique role of fluorescent porphyrins in causing subcellular compartment-selective protein aggregation. Porphyrin-mediated protein aggregation associates with nuclear deformation, cytoplasmic vacuole formation and endoplasmic reticulum dilation. Porphyrin-triggered proteotoxicity is compounded by inhibition of the proteasome due to aggregation of some of its subunits. The ensuing disruption in proteostasis also manifests in cell cycle arrest coupled with aggregation of cell proliferation-related proteins, including PCNA, cdk4 and cyclin B1. Porphyrins bind to native proteins and, in presence of light and oxygen, oxidize several amino acids, particularly methionine. Noncovalent interaction of oxidized proteins with porphyrins leads to formation of protein aggregates. In internal organs, particularly the liver, light-independent porphyrin-mediated protein aggregation occurs after secondary triggers of oxidative stress. Thus, porphyrin-induced protein aggregation provides a novel mechanism for external and internal tissue damage in porphyrias that involve fluorescent porphyrin accumulation.

Investigating the Connection Between Endogenous Heme Accumulation and COX2 Activity in Cancer Cells

Heme, an iron-containing porphyrin, is fundamental for a variety of functions in cell homeostasis. Nevertheless, recent data indicate that dysregulation of heme metabolism might promote tumorigenesis. The intracellular heme pool is finely regulated through the control of heme synthesis, degradation, incorporation into hemoproteins and trafficking across membranes. All these processes might be potentially targeted to alter endogenous heme content in order to counteract cancer growth. Nevertheless, these putative therapeutic interventions have to take into account the possibility of undesired side effects, such as the over-activation of heme-dependent enzymes involved in cancer. Among them, cyclooxygenase-2 is a prostaglandin-producing hemoprotein, induced during inflammation and in different types of tumor, particularly in colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether modulation of endogenous heme may affect cyclooxygenase-2 expression and activity, taking advantage of two different approaches able to alter heme levels: the silencing of the heme exporter Feline Leukemia Virus subgroup C receptor 1 and the induction of heme synthesis by 5-aminolevulinic acid administration. Our data demonstrate that the down-regulation of the heme exporter in colorectal cancer cells does not affect cyclooxygenase-2 expression and activity. Conversely, 5-aminolevulinic acid administration results in decreased cyclooxygenase-2 expression. However, the overall cyclooxygenase-2 enzymatic activity is maintained. The present work sheds light on the complex modulation of cyclooxygenase-2 by endogenous heme and support the idea that targeting heme metabolism could be a valuable therapeutic option against cancer.

Mitochondrial stress response triggered by defects in protein synthesis quality control

Quality control defects of mitochondrial nascent chain synthesis trigger a sequential stress response characterized by OMA1 activation and ribosome decay, determining mitochondrial form and function.

Mitochondria have a compartmentalized gene expression system dedicated to the synthesis of membrane proteins essential for oxidative phosphorylation. Responsive quality control mechanisms are needed to ensure that aberrant protein synthesis does not disrupt mitochondrial function. Pathogenic mutations that impede the function of the mitochondrial matrix quality control protease complex composed of AFG3L2 and paraplegin cause a multifaceted clinical syndrome. At the cell and molecular level, defects to this quality control complex are defined by impairment to mitochondrial form and function. Here, we establish the etiology of these phenotypes. We show how disruptions to the quality control of mitochondrial protein synthesis trigger a sequential stress response characterized first by OMA1 activation followed by loss of mitochondrial ribosomes and by remodelling of mitochondrial inner membrane ultrastructure. Inhibiting mitochondrial protein synthesis with chloramphenicol completely blocks this stress response. Together, our data establish a mechanism linking major cell biological phenotypes of AFG3L2 pathogenesis and show how modulation of mitochondrial protein synthesis can exert a beneficial effect on organelle homeostasis.