Two components in pathogenic mechanism of mitochondrial ATPase deficiency: energy deprivation and ROS production

FAM3A maintains metabolic homeostasis by interacting with F1-ATP synthase to regulate the activity and assembly of ATP synthase

Reduced mitochondrial ATP synthase (ATPS) capacity plays crucial roles in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders. However, there is currently no effective strategy for synchronously stimulating the expressions of ATPS key subunits to restore its assembly. This study determined the roles of mitochondrial protein FAM3A in regulating the activity and assembly of ATPS in hepatocytes. FAM3A is localized in mitochondrial matrix, where it interacts with F1-ATPS to initially activate ATP synthesis and release, and released ATP further activates P2 receptor-Akt-CREB pathway to induce FOXD3 expression. FOXD3 synchronously stimulates the transcriptions of ATPS key subunits and assembly genes to increase its assembly and capacity, augmenting ATP synthesis and inhibiting ROS production. FAM3A, FOXD3 and ATPS expressions were reduced in livers of diabetic mice and NAFLD patients. FOXD3 expression, ATPS capacity and ATP content were reduced in various tissues of FAM3A-deficient mice with dysregulated glucose and lipid metabolism. Hepatic FOXD3 activation increased ATPS assembly to ameliorate dysregulated glucose and lipid metabolism in obese mice. Hepatic FOXD3 inhibition or knockout reduced ATPS capacity to aggravate HFD-induced hyperglycemia and steatosis. In conclusion, FAM3A is an active ATPS component, and regulates its activity and assembly by activating FOXD3. Activating FAM3A-FOXD3 axis represents a viable strategy for restoring ATPS assembly to treat metabolic disorders.

Insights into the Metabolic Response of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCFM1287 upon Patulin Exposure

Patulin (PAT) is a common mycotoxin in the food industry, and is found in apple products in particular. Consumption of food or feed contaminated with PAT can cause acute or chronic toxicity in humans and animals. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCFM1287 is a probiotic strain that effectively degrades PAT in PBS and food systems. In this study, it was found that the concentration of PAT (50 mg/L) in MRS medium decreased by 85.09% during the first stages of CCFM1287 growth, and this change was consistent with the first-order degradation kinetic model. Meanwhile, the regulation of oxidative stress by L. plantarum CCFM1287 in response to PAT exposure and metabolic changes that occur during PAT degradation were investigated. The degree of intracellular damage was attenuated after 16 h of exposure compared to 8 h. Meanwhile, metabolomic data showed that 30 and 29 significantly different metabolites were screened intracellularly in the strain after 8 h and 16 h of PAT stress at 50 mg/L, respectively. The results of pathway enrichment analysis suggested that the purine metabolic pathway was significantly enriched at both 8 h and 16 h. However, as is consistent with the performance of the antioxidant system, the changes in Lactiplantibacillus diminished with increasing time of PAT exposure. Therefore, this study helps to further explain the mechanism of PAT degradation by L. plantarum CCFM1287.

ATPAF1 deficiency impairs ATP synthase assembly and mitochondrial respiration

ATP11p and ATP12p are two nuclear-encoded mitochondrial chaperone proteins required for assembling the F1Fo-ATP synthase F1 sector. ATPAF1 and ATPAF2 are the mammalian homologs of ATP11p and ATP12p. However, the biochemical and physiological relevance of ATPAF1 and ATPAF2 in animal tissues with high energy-dependence remains unclear. To explore the in vivo role of ATP assembly and the effects of ATP synthase deficiency in animals, we have generated knockout (KO) mouse models of these assembly factors using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. While the Atpaf2-KO mice were embryonically lethal, Atpaf1-KO mice grew to adulthood but with smaller body sizes and elevated blood lactate later in life. We specifically investigated how ATPAF1 deficiency may affect ATP synthase biogenesis and mitochondrial respiration in the mouse heart, an organ highly energy-dependent. Western blots and Blue-Native electrophoresis (BN-PAGE) demonstrated a decreased F1 content and ATP synthase dimers in the Atpaf1-KO heart. Mitochondria from ATPAF1-deficient hearts showed ultrastructural abnormalities with condensed degenerated mitochondria, loss of cristae, and impaired respiratory capacity. ATP synthase deficiency also leads to impaired autophagy and mitochondrial dynamic. Consequently, decreased cardiac function was exhibited in adult Atpaf1-KO mice. The results provide strong support that ATPAF1 is essential for ATP synthase assembly and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, thus playing a crucial role in maintaining cardiac structure and function in animals.

Homoplasmic deleterious MT-ATP6/8 mutations in adult patients

To address the frequency of complex V defects, we systematically sequenced MT-ATP6/8 genes in 512 consecutive patients. We performed functional analysis in muscle or fibroblasts for 12 out of 27 putative homoplasmic mutations and in cybrids for four. Fibroblasts, muscle and cybrids with known deleterious mutations underwent parallel analysis. It included oxidative phosphorylation spectrophotometric assays, western blots, structural analysis, ATP production, glycolysis and cell proliferation evaluation. We demonstrated the deleterious nature of three original mutations. Striking gradation in severity of the mutations consequences and differences between muscle, fibroblasts and cybrids implied a likely under-diagnosis of human complex V defects.

Role of Mitochondrial Glycerol-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase in Metabolic Adaptations of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most prominent cancers diagnosed in males. Contrasting with other cancer types, glucose utilization is not increased in prostate carcinoma cells as they employ different metabolic adaptations involving mitochondria as a source of energy and intermediates required for rapid cell growth. In this regard, prostate cancer cells were associated with higher activity of mitochondrial glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (mGPDH), the key rate limiting component of the glycerophosphate shuttle, which connects mitochondrial and cytosolic processes and plays significant role in cellular bioenergetics. Our research focused on the role of mGPDH biogenesis and regulation in prostate cancer compared to healthy cells. We show that the 42 amino acid presequence is cleaved from N-terminus during mGPDH biogenesis. Only the processed form is part of the mGPDH dimer that is the prominent functional enzyme entity. We demonstrate that mGPDH overexpression enhances the wound healing ability in prostate cancer cells. As mGPDH is at the crossroad of glycolysis, lipogenesis and oxidative metabolism, regulation of its activity by intramitochondrial processing might represent rapid means of cellular metabolic adaptations.

Preconditioning beef cattle for long-duration transportation stress with rumen-protected methionine supplementation: A nutrigenetics study

In general, beef cattle long-distance transportation from cow-calf operations to feedlots or from feedlots to abattoirs is a common situation in the beef industry. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of rumen-protected methionine (RPM) supplementation on a proposed gene network for muscle fatigue, creatine synthesis (CKM), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism after a transportation simulation in a test track. Angus × Simmental heifers (n = 18) were stratified by body weight (408 ± 64 kg; BW) and randomly assigned to dietary treatments: 1) control diet (CTRL) or 2) control diet + 8 gr/hd/day of top-dressed rumen-protected methionine (RPM). After an adaptation period to Calan gates, animals received the mentioned dietary treatment consisting of Bermuda hay ad libitum and a soy hulls and corn gluten feed based supplement. After 45 days of supplementation, animals were loaded onto a trailer and transported for 22 hours (long-term transportation). Longissimus muscle biopsies, BW and blood samples were obtained on day 0 (Baseline), 43 (Pre-transport; PRET), and 46 (Post-transport; POST). Heifers' average daily gain did not differ between baseline and PRET. Control heifer's shrink was 10% of BW while RPM heifers shrink was 8%. Serum cortisol decreased, and glucose and creatine kinase levels increased after transportation, but no differences were observed between treatments. Messenger RNA was extracted from skeletal muscle tissue and gene expression analysis was performed by RT-qPCR. Results showed that AHCY and DNMT3A (DNA methylation), SSPN (Sarcoglycan complex), and SOD2 (Oxidative Stress-ROS) were upregulated in CTRL between baseline and PRET and, decreased between pre and POST while they remained constant for RPM. Furthermore, CKM was not affected by treatments. In conclusion, RPM supplementation may affect ROS production and enhance DNA hypermethylation, after a long-term transportation.

Mitochondrial ATP synthase regulates corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cell function in vivo and in vitro

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels are closely associated with diabetes-related erectile dysfunction (DMED). Mitochondrial ATP synthase serves a key role in ATP production. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between F₁-ATP synthase and DMED in vivo and in vitro. The F₁-ATP synthase expression levels in corpus cavernosum tissues from rats with DMED were examined. F₁-ATP synthase expression was found to be lower in corpus cavernosum tissues from rats with DMED compared with healthy controls, suggesting a role for ATP synthase under high glucose conditions. In addition, the present study also demonstrated that hyperglycemia could downregulate F₁-ATP synthase expression in rat corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs) in vitro. The overexpression of F₁-ATP synthase in CCSMCs influenced the phenotypic CCSMC transformation, upregulated eNOS expression, increased cGMP levels and reduced CCSMC apoptosis under high glucose in vitro. In conclusion, the present study indicates that the upregulation of mitochondrial ATP synthase expression may improve CCSMC function, suggesting that mitochondrial ATP synthase could serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of DMED.

Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit 4 Isoform Exchange Results in Modulation of Oxygen Affinity

Cytochrome c oxidase (COX) is regulated through tissue-, development- or environment-controlled expression of subunit isoforms. The COX4 subunit is thought to optimize respiratory chain function according to oxygen-controlled expression of its isoforms COX4i1 and COX4i2. However, biochemical mechanisms of regulation by the two variants are only partly understood. We created an HEK293-based knock-out cellular model devoid of both isoforms (COX4i1/2 KO). Subsequent knock-in of COX4i1 or COX4i2 generated cells with exclusive expression of respective isoform. Both isoforms complemented the respiratory defect of COX4i1/2 KO. The content, composition, and incorporation of COX into supercomplexes were comparable in COX4i1- and COX4i2-expressing cells. Also, COX activity, cytochrome c affinity, and respiratory rates were undistinguishable in cells expressing either isoform. Analysis of energy metabolism and the redox state in intact cells uncovered modestly increased preference for mitochondrial ATP production, consistent with the increased NADH pool oxidation and lower ROS in COX4i2-expressing cells in normoxia. Most remarkable changes were uncovered in COX oxygen kinetics. The p₅₀ (partial pressure of oxygen at half-maximal respiration) was increased twofold in COX4i2 versus COX4i1 cells, indicating decreased oxygen affinity of the COX4i2-containing enzyme. Our finding supports the key role of the COX4i2-containing enzyme in hypoxia-sensing pathways of energy metabolism.

Expanding the molecular and phenotypic spectrum of truncating MT-ATP6 mutations

Objective

To describe the clinical and functional consequences of 1 novel and 1 previously reported truncating MT-ATP6 mutation.

Methods

Three unrelated probands with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy harboring truncating MT-ATP6 mutations are reported. Transmitochondrial cybrid cell studies were used to confirm pathogenicity of 1 novel variant, and the effects of all 3 mutations on ATPase 6 and complex V structure and function were investigated.

Results

Patient 1 presented with adult-onset cerebellar ataxia, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes, whereas patient 2 had myoclonic epilepsy and cerebellar ataxia; both harbored the novel m.8782G>A; p.(Gly86*) mutation. Patient 3 exhibited cognitive decline, with posterior white matter abnormalities on brain MRI, and severely impaired renal function requiring transplantation. The m.8618dup; p.(Thr33Hisfs*32) mutation, previously associated with neurogenic muscle weakness, ataxia, and retinitis pigmentosa, was identified. All 3 probands demonstrated a broad range of heteroplasmy across different tissue types. Blue-native gel electrophoresis of cultured fibroblasts and skeletal muscle tissue confirmed multiple bands, suggestive of impaired complex V assembly. Microscale oxygraphy showed reduced basal respiration and adenosine triphosphate synthesis, while reactive oxygen species generation was increased. Transmitochondrial cybrid cell lines studies confirmed the deleterious effects of the novel m.8782 G>A; p.(Gly86*) mutation.

Conclusions

We expand the clinical and molecular spectrum of MT-ATP6-related mitochondrial disorders to include leukodystrophy, renal disease, and myoclonic epilepsy with cerebellar ataxia. Truncating MT-ATP6 mutations may exhibit highly variable mutant levels across different tissue types, an important consideration during genetic counseling.

Knockout of Tmem70 alters biogenesis of ATP synthase and leads to embryonal lethality in mice

TMEM70, a 21-kDa protein localized in the inner mitochondrial membrane, has been shown to facilitate the biogenesis of mammalian F1Fo ATP synthase. Mutations of the TMEM70 gene represent the most frequent cause of isolated ATP synthase deficiency resulting in a severe mitochondrial disease presenting as neonatal encephalo-cardiomyopathy (OMIM 604273). To better understand the biological role of this factor, we generated Tmem70-deficient mice and found that the homozygous Tmem70-/- knockouts exhibited profound growth retardation and embryonic lethality at ∼9.5 days post coitum. Blue-Native electrophoresis demonstrated an isolated deficiency in fully assembled ATP synthase in the Tmem70-/- embryos (80% decrease) and a marked accumulation of F1 complexes indicative of impairment in ATP synthase biogenesis that was stalled at the early stage, following the formation of F1 oligomer. Consequently, a decrease in ADP-stimulated State 3 respiration, respiratory control ratio and ATP/ADP ratios, indicated compromised mitochondrial ATP production. Tmem70-/- embryos exhibited delayed development of the cardiovascular system and a disturbed heart mitochondrial ultrastructure, with concentric or irregular cristae structures. Tmem70+/- heterozygous mice were fully viable and displayed normal postnatal growth and development of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system. Nevertheless, they presented with mild deterioration of heart function. Our results demonstrated that Tmem70 knockout in the mouse results in embryonic lethality due to the lack of ATP synthase and impairment of mitochondrial energy provision. This is analogous to TMEM70 dysfunction in humans and verifies the crucial role of this factor in the biosynthesis and assembly of mammalian ATP synthase.

Mobile-phone radiation-induced perturbation of gene-expression profiling, redox equilibrium and sporadic-apoptosis control in the ovary of Drosophila melanogaster

The daily use by people of wireless communication devices has increased exponentially in the last decade, begetting concerns regarding its potential health hazards. Drosophila melanogaster four days-old adult female flies were exposed for 30 min to radiation emitted by a commercial mobile phone at a SAR of 0.15 W/kg and a SAE of 270 J/kg. ROS levels and apoptotic follicles were assayed in parallel with a genome-wide microarrays analysis. ROS cellular contents were found to increase by 1.6-fold (x), immediately after the end of exposure, in follicles of pre-choriogenic stages (germarium - stage 10), while sporadically generated apoptotic follicles (germarium 2b and stages 7-9) presented with an averaged 2x upregulation in their sub-population mass, 4 h after fly's irradiation with mobile device. Microarray analysis revealed 168 genes being differentially expressed, 2 h post-exposure, in response to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic field-radiation exposure (≥1.25x, P < 0.05) and associated with multiple and critical biological processes, such as basic metabolism and cellular subroutines related to stress response and apoptotic death. Exposure of adult flies to mobile-phone radiation for 30 min has an immediate impact on ROS production in animal's ovary, which seems to cause a global, systemic and non-targeted transcriptional reprogramming of gene expression, 2 h post-exposure, being finally followed by induction of apoptosis 4 h after the end of exposure. Conclusively, this unique type of pulsed radiation, mainly being derived from daily used mobile phones, seems capable of mobilizing critical cytopathic mechanisms, and altering fundamental genetic programs and networks in D. melanogaster.

Phenolic-rich lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) pulp extracts offer hepatoprotection against restraint stress-induced liver injury in mice by modulating mitochondrial dysfunction

The pulp from lychee, a tropical to subtropical fruit, contains large quantities of phenolic compounds and exhibits antioxidant activities both in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the hepatoprotective effects of lychee pulp phenolics (LPPs) against restraint stress-induced liver injury in mice. After 18 h of restraint stress, increased levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities were observed. High levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were also found. Restraint stress causes liver damage, which was protected against by LPP pretreatment at a dosage of 200 mg (kg d)(-1) for 21 consecutive days. This treatment remarkably decreased the serum ALT, AST and TBARS levels, elevated the liver glutathione (GSH) content, and the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Furthermore, respiratory chain complex and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activities were enhanced in liver mitochondria, while mitochondrial membrane potential levels and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production decreased. Thus, treatment with LPPs ameliorated restraint stress-induced liver mitochondrial dysfunction. These results suggest that LPPs protect the liver against restraint stress-induced damage by scavenging free radicals and modulating mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus, lychee pulp may be a functional biofactor to mitigate oxidative stress.

The oligomycin-sensitivity conferring protein of mitochondrial ATP synthase: emerging new roles in mitochondrial pathophysiology

The oligomycin-sensitivity conferring protein (OSCP) of the mitochondrial F(O)F1 ATP synthase has long been recognized to be essential for the coupling of proton transport to ATP synthesis. Located on top of the catalytic F1 sector, it makes stable contacts with both F1 and the peripheral stalk, ensuring the structural and functional coupling between F(O) and F1, which is disrupted by the antibiotic, oligomycin. Recent data have established that OSCP is the binding target of cyclophilin (CyP) D, a well-characterized inducer of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP), whose opening can precipitate cell death. CyPD binding affects ATP synthase activity, and most importantly, it decreases the threshold matrix Ca²⁺ required for PTP opening, in striking analogy with benzodiazepine 423, an apoptosis-inducing agent that also binds OSCP. These findings are consistent with the demonstration that dimers of ATP synthase generate Ca²⁺-dependent currents with features indistinguishable from those of the PTP and suggest that ATP synthase is directly involved in PTP formation, although the underlying mechanism remains to be established. In this scenario, OSCP appears to play a fundamental role, sensing the signal(s) that switches the enzyme of life in a channel able to precipitate cell death.

Nuclear Genetic Defects of Mitochondrial ATP Synthase

Disorders of ATP synthase, the key enzyme of mitochondrial energy provision belong to the most severe metabolic diseases presenting as early-onset mitochondrial encephalo-cardiomyopathies. Up to now, mutations in four nuclear genes were associated with isolated deficiency of ATP synthase. Two of them, ATP5A1 and ATP5E encode enzyme’s structural subunits α and ε, respectively, while the other two ATPAF2 and TMEM70 encode specific ancillary factors that facilitate the biogenesis of ATP synthase. All these defects share a similar biochemical phenotype with pronounced decrease in the content of fully assembled and functional ATP synthase complex. However, substantial differences can be found in their frequency, molecular mechanism of pathogenesis, clinical manifestation as well as the course of the disease progression. While for TMEM70 the number of reported patients as well as spectrum of the mutations is steadily increasing, mutations in ATP5A1, ATP5E and ATPAF2 genes are very rare. Apparently, TMEM70 gene is highly prone to mutagenesis and this type of a rare mitochondrial disease has a rather frequent incidence. Here we present overview of individual reported cases of nuclear mutations in ATP synthase and discuss, how their analysis can improve our understanding of the enzyme biogenesis.

Loss of LRPPRC causes ATP synthase deficiency

Defects of the oxidative phosphorylation system, in particular of cytochrome-c oxidase (COX, respiratory chain complex IV), are common causes of Leigh syndrome (LS), which is a rare neurodegenerative disorder with severe progressive neurological symptoms that usually present during infancy or early childhood. The COX-deficient form of LS is commonly caused by mutations in genes encoding COX assembly factors, e.g. SURF1, SCO1, SCO2 or COX10. However, other mutations affecting genes that encode proteins not directly involved in COX assembly can also cause LS. The leucine-rich pentatricopeptide repeat containing protein (LRPPRC) regulates mRNA stability, polyadenylation and coordinates mitochondrial translation. In humans, mutations in Lrpprc cause the French Canadian type of LS. Despite the finding that LRPPRC deficiency affects the stability of most mitochondrial mRNAs, its pathophysiological effect has mainly been attributed to COX deficiency. Surprisingly, we show here that the impaired mitochondrial respiration and reduced ATP production observed in Lrpprc conditional knockout mouse hearts is caused by an ATP synthase deficiency. Furthermore, the appearance of inactive subassembled ATP synthase complexes causes hyperpolarization and increases mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production. Our findings shed important new light on the bioenergetic consequences of the loss of LRPPRC in cardiac mitochondria.

Invadolysin, a conserved lipid-droplet-associated metalloproteinase, is required for mitochondrial function in Drosophila

Mitochondria are the main producers of ATP, the principal energy source of the cell, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), important signaling molecules. Mitochondrial morphogenesis and function depend on a hierarchical network of mechanisms in which proteases appear to be center stage. The invadolysin gene encodes an essential conserved metalloproteinase of the M8 family that is necessary for mitosis and cell migration during Drosophila development. We previously demonstrated that invadolysin is found associated with lipid droplets in cells. Here, we present data demonstrating that invadolysin interacts physically with three mitochondrial ATP synthase subunits. Our studies have focused on the genetic phenotypes of invadolysin and bellwether, the Drosophila homolog of ATP synthase α, mutants. The invadolysin mutation presents defects in mitochondrial physiology similar to those observed in bellwether mutants. The invadolysin and bellwether mutants have parallel phenotypes that affect lipid storage and mitochondrial electron transport chain activity, which result in a reduction in ATP production and an accumulation of ROS. As a consequence, invadolysin mutant larvae show lower energetic status and higher oxidative stress. Our data demonstrate an essential role for invadolysin in mitochondrial function that is crucial for normal development and survival.

Mitochondrial ('mild') uncoupling and ROS production: physiologically relevant or not?

During the last decade, the possibility that 'mild' uncoupling could be protective against oxidative damage by diminishing ROS (reactive oxygen species) production has attracted much interest. In the present paper, we briefly examine the evidence for this possibility. It is only ROS production from succinate under reverse electron-flow conditions that is sensitive to membrane potential fluctuations, and so only this type of ROS production could be affected; however, the conditions under which succinate-supported ROS production is observed include succinate concentrations that are supraphysiological. Any decrease in membrane potential, even 'mild uncoupling', must necessarily lead to large increases in respiration, i.e. it must be markedly thermogenic. Mitochondria within cells are normally ATP-producing and thus already have a diminished membrane potential, and treatment of cells, organs or animals with small amounts of artificial uncoupler does not seem to have beneficial effects that are explainable via reduced ROS production. Although it has been suggested that members of the uncoupling protein family (UCP1, UCP2 and UCP3) may mediate a mild uncoupling, present evidence does not unequivocally support such an effect, e.g. the absence of the truly uncoupling protein UCP1 is not associated with increased oxidative damage. Thus present evidence does not support mild uncoupling as a physiologically relevant alleviator of oxidative damage.

Mitochondrial ATP synthase deficiency due to a mutation in the ATP5E gene for the F1 epsilon subunit

F1Fo-ATP synthase is a key enzyme of mitochondrial energy provision producing most of cellular ATP. So far, mitochondrial diseases caused by isolated disorders of the ATP synthase have been shown to result from mutations in mtDNA genes for the subunits ATP6 and ATP8 or in nuclear genes encoding the biogenesis factors TMEM70 and ATPAF2. Here, we describe a patient with a homozygous p.Tyr12Cys mutation in the epsilon subunit encoded by the nuclear gene ATP5E. The 22-year-old woman presented with neonatal onset, lactic acidosis, 3-methylglutaconic aciduria, mild mental retardation and developed peripheral neuropathy. Patient fibroblasts showed 60-70% decrease in both oligomycin-sensitive ATPase activity and mitochondrial ATP synthesis. The mitochondrial content of the ATP synthase complex was equally reduced, but its size was normal and it contained the mutated epsilon subunit. A similar reduction was found in all investigated F1 and Fo subunits with the exception of Fo subunit c, which was found to accumulate in a detergent-insoluble form. This is the first case of a mitochondrial disease due to a mutation in a nuclear encoded structural subunit of the ATP synthase. Our results indicate an essential role of the epsilon subunit in the biosynthesis and assembly of the F1 part of the ATP synthase. Furthermore, the epsilon subunit seems to be involved in the incorporation of subunit c to the rotor structure of the mammalian enzyme.

High-Throughput Assay to Measure Oxygen Consumption in Digitonin-Permeabilized Cells of Patients with Mitochondrial Disorders

Background: Muscle biopsy analysis is regarded as the gold standard in diagnostic workups of patients with suspected mitochondrial disorders. Analysis of cultured fibroblasts can provide important additional diagnostic information. The measurement of individual OXPHOS complexes does not always provide sufficient information about the functional state of the complete mitochondrial energy-generating system. Thus, we optimized a high-throughput fluorescence-based methodology for oxygen consumption analysis in patient-derived cells.

Methods: We analyzed mitochondrial respiration in digitonin-permeabilized cells in the presence of a substrate mix containing pyruvate and malate, using a phosphorescent probe, 96-well plates, and a fluorescence plate reader.

Results: In control fibroblasts, we observed clear stimulation by ADP of the pyruvate + malate–driven respiration. Known inhibitors of the OXPHOS system and the Krebs cycle significantly reduced respiration. In patient fibroblasts with different OXPHOS deficiencies, ADP-stimulated respiratory activity was decreased in comparison to control cells. In several patients with reduced ATP production rate in muscle tissue but with normal OXPHOS enzyme activities, the fibroblasts displayed reduced respiratory activity. Finally, we observed a clear difference between control and complex I–deficient transmitochondrial cybrid cells.

Conclusions: These results confirm the validity of the assay as a high-throughput screening method for mitochondrial function in digitonin-permeabilized cells. The assay allows primary and secondary mitochondrial abnormalities in muscle to be differentiated, which is of great importance with respect to counseling, and also will facilitate the search for new genetic defects that lead to mitochondrial disease.

Effect of thyroid hormone on mitochondrial properties and oxidative stress in cells from patients with mtDNA defects

Mitochondrial (mt)DNA mutations contribute to various disease states characterized by low ATP production. In contrast, thyroid hormone [3,3',5-triiodothyronine (T(3))] induces mitochondrial biogenesis and enhances ATP generation within cells. To evaluate the role of T(3)-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis in patients with mtDNA mutations, three fibroblast cell lines with mtDNA mutations were evaluated, including two patients with Leigh's syndrome and one with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Compared with control cells, patient fibroblasts displayed similar levels of mitochondrial mass, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1alpha), mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam), and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) protein expression. However, patient cells exhibited a 1.6-fold elevation in ROS production, a 1.7-fold elevation in cytoplasmic Ca2+ levels, a 1.2-fold elevation in mitochondrial membrane potential, and 30% less complex V activity compared with control cells. Patient cells also displayed 20-25% reductions in both cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity and MnSOD protein levels compared with control cells. After T(3) treatment of patient cells, ROS production was decreased by 40%, cytoplasmic Ca2+ was reduced by 20%, COX activity was increased by 1.3-fold, and ATP levels were elevated by 1.6-fold, despite the absence of a change in mitochondrial mass. There were no significant alterations in the protein expression of PGC-1alpha, Tfam, or UCP2 in either T(3)-treated patient or control cells. However, T(3) restored the mitochondrial membrane potential, complex V activity, and levels of MnSOD to normal values in patient cells and elevated MnSOD levels by 21% in control cells. These results suggest that T(3) acts to reduce cellular oxidative stress, which may help attenuate ROS-mediated damage, along with improving mitochondrial function and energy status in cells with mtDNA defects.

Biochemical phenotypes associated with the mitochondrial ATP6 gene mutations at nt8993

Two point mutations (T>G and T>C) at the same 8993 nucleotide of mitochondrial DNA (at comparable mutant load), affecting the ATPase 6 subunit of the F1F0-ATPase, result in neurological phenotypes of variable severity in humans. We have investigated mitochondrial function in lymphocytes from individuals carrying the 8993T>C mutation: the results were compared with data from five 8993T>G NARP (Neuropathy, Ataxia and Retinitis Pigmentosa) patients. Both 8993T>G and 8993T>C mutations led to energy deprivation and ROS overproduction. However, the relative contribution of the two pathogenic components is different depending on the mutation considered. The 8993T>G change mainly induces an energy deficiency, whereas the 8993T>C favours an increased ROS production. These results possibly highlight the different pathogenic mechanism generated by the two mutations at position 8993 and provide useful information to better characterize the biochemical role of the highly conserved Leu-156 in ATPase 6 subunit of the mitochondrial ATP synthase complex.

Deficiency of mitochondrial ATP synthase of nuclear genetic origin

We present clinical and laboratory data from 14 cases with an isolated deficiency of the mitochondrial ATP synthase (7-30% of control) caused by nuclear genetic defects. A quantitative decrease of the ATP synthase complex was documented by Blue-Native electrophoresis and Western blotting and was supported by the diminished activity of oligomycin/aurovertin-sensitive ATP hydrolysis in fibroblasts (10 cases), muscle (6 of 7 cases), and liver (one case). All patients had neonatal onset and elevated plasma lactate levels. In 12 patients investigated 3-methyl-glutaconic aciduria was detected. Seven patients died, mostly within the first weeks of life and surviving patients showed psychomotor and various degrees of mental retardation. Eleven patients had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; other clinical signs included hypotonia, hepatomegaly, facial dysmorphism and microcephaly. This phenotype markedly differs from the severe central nervous system changes of ATP synthase disorders caused by mitochondrial DNA mutations of the ATP6 gene presenting mostly as NARP and MILS.

Evaluation of mitochondrial membrane potential using a computerized device with a tetraphenylphosphonium-selective electrode

Mitochondrial membrane potential (Deltapsi(m)) plays important roles in the normal function of cells and in pathobiochemical situations. The application of ion-selective electrodes for the measurement of Deltapsi(m) is important for studying normal biological reactions and pathways and mitochondrial diseases. We constructed and optimized a computerized device for real-time monitoring of the Deltapsi(m), which included modification of tetraphenylphosphonium (TPP(+))-selective membrane that improved reproducibility of the TPP(+)-selective electrode. Application of MATLAB software increased the sensitivity of the system. We tested our improved device for membrane potential measurements of isolated mitochondria (in absolute scale of millivolts). In addition, we assessed relative changes of Deltapsi(m) (as changes in TPP(+) concentration) of digitonin-permeabilized cells (hepatocytes, control transmitochondrial cybrids, HeLa G and BSC-40) after addition of substrates, inhibitors, and uncoupler of respiratory chain. Our system can be successfully used for studies of many aspects of the regulation of mitochondrial bioenergetics and as a diagnostic tool for mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation disorders.