Genomic structure of the human NDUFS8 gene coding for the iron-sulfur TYKY subunit of the mitochondrial NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase

Dynamics of Amino Acid Metabolism, Gene Expression, and Circulomics in a Recombinant Chinese Hamster Ovary Cell Line Adapted to Moderate and High Levels of Extracellular Lactate

The accumulation of metabolic wastes in cell cultures can diminish product quality, reduce productivity, and trigger apoptosis. The limitation or removal of unintended waste products from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell cultures has been attempted through multiple process and genetic engineering avenues with varied levels of success. One study demonstrated a simple method to reduce lactate and ammonia production in CHO cells with adaptation to extracellular lactate; however, the mechanism behind adaptation was not certain. To address this profound gap, this study characterizes the phenotype of a recombinant CHO K-1 cell line that was gradually adapted to moderate and high levels of extracellular lactate and examines the genomic content and role of extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) and gene expression on the adaptation process. More than 500 genes were observed on eccDNAs. Notably, more than 1000 genes were observed to be differentially expressed at different levels of lactate adaptation, while only 137 genes were found to be differentially expressed between unadapted cells and cells adapted to grow in high levels of lactate; this suggests stochastic switching as a potential stress adaptation mechanism in CHO cells. Further, these data suggest alanine biosynthesis as a potential stress-mitigation mechanism for excess lactate in CHO cells.

Emerging Roles of NDUFS8 Located in Mitochondrial Complex I in Different Diseases

NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase core subunit S8 (NDUFS8) is an essential core subunit and component of the iron-sulfur (FeS) fragment of mitochondrial complex I directly involved in the electron transfer process and energy metabolism. Pathogenic variants of the NDUFS8 are relevant to infantile-onset and severe diseases, including Leigh syndrome, cancer, and diabetes mellitus. With over 1000 nuclear genes potentially causing a mitochondrial disorder, the current diagnostic approach requires targeted molecular analysis, guided by a combination of clinical and biochemical features. Currently, there are only several studies on pathogenic variants of the NDUFS8 in Leigh syndrome, and a lack of literature on its precise mechanism in cancer and diabetes mellitus exists. Therefore, NDUFS8-related diseases should be extensively explored and precisely diagnosed at the molecular level with the application of next-generation sequencing technologies. A more distinct comprehension will be needed to shed light on NDUFS8 and its related diseases for further research. In this review, a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge about NDUFS8 structural function, its pathogenic mutations in Leigh syndrome, as well as its underlying roles in cancer and diabetes mellitus is provided, offering potential pathogenesis, progress, and therapeutic target of different diseases. We also put forward some problems and solutions for the following investigations.

SARS-CoV-2 mitochondriopathy in COVID-19 pneumonia exacerbates hypoxemia

Rationale

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19 pneumonia. We hypothesize that SARS-CoV-2 causes alveolar injury and hypoxemia by damaging mitochondria in airway epithelial cells (AEC) and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC), triggering apoptosis and bioenergetic impairment, and impairing hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV), respectively.

Objectives

We examined the effects of: A) human betacoronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-OC43, and individual SARS-CoV-2 proteins on apoptosis, mitochondrial fission, and bioenergetics in AEC; and B) SARS-CoV-2 proteins and mouse hepatitis virus (MHV-1) infection on HPV.

Methods

We used transcriptomic data to identify temporal changes in mitochondrial-relevant gene ontology (GO) pathways post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. We also transduced AECs with SARS-CoV-2 proteins (M, Nsp7 or Nsp9) and determined effects on mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) activity, relative membrane potential, apoptosis, mitochondrial fission, and oxygen consumption rates (OCR). In human PASMC, we assessed the effects of SARS-CoV-2 proteins on hypoxic increases in cytosolic calcium, an HPV proxy. In MHV-1 pneumonia, we assessed HPV via cardiac catheterization and apoptosis using the TUNEL assay.

Results

SARS-CoV-2 regulated mitochondrial apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane permeabilization and electron transport chain (ETC) GO pathways within 2 hours of infection. SARS-CoV-2 downregulated ETC Complex I and ATP synthase genes, and upregulated apoptosis-inducing genes. SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-OC43 upregulated and activated dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) and increased mitochondrial fission. SARS-CoV-2 and transduced SARS-CoV-2 proteins increased apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) expression and activated caspase 7, resulting in apoptosis. Coronaviruses also reduced OCR, decreased ETC Complex I activity and lowered ATP levels in AEC. M protein transduction also increased mPTP opening. In human PASMC, M and Nsp9 proteins inhibited HPV. In MHV-1 pneumonia, infected AEC displayed apoptosis and HPV was suppressed. BAY K8644, a calcium channel agonist, increased HPV and improved SpO₂.

Conclusions

Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, cause AEC apoptosis, mitochondrial fission, and bioenergetic impairment. SARS-CoV-2 also suppresses HPV by targeting mitochondria. This mitochondriopathy is replicated by transduction with SARS-CoV-2 proteins, indicating a mechanistic role for viral-host mitochondrial protein interactions. Mitochondriopathy is a conserved feature of coronaviral pneumonia that may exacerbate hypoxemia and constitutes a therapeutic target.

Higher NADH Dehydrogenase [Ubiquinone] Iron–Sulfur Protein 8 (NDUFS8) Serum Levels Correlate with Better Insulin Sensitivity in Type 1 Diabetes

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] iron–sulfur protein 8 (NDUFS8) serum concentration as a marker of Complex I, and the relationship with insulin resistance in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Design and methods: Participants were adults with T1DM, recruited over the course of 1 year (2018–2019). NDUFS8 protein serum concentration was measured using the ELISA test. Insulin resistance was evaluated with indirect marker estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR). The group was divided on the base of median value of eGDR (higher eGDR—better insulin sensitivity). Results: The study group consists of 12 women and 24 men. Medians of eGDR and NDUFS8 protein concentration are 7.6 (5.58–8.99) mg/kg/min and 2.25 (0.72–3.81) ng/mL, respectively. The group with higher insulin sensitivity has higher NDUFS8 protein serum concentration, lower waist to hip ratio (WHR), body mass index (BMI), and they are younger. A negative correlation is observed between NDUFS8 protein serum concentration and WHR (rs = −0.35, p = 0.03), whereas a positive correlation is observed between NDUFS8 protein serum concentration and eGDR (rs = 0.43, p = 0.008). Univariate logistic regression shows a significant association between insulin sensitivity and lower age, as well as a higher NDUFS8 serum level. A multivariate logistic regression model confirms the significance (AOR 2.38 (1.04–5.48). p = 0.042). Multivariate linear regression confirms a significant association between insulin sensitivity and better mitochondrial function (beta = 0.54, p = 0.003), independent of age, duration of diabetes, and smoking. Conclusions: Higher NDUFS8 protein serum concentration is associated with higher insulin sensitivity among adults with T1DM.

Whole-genome resequencing provides insights into the evolution and divergence of the native domestic yaks of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

BACKGROUND

On the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known as the roof ridge of the world, the yak is a precious cattle species that has been indispensable to the human beings living in this high-altitude area. However, the origin of domestication, dispersal route, and the divergence of domestic yaks from different areas are poorly understood.

RESULTS

Here, we resequenced the genome of 91 domestic yak individuals from 31 populations and 1 wild yaks throughout China. Using a population genomics approach, we observed considerable genetic variation. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the earliest domestications of yak occurred in the south-eastern QTP, followed by dispersal to the west QTP and northeast to SiChuang, Gansu, and Qinghai by two routes. Interestingly, we also found potential associations between the distribution of some breeds and historical trade routes such as the Silk Road and Tang-Tibet Ancient Road. Selective analysis identified 11 genes showing differentiation between domesticated and wild yaks and the potentially positively selected genes in each group were identified and compared among domesticated groups. We also detected an unbalanced pattern of introgression among domestic yak, wild yak, and Tibetan cattle.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research revealed population genetic evidence for three groups of domestic yaks. In addition to providing genomic evidence for the domestication history of yaks, we identified potential selected genes and introgression, which provide a theoretical basis and resources for the selective breeding of superior characters and high-quality yak.

Age-Dependent Levels of Protein Kinase Cs in Brain: Reduction of Endogenous Mechanisms of Neuroprotection

Neurodegenerative diseases are among the leading causes of mortality and disability worldwide. However, current therapeutic approaches have failed to reach significant results in their prevention and cure. Protein Kinase Cs (PKCs) are kinases involved in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and cerebral ischemia. Specifically ε, δ, and γPKC are associated with the endogenous mechanism of protection referred to as ischemic preconditioning (IPC). Existing modulators of PKCs, in particular of εPKC, such as ψεReceptor for Activated C-Kinase (ψεRACK) and Resveratrol, have been proposed as a potential therapeutic strategy for cerebrovascular and cognitive diseases. PKCs change in expression during aging, which likely suggests their association with IPC-induced reduction against ischemia and increase of neuronal loss occurring in senescent brain. This review describes the link between PKCs and cerebrovascular and cognitive disorders, and proposes PKCs modulators as innovative candidates for their treatment. We report original data showing εPKC reduction in levels and activity in the hippocampus of old compared to young rats and a reduction in the levels of δPKC and γPKC in old hippocampus, without a change in their activity. These data, integrated with other findings discussed in this review, demonstrate that PKCs modulators may have potential to restore age-related reduction of endogenous mechanisms of protection against neurodegeneration.

Reduced expression of Paternally Expressed Gene-3 enhances somatic cell reprogramming through mitochondrial activity perturbation

Imprinted genes control several cellular and metabolic processes in embryonic and adult tissues. In particular, paternally expressed gene-3 (Peg3) is active in the adult stem cell population and during muscle and neuronal lineage development. Here we have investigated the role of Peg3 in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and during the process of somatic cell reprogramming towards pluripotency. Our data show that Peg3 knockdown increases expression of pluripotency genes in ESCs and enhances reprogramming efficiency of both mouse embryonic fibroblasts and neural stem cells. Interestingly, we observed that altered activity of Peg3 correlates with major perturbations of mitochondrial gene expression and mitochondrial function, which drive metabolic changes during somatic cell reprogramming. Overall, our study shows that Peg3 is a regulator of pluripotent stem cells and somatic cell reprogramming.

NDUFS8-related Complex I Deficiency Extends Phenotype from "PEO Plus" to Leigh Syndrome

With over 1,000 nuclear genes that could potentially cause a mitochondrial disorder, the current diagnostic approach requires targeted molecular analysis, guided by a combination of clinical and biochemical features. However, the expanding molecular and clinical spectrum means that this approach does not always yield a result. Here we report the unusual clinical presentation of "Progressive External Ophthalmoplegia (PEO) plus" Leigh syndrome in three children from a consanguineous family where exome sequencing identified mutations in NDUFS8. NDUFS8 is a nuclear-encoded structural core protein of complex I, and mutations are expected to cause infantile onset and severe disease. Our patients had a later onset, milder and a clinically distinct phenotype, and this gene would not normally be considered in this context. Being untargeted to specific genes, whole exome analysis has the potential to re-write the phenotype and reveal an unexpected molecular aetiology, as illustrated by this family.

Regulation of mitochondrial respiratory chain biogenesis by estrogens/estrogen receptors and physiological, pathological and pharmacological implications

There has been increasing evidence pointing to the mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) as a novel and important target for the actions of 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) and estrogen receptors (ER) in a number of cell types and tissues that have high demands for mitochondrial energy metabolism. This novel E(2)-mediated mitochondrial pathway involves the cooperation of both nuclear and mitochondrial ERalpha and ERbeta and their co-activators on the coordinate regulation of both nuclear DNA- and mitochondrial DNA-encoded genes for MRC proteins. In this paper, we have: 1) comprehensively reviewed studies that reveal a novel role of estrogens and ERs in the regulation of MRC biogenesis; 2) discussed their physiological, pathological and pharmacological implications in the control of cell proliferation and apoptosis in relation to estrogen-mediated carcinogenesis, anti-cancer drug resistance in human breast cancer cells, neuroprotection for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease in brain, cardiovascular protection in human heart and their beneficial effects in lens physiology related to cataract in the eye; and 3) pointed out new research directions to address the key questions in this important and newly emerging area. We also suggest a novel conceptual approach that will contribute to innovative regimens for the prevention or treatment of a wide variety of medical complications based on E(2)/ER-mediated MRC biogenesis pathway.

Death-associated protein 3 is overexpressed in human thyroid oncocytic tumours

Background:

The human death-associated protein 3 (hDAP3) is a GTP-binding constituent of the small subunit of the mitochondrial ribosome with a pro-apoptotic function.

Methods:

A search through publicly available microarray data sets showed 337 genes potentially coregulated with the DAP3 gene. The promoter sequences of these 337 genes and 70 out of 85 mitochondrial ribosome genes were analysed in silico with the DAP3 gene promoter sequence. The mitochondrial role of DAP3 was also investigated in the thyroid tumours presenting various mitochondrial contents.

Results:

The study revealed nine transcription factors presenting enriched motifs for these gene promoters, five of which are implicated in cellular growth (ELK1, ELK4, RUNX1, HOX11-CTF1, TAL1-ternary complex factor 3) and four in mitochondrial biogenesis (nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1), GABPA, PPARG-RXRA and estrogen-related receptor alpha (ESRRA)). An independent microarray data set showed the overexpression of ELK1, RUNX1 and ESRRA in the thyroid oncocytic tumours. Exploring the thyroid tumours, we found that DAP3 mRNA and protein expression is upregulated in tumours presenting a mitochondrial biogenesis compared with the normal tissue. ELK1 and ESRRA were also showed upregulated with DAP3.

Conclusion:

ELK1 and ESRRA may be considered as potential regulators of the DAP3 gene expression. DAP3 may participate in mitochondrial maintenance and play a role in the balance between mitochondrial homoeostasis and tumourigenesis.

Cloning and sequence analysis of the gene encoding 19-kD subunit of Complex I from Dunaliella salina

NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I ) of the mitochondrial respiratory chain catalyzes the transfer of electrons from NADH to ubiquinone coupled to proton translocation across the membrane. The cDNA sequence of Dunaliella salina mitochondrial NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase 19-kD subunit contains a 682-bp ORF encoding a protein with an apparent molecular mass of 19 kD. The sequence has been submitted to the GenBank database under Accession No. EF566890 (cDNA sequences) and EF566891 (genomic sequence). The deduced amino-acid sequence is 74% identical to Chlamydomonas reinhardtii mitochondrial NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase 18-kD subunit. The 19-kD subunit mRNA expression was observed in oxygen deficiency, salt treatment, and rotenone treatment with lower levels. It demonstrate that the 19-kD subunit of Complex I from Dunaliella salina is regulated by these stresses.

Structural organization of mitochondrial human complex I: role of the ND4 and ND5 mitochondria-encoded subunits and interaction with prohibitin

Mitochondria-encoded ND (NADH dehydrogenase) subunits, as components of the hydrophobic part of complex I, are essential for NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase activity. Mutations or lack of expression of these subunits have significant pathogenic consequences in humans. However, the way these events affect complex I assembly is poorly documented. To understand the effects of particular mutations in ND subunits on complex I assembly, we studied four human cell lines: ND4 non-expressing cells, ND5 non-expressing cells, and rho degrees cells that do not express any ND subunits, in comparison with normal complex I control cells. In control cells, all the seven analysed nuclear-encoded complex I subunits were found to be attached to the mitochondrial inner membrane, except for the 24 kDa subunit, which was nearly equally partitioned between the membranes and the matrix. Absence of a single ND subunit, or even all the seven ND subunits, caused no major changes in the nuclear-encoded complex I subunit content of mitochondria. However, in cells lacking ND4 or ND5, very low amounts of 24 kDa subunit were found associated with the membranes, whereas most of the other nuclear-encoded subunits remained attached. In contrast, membrane association of most of the nuclear subunits was significantly reduced in the absence of all seven ND proteins. Immunopurification detected several subcomplexes. One of these, containing the 23, 30 and 49 kDa subunits, also contained prohibitin. This is the first description of prohibitin interaction with complex I subunits and suggests that this protein might play a role in the assembly or degradation of mitochondrial complex I.

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein and 15-deoxy-delta 12,14-PGJ2 increase mitochondrial complex I activity in endothelial cells

Oxidized lipids are capable of initiating diverse cellular responses through both receptor-mediated mechanisms and direct posttranslational modification of proteins. Typically, exposure of cells to low concentrations of oxidized lipids induces cytoprotective pathways, whereas high concentrations result in apoptosis. Interestingly, mitochondria can contribute to processes that result in either cytoprotection or cell death. The role of antioxidant defenses such as glutathione in adaptation to stress has been established, but the potential interaction with mitochondrial function is unknown and is examined in this article. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were exposed to oxidized LDL (oxLDL) or the electrophilic cyclopentenone 15-deoxy-Delta 12,14-PGJ2 (15d-PGJ2). We demonstrate that complex I activity, but not citrate synthase or cytochrome-c oxidase, is significantly induced by oxLDL and 15d-PGJ2. The mechanism is not clear at present but is independent of the induction of GSH, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma, and PPAR-alpha. This response is dependent on the induction of oxidative stress in the cells because it can be prevented by nitric oxide, probucol, and the SOD mimetic manganese(III) tetrakis(4-benzoic acid) porphyrin chloride. This increased complex I activity appears to contribute to protection against apoptosis induced by 4-hydroxynonenal.

Identification of genes associated with dedifferentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma with expression profiling analysis

To identify the genes associated with dedifferentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), gene expression profiles of HCCs of well-and moderately differentiated grades were compared by means of oligonucleotide arrays. One tumor showed a nodule-in-nodule appearance (NIN), which is occasionally observed in the course of progression of HCC from well to less differentiated grade, when an inner, moderately differentiated tumor (MD) develops sequentially from the outer, well-differentiated tumor (WD). Seventy-six genes were identified to be up-regulated more than 3-fold and 33 genes were down-regulated in the inner nodule in NIN. By statistical analysis of the profiles from 10 individual additional liver tumors, 5 WDs and 5 MDs, we were able to identify 12 genes, LAMA3, PPIB, ADAR, PSMD4, NDUFS8, D9SVA, CCT3, GBAP, ARD1, RDBP, CSRP2, and TLE1, with significantly elevated expression, and 4 genes, CP, IL7R, CD48, and PLGL, with decreased expression in MD. These selected genes were further validated using another 12 tumors, 5 WDs and 7 MDs, with semi-quantitative RT-PCR. We also applied neighborhood analysis to list the genes with high predictability values as most closely correlated with WD-MD distinction. Seven genes, ADAR, PSMD4, D9SVA, CCT3, GBAP, RDBP, and CSRP2, whose expression was elevated and one gene, IL7R, whose expression was decreased, were included among the top 50 predictor genes. These genes are likely to be associated with dedifferentiation of HCC and their identification may help to elucidate the mechanism of liver cancer progression.

YY1 and Sp1 activate transcription of the human NDUFS8 gene encoding the mitochondrial complex I TYKY subunit

Complex I is the most complicated of the multimeric enzymes that constitute the mitochondrial respiratory chain. It is encoded by both mitochondrial and nuclear genomes. We have previously characterized the human NDUFS8 gene that encodes the TYKY subunit. This essential subunit is thought to participate in the electron transfer and proton pumping activities of complex I. Here, we have analyzed the transcriptional regulation of the NDUFS8 gene. Using primer extension assays, we have identified two transcription start sites. The basal promoter was mapped to a 247 bp sequence upstream from the main transcription start site by reporter gene analysis in HeLa cells and in differentiated or non-differentiated C2C12 cells. Three Sp1 sites and one YY1 site were identified in this minimal promoter. Through gel shift analysis, all sites were shown to bind to their cognate transcription factors. Site-directed mutagenesis revealed that the YY1 site and two upstream adjacent Sp1 sites drive most of the promoter activity. This work represents the first promoter analysis for a complex I gene. Together with previous studies, our results indicate that YY1 and Sp1 control the expression of genes encoding proteins that are involved in almost all steps of the oxidative phosphorylation metabolism.

Transcriptional activators and coactivators in the nuclear control of mitochondrial function in mammalian cells

The biogenesis and function of mitochondria rely upon the regulated expression of nuclear genes. Recent evidence points to both transcriptional activators and coactivators as important mediators of mitochondrial maintenance and proliferation. Several sequence-specific activators including NRF-1, NRF-2, Sp1, YY1, CREB and MEF-2/E-box factors, among others, have been implicated in respiratory chain expression. Notably, recognition sites for NRF-1, NRF-2 and Sp1 are common to most nuclear genes encoding respiratory subunits, mitochondrial transcription and replication factors, as well as certain heme biosynthetic enzymes and components of the protein import machinery. Moreover, genetic evidence supports a role for NRF-1 in the maintenance of mtDNA during embryonic development. Despite these advances, the means by which multiple transcription factors are integrated into a program of mitochondrial biogenesis remains an open question. New insight into this problem came with the discovery of the transcriptional coactivator, PGC-1. This cofactor is cold inducible in brown fat and interacts with multiple transcription factors to orchestrate a program of adaptive thermogenesis. As part of this program, PGC-1 can up-regulate nuclear genes that are required for mitochondrial biogenesis in part through a direct interaction with NRF-1. Ectopic expression of PGC-1 induces the expression of respiratory subunit mRNAs and leads to mitochondrial proliferation in both cultured cells and transgenic mice. More recently, PRC was characterized as a novel coactivator that shares certain structural similarities with PGC-1 including an activation domain, an RS domain and an RNA recognition motif. However, unlike PGC-1, PRC is not induced significantly during thermogenesis but rather is cell-cycle regulated in cultured cells under conditions where PGC-1 is not expressed. PRC has a transcriptional specificity that is very similar to PGC-1, especially in its interaction with NRF-1 and in the activation of NRF-1 target genes. These regulated coactivators may provide a means for integrating sequence-specific activators in the biogenesis and function of mitochondria under diverse physiological conditions.

Respiratory chain complex I deficiency

Oxidative phosphorylation disorders make a contribution of 1 per 10,000 live births in man, of which isolated complex I deficiency is frequently the cause. Complex I, or NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase, is the largest multi-protein enzyme complex of the mitochondrial electron transfer chain. In complex I deficiency, various clinical phenotypes have been recognized, often resulting in multi-system disorders with a fatal outcome at a young age. Recent advances in complex I deficiency, regarding clinical, biochemical, and molecular aspects are described. However, the genetic causes of about 60% of complex I deficiency remain unclear. As a consequence, further research will be needed to clarify the genetic defects in the remaining cases. Novel strategies in which interesting non-structural nuclear-encoded disease-causing genes may be found, as well as the molecular genetic composition of human complex I, are presented.

Human NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase

NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase consists of at least 43 proteins; seven are encoded by the mitochondrial genome, while the remainder are encoded by the nuclear genome. A deficient activity of this enzyme complex is frequently observed in the clinical heterogeneous group of mitochondrial disorders, with Leigh (-like) disease as the main contributor. Enzyme complex activity measurement in skeletal muscle is the mainstay of the diagnostic process. Fibroblast studies are a prerequisite whenever prenatal enzyme diagnosis is considered. Mitochondrial DNA mutations are found in approximately 5-10% of all complex I deficiencies. Recently, all structural nuclear complex I genes have been determined at the cDNA level and several at the gDNA level. A comprehensive mutational analysis study of all complex I nuclear genes in a group of 20 patients exhibiting this deficiency revealed mutations in about 40%. Here, we describe the enzymic methods we use and the recent progress made in genomics and cell biology of human complex I.

Nuclear DNA origin of mitochondrial complex I deficiency in fatal infantile lactic acidosis evidenced by transnuclear complementation of cultured fibroblasts

We have studied complex I (NADH-ubiquinone reductase) defects of the mitochondrial respiratory chain in 2 infants who died in the neonatal period from 2 different neurological forms of severe neonatal lactic acidosis. Specific and marked decrease in complex I activity was documented in muscle, liver, and cultured skin fibroblasts. Biochemical characterization and study of the genetic origin of this defect were performed using cultured fibroblasts. Immunodetection of 6 nuclear DNA-encoded (20, 23, 24, 30, 49, and 51 kDa) and 1 mitochondrial DNA-encoded (ND1) complex I subunits in fibroblast mitochondria revealed 2 distinct patterns. In 1 patient, complex I contained reduced amounts of the 24- and 51-kDa subunits and normal amounts of all the other investigated subunits. In the second patient, amounts of all the investigated subunits were severely decreased. The data suggest partial or extensive impairment of complex I assembly in both patients. Cell fusion experiments between 143B206 rho degrees cells, fully depleted of mitochondrial DNA, and fibroblasts from both patients led to phenotypic complementation of the complex I defects in mitochondria of the resulting cybrid cells. These results indicate that the complex I defects in the 2 reported cases are due to nuclear gene mutations.

cDNA of eight nuclear encoded subunits of NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase: human complex I cDNA characterization completed

NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) is an extremely complicated multiprotein complex located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Its main function is the transport of electrons from NADH to ubiquinone, which is accompanied by translocation of protons from the mitochondrial matrix to the intermembrane space. Human complex I appears to consist of 41 subunits of which 34 are encoded by nDNA. Here we report the cDNA sequences of the hitherto uncharacterized 8 nuclear encoded subunits, all located within the hydrophobic protein (HP) fraction of complex I. Now all currently known 41 proteins of human NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase have been characterized and reported in literature, which enables more complete mutational analysis studies of isolated complex I-deficient patients.