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Zhong R, Rua MT, Wei-LaPierre L. Targeting mitochondrial Ca 2+ uptake for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Physiol 2024; 602:1519-1549. [PMID: 38010626 PMCID: PMC11032238 DOI: 10.1113/jp284143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare adult-onset neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive motor neuron (MN) loss, muscle denervation and paralysis. Over the past several decades, researchers have made tremendous efforts to understand the pathogenic mechanisms underpinning ALS, with much yet to be resolved. ALS is described as a non-cell autonomous condition with pathology detected in both MNs and non-neuronal cells, such as glial cells and skeletal muscle. Studies in ALS patient and animal models reveal ubiquitous abnormalities in mitochondrial structure and function, and disturbance of intracellular calcium homeostasis in various tissue types, suggesting a pivotal role of aberrant mitochondrial calcium uptake and dysfunctional calcium signalling cascades in ALS pathogenesis. Calcium signalling and mitochondrial dysfunction are intricately related to the manifestation of cell death contributing to MN loss and skeletal muscle dysfunction. In this review, we discuss the potential contribution of intracellular calcium signalling, particularly mitochondrial calcium uptake, in ALS pathogenesis. Functional consequences of excessive mitochondrial calcium uptake and possible therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial calcium uptake or the mitochondrial calcium uniporter, the main channel mediating mitochondrial calcium influx, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renjia Zhong
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611
- Department of Emergency Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China, 110001
| | - Michael T. Rua
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611
| | - Lan Wei-LaPierre
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611
- Myology Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
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2
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Wang J, Jiang J, Hu H, Chen L. MCU complex: Exploring emerging targets and mechanisms of mitochondrial physiology and pathology. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00075-4. [PMID: 38417574 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, the onset and progression of multiple human diseases are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and dysregulation of Ca2+ uptake dynamics mediated by the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) complex, which plays a key role in mitochondrial dysfunction. Despite relevant studies, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. AIM OF REVIEW This article provides an in-depth analysis of the current research status of the MCU complex, focusing on its molecular composition, regulatory mechanisms, and association with diseases. In addition, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the regulatory effects of agonists, inhibitors, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) monomers on the MCU complex and their application prospects in disease treatment. From the perspective of medicinal chemistry, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the structure-activity relationship between these small molecules and MCU and deduced potential pharmacophores and binding pockets. Simultaneously, key structural domains of the MCU complex in Homo sapiens were identified. We also studied the functional expression of the MCU complex in Drosophila, Zebrafish, and Caenorhabditis elegans. These analyses provide a basis for exploring potential treatment strategies targeting the MCU complex and provide strong support for the development of future precision medicine and treatments. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW The MCU complex exhibits varying behavior across different tissues and plays various roles in metabolic functions. It consists of six MCU subunits, an essential MCU regulator (EMRE), and solute carrier 25A23 (SLC25A23). They regulate processes, such as mitochondrial Ca2+ (mCa2+) uptake, mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, calcium dynamics, oxidative stress (OS), and cell death. Regulation makes it a potential target for treating diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, inflammatory diseases, metabolic diseases, and tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Wang
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Jinyong Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jishou University, Jishou 416000, China
| | - Haoliang Hu
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China; College of Medicine, Hunan University of Arts and Science, Changde 415000, China.
| | - Linxi Chen
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
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3
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D’Angelo D, Rizzuto R. The Mitochondrial Calcium Uniporter (MCU): Molecular Identity and Role in Human Diseases. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1304. [PMID: 37759703 PMCID: PMC10526485 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium (Ca2+) ions act as a second messenger, regulating several cell functions. Mitochondria are critical organelles for the regulation of intracellular Ca2+. Mitochondrial calcium (mtCa2+) uptake is ensured by the presence in the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) complex, a macromolecular structure composed of pore-forming and regulatory subunits. MtCa2+ uptake plays a crucial role in the regulation of oxidative metabolism and cell death. A lot of evidence demonstrates that the dysregulation of mtCa2+ homeostasis can have serious pathological outcomes. In this review, we briefly discuss the molecular structure and the function of the MCU complex and then we focus our attention on human diseases in which a dysfunction in mtCa2+ has been shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donato D’Angelo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy;
| | - Rosario Rizzuto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy;
- National Center on Gene Therapy and RNA-Based Drugs, 35131 Padua, Italy
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4
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Walters GC, Usachev YM. Mitochondrial calcium cycling in neuronal function and neurodegeneration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1094356. [PMID: 36760367 PMCID: PMC9902777 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1094356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are essential for proper cellular function through their critical roles in ATP synthesis, reactive oxygen species production, calcium (Ca2+) buffering, and apoptotic signaling. In neurons, Ca2+ buffering is particularly important as it helps to shape Ca2+ signals and to regulate numerous Ca2+-dependent functions including neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission, gene expression, and neuronal toxicity. Over the past decade, identification of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU) and other molecular components of mitochondrial Ca2+ transport has provided insight into the roles that mitochondrial Ca2+ regulation plays in neuronal function in health and disease. In this review, we discuss the many roles of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and release mechanisms in normal neuronal function and highlight new insights into the Ca2+-dependent mechanisms that drive mitochondrial dysfunction in neurologic diseases including epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We also consider how targeting Ca2+ uptake and release mechanisms could facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies for neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant C. Walters
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Yuriy M. Usachev
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
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Verma M, Lizama BN, Chu CT. Excitotoxicity, calcium and mitochondria: a triad in synaptic neurodegeneration. Transl Neurodegener 2022; 11:3. [PMID: 35078537 PMCID: PMC8788129 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-021-00278-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamate is the most commonly engaged neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system, acting to mediate excitatory neurotransmission. However, high levels of glutamatergic input elicit excitotoxicity, contributing to neuronal cell death following acute brain injuries such as stroke and trauma. While excitotoxic cell death has also been implicated in some neurodegenerative disease models, the role of acute apoptotic cell death remains controversial in the setting of chronic neurodegeneration. Nevertheless, it is clear that excitatory synaptic dysregulation contributes to neurodegeneration, as evidenced by protective effects of partial N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists. Here, we review evidence for sublethal excitatory injuries in relation to neurodegeneration associated with Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Huntington's disease. In contrast to classic excitotoxicity, emerging evidence implicates dysregulation of mitochondrial calcium handling in excitatory post-synaptic neurodegeneration. We discuss mechanisms that regulate mitochondrial calcium uptake and release, the impact of LRRK2, PINK1, Parkin, beta-amyloid and glucocerebrosidase on mitochondrial calcium transporters, and the role of autophagic mitochondrial loss in axodendritic shrinkage. Finally, we discuss strategies for normalizing the flux of calcium into and out of the mitochondrial matrix, thereby preventing mitochondrial calcium toxicity and excitotoxic dendritic loss. While the mechanisms that underlie increased uptake or decreased release of mitochondrial calcium vary in different model systems, a common set of strategies to normalize mitochondrial calcium flux can prevent excitatory mitochondrial toxicity and may be neuroprotective in multiple disease contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Verma
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA ,grid.423286.90000 0004 0507 1326Present Address: Astellas Pharma Inc., 9 Technology Drive, Westborough, MA 01581 USA
| | - Britney N. Lizama
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| | - Charleen T. Chu
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA ,grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA ,grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA ,grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA ,grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Center for Protein Conformational Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA ,grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
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6
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Abstract
The uptake of calcium into and extrusion of calcium from the mitochondrial matrix is a fundamental biological process that has critical effects on cellular metabolism, signaling, and survival. Disruption of mitochondrial calcium (mCa2+) cycling is implicated in numerous acquired diseases such as heart failure, stroke, neurodegeneration, diabetes, and cancer, and is genetically linked to several inherited neuromuscular disorders. Understanding the mechanisms responsible for mCa2+ exchange therefore holds great promise for the treatment of these diseases. The past decade has seen the genetic identification of many of the key proteins that mediate mitochondrial calcium uptake and efflux. Here, we present an overview of the phenomenon of mCa2+ transport, and a comprehensive examination of the molecular machinery that mediates calcium flux across the inner mitochondrial membrane: the mitochondrial uniporter complex (consisting of MCU, EMRE, MICU1, MICU2, MICU3, MCUB, and MCUR1), NCLX, LETM1, the mitochondrial ryanodine receptor, and the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. We then consider the physiological implications of mCa2+ flux and evaluate how alterations in mCa2+ homeostasis contribute to human disease. This review concludes by highlighting opportunities and challenges for therapeutic intervention in pathologies characterized by aberrant mCa2+ handling and by summarizing critical unanswered questions regarding the biology of mCa2+ flux.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne F Garbincius
- Center for Translational Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Szabo I, Zoratti M, Biasutto L. Targeting mitochondrial ion channels for cancer therapy. Redox Biol 2021; 42:101846. [PMID: 33419703 PMCID: PMC8113036 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacological targeting of mitochondrial ion channels is emerging as a promising approach to eliminate cancer cells; as most of these channels are differentially expressed and/or regulated in cancer cells in comparison to healthy ones, this strategy may selectively eliminate the former. Perturbation of ion fluxes across the outer and inner membranes is linked to alterations of redox state, membrane potential and bioenergetic efficiency. This leads to indirect modulation of oxidative phosphorylation, which is/may be fundamental for both cancer and cancer stem cell survival. Furthermore, given the crucial contribution of mitochondria to intrinsic apoptosis, modulation of their ion channels leading to cytochrome c release may be of great advantage in case of resistance to drugs triggering apoptotic events upstream of the mitochondrial phase. In the present review, we give an overview of the known mitochondrial ion channels and of their modulators capable of killing cancer cells. In addition, we discuss state-of-the-art strategies using mitochondriotropic drugs or peptide-based approaches allowing a more efficient and selective targeting of mitochondrial ion channel-linked events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ildiko Szabo
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Italy; CNR Institute of Neurosciences, Padova, Italy.
| | | | - Lucia Biasutto
- CNR Institute of Neurosciences, Padova, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Italy
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Jung H, Kim SY, Canbakis Cecen FS, Cho Y, Kwon SK. Dysfunction of Mitochondrial Ca 2+ Regulatory Machineries in Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:599792. [PMID: 33392190 PMCID: PMC7775422 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.599792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium ions (Ca2+) play critical roles in neuronal processes, such as signaling pathway activation, transcriptional regulation, and synaptic transmission initiation. Therefore, the regulation of Ca2+ homeostasis is one of the most important processes underlying the basic cellular viability and function of the neuron. Multiple components, including intracellular organelles and plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase, are involved in neuronal Ca2+ control, and recent studies have focused on investigating the roles of mitochondria in synaptic function. Numerous mitochondrial Ca2+ regulatory proteins have been identified in the past decade, with studies demonstrating the tissue- or cell-type-specific function of each component. The mitochondrial calcium uniporter and its binding subunits are major inner mitochondrial membrane proteins contributing to mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, whereas the mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCLX) and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) are well-studied proteins involved in Ca2+ extrusion. The level of cytosolic Ca2+ and the resulting characteristics of synaptic vesicle release properties are controlled via mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and release at presynaptic sites, while in dendrites, mitochondrial Ca2+ regulation affects synaptic plasticity. During brain aging and the progress of neurodegenerative disease, mitochondrial Ca2+ mishandling has been observed using various techniques, including live imaging of Ca2+ dynamics. Furthermore, Ca2+ dysregulation not only disrupts synaptic transmission but also causes neuronal cell death. Therefore, understanding the detailed pathophysiological mechanisms affecting the recently discovered mitochondrial Ca2+ regulatory machineries will help to identify novel therapeutic targets. Here, we discuss current research into mitochondrial Ca2+ regulatory machineries and how mitochondrial Ca2+ dysregulation contributes to brain aging and neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunsu Jung
- Center for Functional Connectomics, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea.,Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Su Yeon Kim
- Center for Functional Connectomics, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Fatma Sema Canbakis Cecen
- Center for Functional Connectomics, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea.,Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yongcheol Cho
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seok-Kyu Kwon
- Center for Functional Connectomics, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea.,Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul, South Korea
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Decreased Mitochondrial Function, Biogenesis, and Degradation in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients as a Potential Tool for Biomarker Research. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 57:5084-5102. [PMID: 32840822 PMCID: PMC7541388 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02059-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a multifactorial and progressive neurodegenerative disease of unknown etiology. Due to ALS’s unpredictable onset and progression rate, the search for biomarkers that allow the detection and tracking of its development and therapeutic efficacy would be of significant medical value. Considering that alterations of energy supply are one of ALS’s main hallmarks and that a correlation has been established between gene expression in human brain tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), the present work investigates whether changes in mitochondrial function could be used to monitor ALS. To achieve this goal, PBMCs from ALS patients and control subjects were used; blood sampling is a quite non-invasive method and is cost-effective. Different parameters were evaluated, namely cytosolic calcium levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, oxidative stress, and metabolic compounds levels, as well as mitochondrial dynamics and degradation. Altogether, we observed lower mitochondrial calcium uptake/retention, mitochondria depolarization, and redox homeostasis deregulation, in addition to a decrease in critical metabolic genes, a diminishment in mitochondrial biogenesis, and an augmentation in mitochondrial fission and autophagy-related gene expression. All of these changes can contribute to the decreased ATP and pyruvate levels observed in ALS PBMCs. Our data indicate that PBMCs from ALS patients show a significant mitochondrial dysfunction, resembling several findings from ALS’ neural cells/models, which could be exploited as a powerful tool in ALS research. Our findings can also guide future studies on new pharmacological interventions for ALS since assessments of brain samples are challenging and represent a relevant limited strategy. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Woods JJ, Wilson JJ. Inhibitors of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter for the treatment of disease. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2019; 55:9-18. [PMID: 31869674 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2019.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) is a protein located in the inner mitochondrial membrane that is responsible for mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. Under certain pathological conditions, dysregulation of Ca2+ uptake through the MCU results in cellular dysfunction and apoptotic cell death. Given the role of the MCU in human disease, researchers have developed compounds capable of inhibiting mitochondrial calcium uptake as tools for understanding the role of this protein in cell death. In this article, we describe recent findings on the role of the MCU in mediating pathological conditions and the search for small-molecule inhibitors of this protein for potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua J Woods
- Robert F. Smith School for Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14583, USA
| | - Justin J Wilson
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14583, USA.
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