Identification of sequences required for the import of human protoporphyrinogen oxidase to mitochondria

Regulation of Heme Synthesis by Mitochondrial Homeostasis Proteins

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

Molecular characterization of a novel His333Arg variant of human protoporphyrinogen oxidase IX

Variegate porphyria is caused by mutations in the protoporphyrinogen oxidase IX (PPOX, EC 1.3.3.4) gene, resulting in reduced overall enzymatic activity of PPOX in human tissues. Recently, we have identified the His333Arg mutation in the PPOX protein (PPOX(H333R)) as a putative founder mutation in the Moroccan Jewish population. Herein we report the molecular characterization of PPOX(H333R) in vitro and in cells. Purified recombinant PPOX(H333R) did not show any appreciable enzymatic activity in vitro, corroborating the clinical findings. Biophysical experiments and molecular modeling revealed that PPOX(H333R) is not folded properly and fails to adopt its native functional three-dimensional conformation due to steric clashes in the vicinity of the active site of the enzyme. On the other hand, PPOX(H333R) subcellular distribution, as evaluated by live-cell confocal microscopy, is unimpaired suggesting that the functional three-dimensional fold is not required for efficient transport of the polypeptide chain into mitochondria. Overall, the data presented here provide molecular underpinnings of the pathogenicity of PPOX(H333R) and might serve as a blueprint for deciphering whether a given PPOX variant represents a disease-causing mutation.

Heterologous expression and purification of recombinant human protoporphyrinogen oxidase IX: A comparative study

Human protoporphyrinogen oxidase IX (hPPO) is an oxygen-dependent enzyme catalyzing the penultimate step in the heme biosynthesis pathway. Mutations in the enzyme are linked to variegate porphyria, an autosomal dominant metabolic disease. Here we investigated eukaryotic cells as alternative systems for heterologous expression of hPPO, as the use of a traditional bacterial-based system failed to produce several clinically relevant hPPO variants. Using bacterially-produced hPPO, we first analyzed the impact of N-terminal tags and various detergent on hPPO yield, and specific activity. Next, the established protocol was used to compare hPPO constructs heterologously expressed in mammalian HEK293T17 and insect Hi5 cells with prokaryotic overexpression. By attaching various fusion partners at the N- and C-termini of hPPO we also evaluated the influence of the size and positioning of fusion partners on expression levels, specific activity, and intracellular targeting of hPPO fusions in mammalian cells. Overall, our results suggest that while enzymatically active hPPO can be heterologously produced in eukaryotic systems, the limited availability of the intracellular FAD co-factor likely negatively influences yields of a correctly folded protein making thus the E.coli a system of choice for recombinant hPPO overproduction. At the same time, PPO overexpression in eukaryotic cells might be preferrable in cases when the effects of post-translational modifications (absent in bacteria) on target protein functions are studied.

Heme biosynthesis and the porphyrias

Porphyrias, is a general term for a group of metabolic diseases that are genetic in nature. In each specific porphyria the activity of specific enzymes in the heme biosynthetic pathway is defective and leads to accumulation of pathway intermediates. Phenotypically, each disease leads to either neurologic and/or photocutaneous symptoms based on the metabolic intermediate that accumulates. In each porphyria the distinct patterns of these substances in plasma, erythrocytes, urine and feces are the basis for diagnostically defining the metabolic defect underlying the clinical observations. Porphyrias may also be classified as either erythropoietic or hepatic, depending on the principal site of accumulation of pathway intermediates. The erythropoietic porphyrias are congenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP), and erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). The acute hepatic porphyrias include ALA dehydratase deficiency porphyria, acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), hereditary coproporphyria (HCP) and variegate porphyria (VP). Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is the only porphyria that has both genetic and/or environmental factors that lead to reduced activity of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase in the liver. Each of the 8 enzymes in the heme biosynthetic pathway have been associated with a specific porphyria (Table 1). Mutations affecting the erythroid form of ALA synthase (ALAS2) are most commonly associated with X-linked sideroblastic anemia, however, gain-of-function mutations of ALAS2 have also been associated with a variant form of EPP. This overview does not describe the full clinical spectrum of the porphyrias, but is meant to be an overview of the biochemical steps that are required to make heme in both erythroid and non-erythroid cells.

Molecular analysis of 19 Spanish patients with mixed porphyrias

Porphyrias are rare diseases caused by alterations in the heme biosynthetic pathway. Depending on the afected enzyme, porphyrin precursors or porphyrins are overproduced, causing acute neurovisceral attacks or dermal photosensitivity, respectively. Hereditary Coproporphyria (HCP) and Variegate Porphyria (VP) are mixed porphyrias since they can present acute and/or cutaneous symptoms. These diseases are caused by a deficiency of coproporphyrinogen oxidase (CPOX) in HCP, and protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPOX) in VP. Herein, we studied nineteen unrelated Spanish patients with mixed porphyrias. The diagnosis of either, HCP or VP was made on the basis of clinical symptoms, biochemical findings and the identification of the mutation responsible in the CPOX or PPOX genes. Two patients presented both acute and cutaneous symptoms. In most patients, the biochemical data allowed the diagnosis. Among eleven patients with HCP, ten CPOX mutations were identified, including six novel ones: two frameshift (c.32delG and c.1102delC), two nonsense (p.Cys239Ter and p.Tyr365Ter), one missense (p.Trp275Arg) and one amino acid deletion (p.Gly336del). Moreover, seven previously described PPOX mutations were identified in eight patients with VP. The impacts of CPOX mutations p.Trp275Arg and p.Gly336del, were evaluated using prediction softwares and their functional consequences were studied in a prokaryotic expression system. Both alterations were predicted as deleterious by in silico analysis. Aditionally, when these alleles were expressed in E. coli, only p.Trp275Arg retained some residual activity. These results emphasize the usefulness of integrated the biochemical tests and molecular studies in the diagnosis. Furthermore, they extend knowledge on the molecular heterogeneity of mixed porphyrias in Spain.

Erythroid heme biosynthesis and its disorders

Heme, which is composed of iron and the small organic molecule protoporphyrin, is an essential component of hemoglobin as well as a variety of physiologically important hemoproteins. During erythropoiesis, heme synthesis is induced before, and is essential for, globin synthesis. Although all cells possess the ability to synthesize heme, there are distinct differences between regulation of the pathway in developing erythroid cells and all other types of cells. Disorders that compromise the ability of the developing red cell to synthesize heme can have profound medical implications. The biosynthetic pathway for heme and key regulatory features are reviewed herein, along with specific human genetic disorders that arise from defective heme synthesis such as X-linked sideroblastic anemia and erythropoietic protoporphyria.

One ring to rule them all: trafficking of heme and heme synthesis intermediates in the metazoans

The appearance of heme, an organic ring surrounding an iron atom, in evolution forever changed the efficiency with which organisms were able to generate energy, utilize gasses and catalyze numerous reactions. Because of this, heme has become a near ubiquitous compound among living organisms. In this review we have attempted to assess the current state of heme synthesis and trafficking with a goal of identifying crucial missing information, and propose hypotheses related to trafficking that may generate discussion and research. The possibilities of spatially organized supramolecular enzyme complexes and organelle structures that facilitate efficient heme synthesis and subsequent trafficking are discussed and evaluated. Recently identified players in heme transport and trafficking are reviewed and placed in an organismal context. Additionally, older, well established data are reexamined in light of more recent studies on cellular organization and data available from newer model organisms. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Cell Biology of Metals.

Functional Characterization of Five Protoporphyrinogen oxidase Missense Mutations Found in Argentinean Variegate Porphyria Patients

A partial deficiency in protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPOX) produces the acute/cutaneous (or mixed) variegate porphyria (VP), the third most frequent porphyria in Argentina. This autosomal dominant disorder is clinically characterized by skin lesions and/or acute neurovisceral attacks. The precise diagnosis of patients with a symptomatic VP is essential to provide accurate treatment. It is also critical to identify asymptomatic relatives to avoid precipitating factors and prevent acute attacks.Functional consequences of five PPOX missense mutations were evaluated in a prokaryotic expression system. Three mutations were found in families previously reported c.101A>T (p.E34V), c.670T>G (W224G), c.995G>C (G332A) and two were novel findings c.227C>T (p.S76F), c.1265A>G (p.Y422C). All mutations were identified in heterozygotes with reduced PPOX activity and variable clinical expression of the disease, including asymptomatic cases. Prokaryotic expression showed that all five missense mutations decreased the PPOX activity, demonstrating their detrimental effect on enzyme function, and thus, providing evidence for their causative role in VP. These results reinforce the importance of molecular genetic analysis for VP diagnosis and especially the usefulness of prokaryotic expression of missense mutations to assess their deleterious effect on PPOX activity.MM and BXG contributed equally to the publication. RES and MVR share senior authorship.

Genetic and biochemical studies in Argentinean patients with variegate porphyria

BACKGROUND

A partial deficiency in Protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPOX) produces the mixed disorder Variegate Porphyria (VP), the second acute porphyria more frequent in Argentina. Identification of patients with an overt VP is absolutely important because treatment depends on an accurate diagnosis but more critical is the identification of asymptomatic relatives to avoid acute attacks which may progress to death.

METHODS

We have studied at molecular level 18 new Argentinean patients biochemically diagnosed as VP. PPOX gene was amplified in one or in twelve PCR reactions. All coding exons, flanking intronic and promoter regions were manual or automatically sequenced. For RT-PCR studies RNA was retrotranscripted, amplified and sequenced. PPOX activity in those families carrying a new and uncharacterized mutation was performed.

RESULTS

All affected individuals harboured mutations in heterozygous state. Nine novel mutations and 3 already reported mutations were identified. Six of the novel mutations were single nucleotide substitutions, 2 were small deletions and one a small insertion. Three single nucleotide substitutions and the insertion were at exon-intron boundaries. Two of the single nucleotide substitutions, c.471G>A and c.807G>A and the insertion (c.388+3insT) were close to the splice donor sites in exons 5, 7 and intron 4 respectively. The other single nucleotide substitution was a transversion in the last base of intron 7, g.3912G>C (c.808-1G>C) so altering the consensus acceptor splice site. However, only in the first case the abnormal band showing the skipping of exon 5 was detected. The other single nucleotide substitutions were transversions: c.101A>T, c.995G>C and c.670 T>G that result in p.E34V, p.G332A and W224G aminoacid substitutions in exons 3, 10 and 7 respectively. Activity measurements indicate that these mutations reduced about 50% PPOX activity and also that they co-segregate with this reduced activity value. Two frameshift mutations, c.133delT and c.925delA, were detected in exons 3 and 9 respectively. The first leads to an early termination signal 22 codons downstream (p.S45fsX67) and the second leads to a stop codon 5 codons downstream (p.I309fsX314). One reported mutation was a missense mutation (p.G232R) and 2 were frameshift mutations: c.1082insC and 1043insT. The last mutation was detected in six new apparently unrelated Argentinean families.

CONCLUSION

Molecular analysis in available family members revealed 14 individuals who were silent carriers of VP. Molecular techniques represent the most accurate approach to identify unaffected carriers and to provide accurate genetic counselling for asymptomatic individuals. The initial screening includes the insertion search.

Structure of alpha-glycerophosphate oxidase from Streptococcus sp.: a template for the mitochondrial alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase

The FAD-dependent alpha-glycerophosphate oxidase (GlpO) from Enterococcus casseliflavus and Streptococcus sp. was originally studied as a soluble flavoprotein oxidase; surprisingly, the GlpO sequence is 30-43% identical to those of the alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenases (GlpDs) from mitochondrial and bacterial sources. The structure of a deletion mutant of Streptococcus sp. GlpO (GlpODelta, lacking a 50-residue insert that includes a flexible surface region) has been determined using multiwavelength anomalous dispersion data and refined at 2.3 A resolution. Using the GlpODelta structure as a search model, we have also determined the intact GlpO structure, as refined at 2.4 A resolution. The first two domains of the GlpO fold are most closely related to those of the flavoprotein glycine oxidase, where they function in FAD binding and substrate binding, respectively; the GlpO C-terminal domain consists of two helix bundles and is not closely related to any known structure. The flexible surface region in intact GlpO corresponds to a segment of missing electron density that links the substrate-binding domain to a betabetaalpha element of the FAD-binding domain. In accordance with earlier biochemical studies (stabilizations of the covalent FAD-N5-sulfite adduct and p-quinonoid form of 8-mercapto-FAD), Ile430-N, Thr431-N, and Thr431-OG are hydrogen bonded to FAD-O2alpha in GlpODelta, stabilizing the negative charge in these two modified flavins and facilitating transfer of a hydride to FAD-N5 (from Glp) as well. Active-site overlays with the glycine oxidase-N-acetylglycine and d-amino acid oxidase-d-alanine complexes demonstrate that Arg346 of GlpODelta is structurally equivalent to Arg302 and Arg285, respectively; in both cases, these residues interact directly with the amino acid substrate or inhibitor carboxylate. The structural and functional divergence between GlpO and the bacterial and mitochondrial GlpDs is also discussed.

Biosynthesis of heme in mammals

Most iron in mammalian systems is routed to mitochondria to serve as a substrate for ferrochelatase. Ferrochelatase inserts iron into protoporphyrin IX to form heme which is incorporated into hemoglobin and cytochromes, the dominant hemoproteins in mammals. Tissue-specific regulatory features characterize the heme biosynthetic pathway. In erythroid cells, regulation is mediated by erythroid-specific transcription factors and the availability of iron as Fe/S clusters. In non-erythroid cells the pathway is regulated by heme-mediated feedback inhibition. All of the enzymes in the heme biosynthetic pathway have been crystallized and the crystal structures have permitted detailed analyses of enzyme mechanisms. All of the genes encoding the heme biosynthetic enzymes have been cloned and mutations of these genes are responsible for a group of human disorders designated the porphyrias and for X-linked sideroblastic anemia. The biochemistry, structural biology and the mechanisms of tissue-specific regulation are presented in this review along with the key features of the porphyric disorders.

Examination of mitochondrial protein targeting of haem synthetic enzymes: in vivo identification of three functional haem-responsive motifs in 5-aminolaevulinate synthase

The initial and the terminal three enzymes of the mammalian haem biosynthetic pathway are nuclear encoded, cytoplasmically synthesized and post-translationally translocated into the mitochondrion. The first enzyme, ALAS (5-aminolaevulinate synthase), occurs as an isoenzyme encoded on different chromosomes and is synthesized either as a housekeeping protein (ALAS-1) in all non-erythroid cell types, or only in differentiating erythroid precursor cells (ALAS-2). Both ALAS proteins possess mitochondrial targeting sequences that have putative haem-binding motifs. In the present study, evidence is presented demonstrating that two haem-binding motifs in the leader sequence, as well as one present in the N-terminus of the mature ALAS-1 function in vivo in the haem-regulated translocation of ALAS-1. Coproporphyrinogen oxidase, the antepenultimate pathway enzyme, possesses a leader sequence that is approx. 120 residues long. In contrast with an earlier report suggesting that only 30 residues were required for translocation of the coproporphyrinogen oxidase, we report that the complete leader is necessary for translocation and that this process is not haem-sensitive in vivo. PPO (protoporphyrinogen oxidase) lacks a typical mitochondrial targeting leader sequence and was found to be effectively targeted by just 17 N-terminal residues. Bacillus subtilis PPO, which is very similar to human PPO at its N-terminal end, is not targeted to the mitochondrion when expressed in mammalian cells, demonstrating that the translocation is highly specific with regard to both the length and spacing of charged residues in this targeting region. Ferrochelatase, the terminal enzyme, possesses a typical N-terminal leader sequence and no evidence of a role for the C-terminus was found in mitochondrial targeting.