The role of the matrix calcium level in the enhancement of mitochondrial pyruvate carboxylation by glucagon pretreatment

Measuring the Impact of Bile Acids on the Membrane Order of Primary Hepatocytes and Isolated Mitochondria by Fluorescence Imaging and Spectroscopy

Cholestasis is characterized by impaired secretion of bile flow that can result in the accumulation of highly abnormal levels of bile acids causing hepatocyte and biliary injury. As amphipathic molecules, bile acids can intercalate in lipid membranes, and pathophysiologic concentrations of bile acids have the potential to induce marked changes in the biophysical properties of biomembranes, including membrane ordering. These effects, particularly on the mitochondrial and plasma membranes, have been proposed to trigger toxicity of bile acids. This chapter details different fluorescence-based methods (fluorescence polarization, and spectroscopy/imaging of solvatochromic dyes) to evaluate the impact of different bile acids on membrane order. Protocols are described for the application of these methods to biomimetic vesicles, isolated mitochondria, and hepatocytes, following a bottom-up approach.

Deoxycholic acid modulates cell death signaling through changes in mitochondrial membrane properties

Cytotoxic bile acids, such as deoxycholic acid (DCA), are responsible for hepatocyte cell death during intrahepatic cholestasis. The mechanisms responsible for this effect are unclear, and recent studies conflict, pointing to either a modulation of plasma membrane structure or mitochondrial-mediated toxicity through perturbation of mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) properties. We conducted a comprehensive comparative study of the impact of cytotoxic and cytoprotective bile acids on the membrane structure of different cellular compartments. We show that DCA increases the plasma membrane fluidity of hepatocytes to a minor extent, and that this effect is not correlated with the incidence of apoptosis. Additionally, plasma membrane fluidity recovers to normal values over time suggesting the presence of cellular compensatory mechanisms for this perturbation. Colocalization experiments in living cells confirmed the presence of bile acids within mitochondrial membranes. Experiments with active isolated mitochondria revealed that physiologically active concentrations of DCA change MOM order in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, and that these changes preceded the mitochondrial permeability transition. Importantly, these effects are not observed on liposomes mimicking MOM lipid composition, suggesting that DCA apoptotic activity depends on features of mitochondrial membranes that are absent in protein-free mimetic liposomes, such as the double-membrane structure, lipid asymmetry, or mitochondrial protein environment. In contrast, the mechanism of action of cytoprotective bile acids is likely not associated with changes in cellular membrane structure.

Dynamics of matrix-free Ca2+ in cardiac mitochondria: two components of Ca2+ uptake and role of phosphate buffering

Mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake is thought to provide an important signal to increase energy production to meet demand but, in excess, can also trigger cell death. The mechanisms defining the relationship between total Ca(2+) uptake, changes in mitochondrial matrix free Ca(2+), and the activation of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) are not well understood. We quantitatively measure changes in [Ca(2+)](out) and [Ca(2+)](mito) during Ca(2+) uptake in isolated cardiac mitochondria and identify two components of Ca(2+) influx. [Ca(2+)](mito) recordings revealed that the first, MCU(mode1), required at least 1 µM Ru360 to be completely inhibited, and responded to small Ca(2+) additions in the range of 0.1 to 2 µM with rapid and large changes in [Ca(2+)](mito). The second component, MCU(mode2), was blocked by 100 nM Ru360 and was responsible for the bulk of total Ca(2+) uptake for large Ca(2+) additions in the range of 2 to 10 µM; however, it had little effect on steady-state [Ca(2+)](mito). MCU(mode1) mediates changes in [Ca(2+)](mito) of 10s of μM, even in the presence of 100 nM Ru360, indicating that there is a finite degree of Ca(2+) buffering in the matrix associated with this pathway. In contrast, the much higher Ca(2+) loads evoked by MCU(mode2) activate a secondary dynamic Ca(2+) buffering system consistent with calcium-phosphate complex formation. Increasing P(i) potentiated [Ca(2+)](mito) increases via MCU(mode1) but suppressed [Ca(2+)](mito) changes via MCU(mode2). The results suggest that the role of MCU(mode1) might be to modulate oxidative phosphorylation in response to intracellular Ca(2+) signaling, whereas MCU(mode2) and the dynamic high-capacity Ca(2+) buffering system constitute a Ca(2+) sink function. Interestingly, the trigger for PTP activation is unlikely to be [Ca(2+)](mito) itself but rather a downstream byproduct of total mitochondrial Ca(2+) loading.

Enhanced α-ketoglutaric acid production in Yarrowia lipolytica WSH-Z06 by an improved integrated fed-batch strategy

This study aimed at enhancing α-ketoglutaric acid (α-KG) production by Yarrowia lipolytica WSH-Z06. Batch culture experiments demonstrated that CaCO(3) and a relatively low pH (3.0) in the α-KG production phase contributed to α-KG synthesis. Using a two-stage pH control strategy, in which pH was buffered by CaCO(3) in the growth phase and then maintained at 3.0 in the α-KG production phase, the yield of α-KG reached 53.4 g L(-1). In the later phase of batch fermentation, the glycerol was exhausted but synthesis of α-KG did not cease. Therefore, glycerol was fed with an integrated fed-batch mode, and α-KG production increased to 66.2 g L(-1) with a productivity of 0.35 g L(-1) h(-1). Compared to optimal batch culture, α-KG production and productivity were enhanced by 23.9% and 16.7%, respectively. The two-stage pH control strategy, constant feeding approach and lower pH in later phase would be useful for α-KG industrial production.

Key process conditions for production of C(4) dicarboxylic acids in bioreactor batch cultures of an engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain

A recent effort to improve malic acid production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae by means of metabolic engineering resulted in a strain that produced up to 59 g liter(-1) of malate at a yield of 0.42 mol (mol glucose)(-1) in calcium carbonate-buffered shake flask cultures. With shake flasks, process parameters that are important for scaling up this process cannot be controlled independently. In this study, growth and product formation by the engineered strain were studied in bioreactors in order to separately analyze the effects of pH, calcium, and carbon dioxide and oxygen availability. A near-neutral pH, which in shake flasks was achieved by adding CaCO(3), was required for efficient C(4) dicarboxylic acid production. Increased calcium concentrations, a side effect of CaCO(3) dissolution, had a small positive effect on malate formation. Carbon dioxide enrichment of the sparging gas (up to 15% [vol/vol]) improved production of both malate and succinate. At higher concentrations, succinate titers further increased, reaching 0.29 mol (mol glucose)(-1), whereas malate formation strongly decreased. Although fully aerobic conditions could be achieved, it was found that moderate oxygen limitation benefitted malate production. In conclusion, malic acid production with the engineered S. cerevisiae strain could be successfully transferred from shake flasks to 1-liter batch bioreactors by simultaneous optimization of four process parameters (pH and concentrations of CO(2), calcium, and O(2)). Under optimized conditions, a malate yield of 0.48 +/- 0.01 mol (mol glucose)(-1) was obtained in bioreactors, a 19% increase over yields in shake flask experiments.

Redistribution of carbon flux in Torulopsis glabrata by altering vitamin and calcium level

Manipulation of cofactor (thiamine, biotin and Ca(2+)) levels as a potential tool to redistribute carbon flux was studied in Torulopsis glabrata. With sub-optimization of vitamin in fermentation medium, the carbon flux was blocked at the key node of pyruvate, and 69 g/L pyruvate was accumulated. Increasing the concentrations of thiamine and biotin could selectively open the valve of carbon flux from pyruvate to pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, the pyruvate carboxylase (PC) pathway and the channel into the TCA cycle, leading to the over-production of alpha-ketoglutarate. In addition, the activity of PC was enhanced with Ca(2+) present in fermentation medium. By combining high concentration's vitamins and CaCO(3) as the pH buffer, a batch culture was conducted in a 7-L fermentor, with the pyruvate concentration decreased to 21.8 g/L while alpha-ketoglutarate concentration increased to 43.7 g/L. Our study indicated that the metabolic flux could be redistributed to overproduce desired metabolites with manipulating the cofactor levels. Furthermore, the manipulation of vitamin level provided an alternative tool to realize metabolic engineering goals.

Bile salt-induced apoptosis in human colon cancer cell lines involves the mitochondrial transmembrane potential but not the CD95 (Fas/Apo-1) receptor

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Depending on their physico-chemical characteristics, bile acids can be potent inducers of apoptosis in colon cancer cells. This observation contrasts with bile acids being promoters of colorectal cancer carcinogenesis. Our recent observation of caspase activation in deoxycholate (DC)-treated colon cancer cell lines prompted us to analyze the mechanisms of bile acid-induced colon cancer cell death.

METHODS

CD95 expression was correlated to DC-induced cell death in four colon cancer cell lines. Mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MTP) was determined in whole cells as well as in isolated mitochondria.

RESULTS

On 2 of the 4 human colon cancer cell lines investigated, no CD95 was detected. These data were supported by a lack of CD95 mRNA in those cell lines that did not express CD95 on their surface. The apoptotic response to bile acids did not correlate with CD95 receptor expression on the respective cell lines. Therefore, we analyzed the MTP after the addition of toxic bile acids. MTP was destabilized early after the addition of deoxycholate to SW480 cells. These data were confirmed in isolated mitochondria, which showed strong swelling after the addition of DC. Accordingly, release of cytochrome-c from the mitochondrial intermembrane space into the cytosol, indicating dissipation of the MTP, and subsequent caspase-3 cleavage were detectable as early as 3 min after the addition of DC.

CONCLUSION

In contrast to hepatocytes and hepatic carcinoma cell lines, DC induces apoptosis in colon cancer cell lines via a CD95 receptor-independent mechanism. Direct induction of the mitochondrial permeability transition by toxic bile acids is suggested as the apoptosis-inducing mechanism in colon cancer cells.

Sulfide consumption by mussel gill mitochondria is not strictly tied to oxygen reduction: measurements using a novel polarographic sulfide sensor

Some organisms that survive in environments rich in hydrogen sulfide possess specific metabolic pathways for sulfide oxidation and subsequent use of reducing equivalents in oxidative phosphorylation, a process called chemolithoheterotrophy. This process is dependent on ambient oxygen partial pressure and environmental sulfide exposure. To define accurately the kinetics of sulfide metabolism and its dependence on cellular conditions, we have developed a polarographic sulfide sensor (PSS) to measure sulfide concentrations directly and continuously under physiological conditions.

The ribbed mussel Geukensia demissa, an inhabitant of sulfide-rich coastal sediments, consumes sulfide in a chemolithoheterotrophic metabolic strategy. Gill mitochondria use sulfide as respiratory substrate for ATP production, and sulfide consumption is sufficiently rapid and so kinetically complex that only continuous real-time detection captures these events. Under normoxic conditions, oxygen and sulfide consumption are matched. Under hypoxic to anoxic conditions, however, sulfide consumption continues without commensurate oxygen consumption, and these results can be duplicated at higher oxygen conditions by selective blockade of terminal oxidases. These metabolic capabilities depend on prior environmental sulfide exposure, which suggests substantial mitochondrial metabolic plasticity. The recent finding that endogenous sulfide is a critical cell signaling molecule in all organisms suggests that the metabolic pathways that tightly control cellular sulfide levels are widespread. Sensors that accurately report sulfide concentrations under physiologically relevant conditions are valuable tools with which to explore the expanding role of sulfide in biological systems.

Tauroursodeoxycholic acid prevents Bax-induced membrane perturbation and cytochrome C release in isolated mitochondria

Bax is a potent pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 protein family that localizes to the mitochondrial membrane during apoptosis. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) modulates the apoptotic threshold, in part, by preventing Bax translocation both in vitro and in vivo. The mechanisms by which Bax induces and TUDCA inhibits release of cytochrome c are unclear. We show here that recombinant Bax protein induced cytochrome c release in isolated mitochondria without detectable swelling. Co-incubation with TUDCA prevented efflux of mitochondrial factors and proteolytic processing of caspases in cytosolic extracts. Spectroscopic analyses of mitochondria exposed to Bax revealed increased polarity and fluidity of the membrane lipid core as well as altered protein order, indicative of Bax binding, together with loss of spin-label paramagnetism, characteristic of oxidative damage. TUDCA markedly abrogated the Bax-induced membrane perturbation. In conclusion, our results indicate that Bax protein directly induces cytochrome c release from mitochondria through a mechanism that does not require the permeability transition. Rather, it is accompanied by changes in the organization of membrane lipids and proteins. TUDCA is a potent inhibitor of Bax association with mitochondria. Thus, TUDCA modulates apoptosis by suppressing mitochondrial membrane perturbation through pathways that are also independent of the mitochondrial permeability transition.

Bilirubin directly disrupts membrane lipid polarity and fluidity, protein order, and redox status in rat mitochondria

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) impairs crucial aspects of cell function and induces apoptosis in primary cultured neurones. While mechanisms of cytotoxicity begin to unfold, mitochondria appear as potential primary targets.

METHODS

We used electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis of isolated rat mitochondria to test the hypothesis that UCB physically interacts with mitochondria to induce structural membrane perturbation, leading to increased permeability, and subsequent release of apoptotic factors.

RESULTS

Our data demonstrate profound changes on mitochondrial membrane properties during incubation with UCB, including modified membrane lipid polarity and fluidity (P<0.01), as well as disrupted protein mobility (P<0.001). Consistent with increased permeability, cytochrome c was released from the intermembrane space (P<0.01), perhaps uncoupling the respiratory chain and further increasing oxidative stress (P<0.01). Both ursodeoxycholate, a mitochondrial-membrane stabilising agent, and cyclosporine A, an inhibitor of the permeability transition, almost completely abrogated UCB-induced perturbation.

CONCLUSIONS

UCB directly interacts with mitochondria influencing membrane lipid and protein properties, redox status, and cytochrome c content. Thus, apoptosis induced by UCB may be mediated, at least in part, by physical perturbation of the mitochondrial membrane. These novel findings should ultimately prove useful to our evolving understanding of UCB cytotoxicity.

Aging confers different sensitivity to the neurotoxic properties of unconjugated bilirubin

The pathogenesis of bilirubin encephalopathy appears to result from accumulation of unconjugated bilirubin (UCB), which, in turn, may cause mitochondrial perturbation, release of intermembrane proteins, and, ultimately, cell death. Aging imparts to cells a different susceptibility to this toxic stimulus, as neonates are particularly vulnerable to the accumulation of UCB in the CNS. In this paper, we further characterize UCB-induced toxicity in isolated neuronal and glial cells according to age in culture. In addition, we investigate sensitivity of mitochondria derived from young and old rats to UCB-induced membrane permeabilization and, finally, evaluate whether age-dependent changes in UCB toxicity are accompanied by alterations in the mitochondrial content of cytochrome c. The results showed that UCB is more toxic to immature neural cells after 4-5 d in culture (p < 0.001), whereas neurons were more sensitive than astrocytes (p < 0.05). In fact, approximately 40% of cells were apoptotic in immature cultures compared with 20% in mature cultures. Unexpectedly, mitochondrial swelling and subsequent efflux of cytochrome c induced by UCB were 2-fold greater in organelles derived from older rats (p < 0.01). In conclusion, UCB toxicity of isolated rat neuronal and glial cells is modulated by age in culture in that immature cells are more susceptible. Mitochondria derived from younger rats are nevertheless more resistant to membrane permeabilization and cytochrome c release induced by UCB. The data indicate that the cells of young animals are relatively resistant to UCB toxicity, through a protective mechanism at the mitochondrial level; however, this is not sufficient to prevent apoptosis of cells in the young animal. Thus, although playing a role, direct mitochondrial injury may not be the sole mechanism of UCB cytotoxicity.

Amyloid beta-peptide disrupts mitochondrial membrane lipid and protein structure: protective role of tauroursodeoxycholate

Mitochondria have been implicated in the cytotoxicity of amyloid beta-peptide (A beta), which accumulates as senile plaques in the brain of Alzheimer's disease patients. Tauroursodeoxycholate (TUDC) modulates cell death, in part, by preventing mitochondrial membrane perturbation. Using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis of isolated mitochondria, we tested the hypothesis that A beta acts locally in mitochondrial membranes to induce oxidative injury, leading to increased membrane permeability and subsequent release of caspase-activating factors. Further, we intended to determine the role of TUDC at preventing A beta-induced mitochondrial membrane dysfunction. The results demonstrate oxidative injury of mitochondrial membranes during exposure to A beta and reveal profound structural changes, including modified membrane lipid polarity and disrupted protein mobility. Cytochrome c is released from the intermembrane space of mitochondria as a consequence of increased membrane permeability. TUDC, but not cyclosporine A, almost completely abrogated A beta-induced perturbation of mitochondrial membrane structure. We conclude that A beta directly induces cytochrome c release from mitochondria through a mechanism that is accompanied by profound effects on mitochondrial membrane redox status, lipid polarity, and protein order. TUDC can directly suppress A beta-induced disruption of the mitochondrial membrane structure, suggesting a neuroprotective role for this bile salt.

Tauroursodeoxycholic acid partially prevents apoptosis induced by 3-nitropropionic acid: evidence for a mitochondrial pathway independent of the permeability transition

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been shown to be a strong modulator of the apoptotic threshold in both hepatic and nonhepatic cells. 3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NP), an irreversible inhibitor of succinate dehydrogenase, appears to cause apoptotic neuronal cell death in the striatum, reminiscent of the neurochemical and anatomical changes associated with Huntington's disease (HD). This study was undertaken (a) to characterize further the mechanism by which 3-NP induces apoptosis in rat neuronal RN33B cells and (b) to determine if and how the taurine-conjugated UDCA, tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), inhibits apoptosis induced by 3-NP. Our results indicate that coincubation of cells with TUDCA and 3-NP was associated with an approximately 80% reduction in apoptosis (p < 0.001), whereas neither taurine nor cyclosporin A, a potent inhibitor of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT), inhibited cell death. Moreover, TUDCA, as well as UDCA and its glycine-conjugated form, glycoursodeoxycholic acid, prevented mitochondrial release of cytochrome c (p < 0.001), which probably accounts for the observed inhibition of DEVD-specific caspase activity and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. 3-NP decreased mitochondrial transmembrane potential (p < 0.001) and increased mitochondrial-associated Bax protein levels (p < 0.001). Coincubation with TUDCA was associated with significant inhibition of these mitochondrial membrane alterations (p < 0.01). The results suggest that TUDCA inhibits 3-NP-induced apoptosis via direct inhibition of mitochondrial depolarization and outer membrane disruption, together with modulation of Bax translocation from cytosol to mitochondria. In addition, cell death by 3-NP apparently occurs through pathways that are independent of the MPT.

Fatty acids and glycerol or lactate are required to induce gluconeogenesis from alanine in isolated rabbit renal cortical tubules

In isolated rabbit renal cortical tubules, glucose synthesis from 1 mM alanine is negligible, while the amino acid is metabolized to glutamine and glutamate. The addition of 0.5 mM octanoate plus 2 mM glycerol induces incorporation of [U-14C]alanine into glucose and decreases glutamine synthesis, whereas oleate and palmitate in the presence of glycerol are less potent than octanoate. Gluconeogenesis is also significantly accelerated when glycerol is substituted by lactate. In view of an increase in 14CO2 fixation and elevation of both cytosolic and mitochondrial NADH/NAD+ ratios, the activation of glucose formation from alanine upon the addition of glycerol and octanoate is likely due to (i) stimulation of pyruvate carboxylation, (ii) increased availability of NADH for glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and (iii) elevation of mitochondrial redox state causing a diminished provision of ammonium for glutamine synthesis. The induction of gluconeogenesis in the presence of alanine, glycerol and octanoate is not related to cell volume changes. The results presented in this paper show the importance of free fatty acids and glycerol for regulation of renal gluconeogenesis from alanine. The possible physiological significance of the data is discussed.

Obesity induces expression of uncoupling protein-2 in hepatocytes and promotes liver ATP depletion

Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) uncouples respiration from oxidative phosphorylation and may contribute to obesity through effects on energy metabolism. Because basal metabolic rate is decreased in obesity, UCP2 expression is predicted to be reduced. Paradoxically, hepatic expression of UCP2 mRNA is increased in genetically obese (ob/ob) mice. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analysis of ob/ob livers demonstrate that UCP2 mRNA and protein expression are increased in hepatocytes, which do not express UCP2 in lean mice. Mitochondria isolated from ob/ob livers exhibit an increased rate of H+ leak which partially dissipates the mitochondrial membrane potential when the rate of electron transport is suppressed. In addition, hepatic ATP stores are reduced and these livers are more vulnerable to necrosis after transient hepatic ischemia. Hence, hepatocytes adapt to obesity by up-regulating UCP2. However, because this decreases the efficiency of energy trapping, the cells become vulnerable to ATP depletion when energy needs increase acutely.

Ca2+ dependence of gluconeogenesis stimulation by glucagon at different cytosolic NAD(+)-NADH redox potentials

The influence of Ca2+ on hepatic gluconeogenesis was measured in the isolated perfused rat liver at different cytosolic NAD(+)-NADH potentials. Lactate and pyruvate were the gluconeogenic substrates and the cytosolic NAD(+)-NADH potentials were changed by varying the lactate to pyruvate ratios from 0.01 to 100. The following results were obtained: a) gluconeogenesis from lactate plus pyruvate was not affected by Ca(2+)-free perfusion (no Ca2+ in the perfusion fluid combined with previous depletion of the intracellular pools); gluconeogenesis was also poorly dependent on the lactate to pyruvate ratios in the range of 0.1 to 100; only for a ratio equal to 0.01 was a significantly smaller gluconeogenic activity observed in comparison to the other ratios. b) In the presence of Ca2+, the increase in oxygen uptake caused by the infusion of lactate plus pyruvate at a ratio equal to 10 was the most pronounced one; in Ca(2+)-free perfusion the increase in oxygen uptake caused by lactate plus pyruvate infusion tended to be higher for all lactate to pyruvate ratios; the most pronounced difference was observed for lactate/pyruvate ratio equal to 1. c) In the presence of Ca2+ the effects of glucagon on gluconeogenesis showed a positive correlation with the lactate to pyruvate ratios; for a ratio equal to 0.01 no stimulation occurred, but in the 0.1 to 100 range stimulation increased progressively, producing a clear parabolic dependence between the effects of glucagon and the lactate to pyruvate ratio. d) In the absence of Ca2+ the relationship between the changes caused by glucagon in gluconeogenesis and the lactate to pyruvate ratio was substantially changed; the dependence curve was no longer parabolic but sigmoidal in shape with a plateau beginning at a lactate/pyruvate ratio equal to 1; there was inhibition at the lactate to pyruvate ratios of 0.01 and 0.1 and a constant stimulation starting with a ratio equal to 1; for the lactate to pyruvate ratios of 10 and 100, stimulation caused by glucagon was much smaller than that found when Ca2+ was present. e) The effects of glucagon on oxygen uptake in the presence of Ca2+ showed a parabolic relationship with the lactate to pyruvate ratios which was closely similar to that found in the case of gluconeogenesis; the only difference was that inhibition rather than stimulation of oxygen uptake was observed for a lactate to pyruvate ratio equal to 0.01; progressive stimulation was observed in the 0.1 to 100 range. f) In the absence of Ca2+ the effects of glucagon on oxygen uptake were different; the dependence curve was sigmoidal at the onset, with a well-defined maximum at a lactate to pyruvate ratio equal to 1; this maximum was followed by a steady decline at higher ratios; at the ratios of 0.01 and 0.1 inhibition took place; oxygen uptake stimulation caused by glucagon was generally lower in the absence of Ca2+ except when the lactate to pyruvate ratio was equal to 1. The results of the present study demonstrate that stimulation of gluconeogenesis by glucagon depends on Ca2+. However, Ca2+ is only effective in helping gluconeogenesis stimulation by glucagon at highly negative redox potentials of the cytosolic NAD(+)-NADH system. The triple interdependence of glucagon-Ca(2+)-NAD(+)-NADH redox potential reveals highly complex interrelations that can only be partially understood at the present stage of knowledge.

The role of intracellular Ca2+ in the regulation of gluconeogenesis

A hypothesis for the hormonal regulation of gluconeogenesis, in which increases in cytosolic free-Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) play a major role, is presented. This hypothesis is based on the observation that gluconeogenic hormones evoke a common pattern of Ca2+ redistribution, resulting in increases in [Ca2+]i. Current concepts of hormonally evoked Ca2+ fluxes are presented and discussed. It is suggested that the increase in [Ca2+]i is functionally linked to stimulation of gluconeogenesis. The stimulation of gluconeogenesis is accomplished in two ways: (1) by increasing the activities of the Krebs cycle and the electron-transfer chain, thereby supplying adenosine triphosphates (ATP) and reducing equivalents to the process; and (2) by stimulating the activities of key gluconeogenic enzymes, such as pyruvate carboxylase. The hypothesis presents a conceptual framework that ties together two interrelated manifestations of hormone action: signal transduction and metabolism.

Calcium ion-dependent signalling and mitochondrial dysfunction: mitochondrial calcium uptake during hormonal stimulation in intact liver cells and its implication for the mitochondrial permeability transition

Hormones that elevate cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]cyt) often use Ca2+ as a messenger to activate intramitochondrial metabolic processes. However, the mitochondrial Ca2+ level also regulates the activation of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT), a process that involves the assembly of a high conductance proteinaceous pore across the inner and outer membrane. Studies on intact liver cells indicate that the MPT is a critical step in the cell killing induced by anoxia or respiratory inhibitors. In this study, we used freshly isolated hepatocytes to investigate to what extent the elevation of [Ca2+]cyt by vasopressin or other agonists causes Ca2+ accumulation in the mitochondria and how this treatment affects the mitochondrial susceptibility to undergo the MPT. Hepatocytes were incubated with vasopressin, glucagon, or with thapsigargin (an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump) prior to permeabilization with digitonin. Mitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation was determined by following the ionomycin-induced Ca2+ release in permeabilized cells and mitochondrial swelling was studied by following cyclosporin A-sensitive light scattering changes induced by phenyl-arsenoxide and rotenone. The results indicate that agents that elevate [Ca2+]cyt cause a significant Ca2+ accumulation in the mitochondria. Excessive Ca2+ accumulation (> 10-fold increase over basal levels) was obtained with the combination of vasopressin and glucagon or with incubations containing thapsigargin. These conditions were also associated with a marked increase in rotenone-induced mitochondrial swelling. However, the more modest increase in mitochondrial Ca2+ content after treating cells with vasopressin alone did not enhance the swelling response; instead, vasopressin suppressed mitochondrial swelling compared to control incubations. Vasopressin also partly suppressed the swelling associated with thapsigargin treatment, although it did not significantly affect the Ca2+ accumulation under these conditions. This effect of vasopressin was mimicked by phorbol ester, suggesting a role for protein kinase C. The data indicate that mitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation following elevation of elevation of [Ca2+]cyt enhances the susceptibility for activation of the MPT, a response that may increase cell injury during anoxia or in response to other challenges. However, hormones also activate protective responses in the cell that suppress the MPT.

Ca2+ depletion prevents anoxic death of hepatocytes by inhibiting mitochondrial permeability transition

Removal of Ca2+ from the culture medium or treatment with the intracellular Ca2+ chelator 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N', N'-tetraacetic acid-acetoxymethyl ester (BAPTA-AM) prevented the killing of rat hepatocytes by anoxia and rotenone, but not by cyanide. Neither manipulation prevented the loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential or the depletion of ATP. A mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) was demonstrated in digitonin-permeabilized hepatocytes as an increased [3H]sucrose-accessible space sensitive to cyclosporin A (CyA). Ca2+ depletion by either means prevented the MPT measured in intact cells made anoxic or treated with rotenone. In isolated mitochondria deenergized by rotenone, BAPTA-AM prevented the MPT induced by palmitoyl CoA. By contrast, in isolated mitochondria deenergized by cyanide, BAPTA-AM alone did not prevent the MPT. Rather, BAPTA-AM plus CyA were required. Similarly, the killing of cultured hepatocytes by cyanide was prevented by BAPTA-AM plus CyA, but not by either agent alone. The MPT in intact cells treated with cyanide was also prevented by BAPTA-AM plus CyA. These data define a specific requirement for Ca2+ in the killing of hepatocytes that follows the inhibition of electron transport. A model is presented in which the MPT depends on factors that modulate the sensitivity of the permeability transition to the matrix concentration of Ca2+.

Characterization of Ca2+ transport in Euglena gracilis mitochondria

The present study was designed to establish the characteristics of the Ca2+ fluxes in isolated mitochondria of the protist Euglena gracilis. Uptake of Ca2+ and Sr2+ was supported by succinate and lactate oxidation. Ca2+ influx was slightly inhibited by 5 microM Ruthenium red and completely blocked by La3+ with a half-maximal inhibition attained at 50 microM. The addition of inorganic phosphate induced a 3-fold stimulation of Ca2+ uptake. Ca2+ uptake was inhibited by Mg2+ only in the absence of phosphate. Ca2+ efflux was induced by Na+, Li+ and K+ through a diltiazem-insensitive reaction. Ca2+ release, collapse of membrane potential and swelling were induced by Hg2+ and Cd2+ but not by carboxyatractyloside; cyclosporin A did not prevent the Ca2+ release induced by the heavy metal ions. Ca2+ uptake was achieved in the presence of 3 microM antimycin or 0.1 mM cyanide; this finding indicates that the alternative respiratory chain present in Euglena mitochondria can support this energy-dependent reaction. The data obtained suggest similar pathways, but different regulatory mechanisms, for Ca2+ transport between protist and mammalian mitochondria.

Molecular cloning and characterization of human endothelial nitric oxide synthase

The constitutive calcium/calmodulin-dependent nitric oxide (NO) synthase expressed in vascular endothelium shares common biochemical and pharmacologic properties with neuronal NO synthase. However, recent cloning and molecular characterization of NO synthase from bovine endothelial cells indicated the existence of a family of constitutive NO synthases. Accordingly, we undertook molecular cloning and sequence analysis of human endothelial NO synthase. Complementary DNA clones predict a protein of 1,203 amino acids sharing 94% identity with the bovine endothelial protein, but only 60% identity with the rat brain NO synthase isoform. Northern blot analysis with an endothelial-derived cDNA identified a 4.6-4.8 kb mRNA transcript in HUVEC and in situ hybridization localized transcripts to vascular endothelium but not neuronal tissue.