Stoichiometry of vectorial H+ movements coupled to electron transport and to ATP synthesis in mitochondria

Mitochondria at the Nanoscale: Physics Meets Biology-What Does It Mean for Medicine?

Mitochondria are commonly perceived as "cellular power plants". Intriguingly, power conversion is not their only function. In the first part of this paper, we review the role of mitochondria in the evolution of eukaryotic organisms and in the regulation of the human body, specifically focusing on cancer and autism in relation to mitochondrial dysfunction. In the second part, we overview our previous works, revealing the physical principles of operation for proton-pumping complexes in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Our proposed simple models reveal the physical mechanisms of energy exchange. They can be further expanded to answer open questions about mitochondrial functions and the medical treatment of diseases associated with mitochondrial disorders.

Comparison among Neuroblastoma Stages Suggests the Involvement of Mitochondria in Tumor Progression

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial tumor of early childhood and accounts for 15% of all pediatric cancer mortalities. However, the precise pathways and genes underlying its progression are unknown. Therefore, we performed a differential gene expression analysis of neuroblastoma stage 1 and stage 4 + 4S to discover biological processes associated with NB progression. From this preliminary analysis, we found that NB samples (stage 4 + 4S) are characterized by altered expression of some proteins involved in mitochondria function and mitochondria-ER contact sites (MERCS). Although further analyses remain necessary, this review may provide new hints to better understand NB molecular etiopathogenesis, by suggesting that MERCS alterations could be involved in the progression of NB.

Kinetic Mathematical Modeling of Oxidative Phosphorylation in Cardiomyocyte Mitochondria

Oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is an oxygen-dependent process that consumes catabolized nutrients to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to drive energy-dependent biological processes such as excitation-contraction coupling in cardiomyocytes. In addition to in vivo and in vitro experiments, in silico models are valuable for investigating the underlying mechanisms of OXPHOS and predicting its consequences in both physiological and pathological conditions. Here, we compare several prominent kinetic models of OXPHOS in cardiomyocytes. We examine how their mathematical expressions were derived, how their parameters were obtained, the conditions of their experimental counterparts, and the predictions they generated. We aim to explore the general landscape of energy production mechanisms in cardiomyocytes for future in silico models.

Proline Oxidation Supports Mitochondrial ATP Production When Complex I Is Inhibited

The oxidation of proline to pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) leads to the transfer of electrons to ubiquinone in mitochondria that express proline dehydrogenase (ProDH). This electron transfer supports Complexes CIII and CIV, thus generating the protonmotive force. Further catabolism of P5C forms glutamate, which fuels the citric acid cycle that yields the reducing equivalents that sustain oxidative phosphorylation. However, P5C and glutamate catabolism depend on CI activity due to NAD⁺ requirements. NextGen-O2k (Oroboros Instruments) was used to measure proline oxidation in isolated mitochondria of various mouse tissues. Simultaneous measurements of oxygen consumption, membrane potential, NADH, and the ubiquinone redox state were correlated to ProDH activity and F₁F_O-ATPase directionality. Proline catabolism generated a sufficiently high membrane potential that was able to maintain the F₁F_O-ATPase operation in the forward mode. This was observed in CI-inhibited mouse liver and kidney mitochondria that exhibited high levels of proline oxidation and ProDH activity. This action was not observed under anoxia or when either CIII or CIV were inhibited. The duroquinone fueling of CIII and CIV partially reproduced the effects of proline. Excess glutamate, however, could not reproduce the proline effect, suggesting that processes upstream of the glutamate conversion from proline were involved. The ProDH inhibitors tetrahydro-2-furoic acid and, to a lesser extent, S-5-oxo-2-tetrahydrofurancarboxylic acid abolished all proline effects. The data show that ProDH-directed proline catabolism could generate sufficient CIII and CIV proton pumping, thus supporting ATP production by the F₁F_O-ATPase even under CI inhibition.

A requirement for PAK1 to support mitochondrial function and maintain cellular redox balance via electron transport chain proteins to prevent β-cell apoptosis

OBJECTIVE

p21 (Cdc42/Rac1) activated Kinase 1 (PAK1) is a candidate susceptibility factor for type 2 diabetes (T2D). PAK1 is depleted in the islets from T2D donors, compared to control individuals. In addition, whole-body PAK1 knock out (PAK1-KO) in mice worsens the T2D-like effects of high-fat diet. The current study tested the effects of modulating PAK1 levels only in β-cells.

MATERIALS/METHODS

β-cell-specific inducible PAK1 KO (βPAK1-iKO) mice were generated and used with human β-cells and T2D islets to evaluate β-cell function.

RESULTS

βPAK1-iKO mice exhibited glucose intolerance and elevated β-cell apoptosis, but without peripheral insulin resistance. β-cells from βPAK-iKO mice also contained fewer mitochondria per cell. At the cellular level, human PAK1-deficient β-cells showed blunted glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and reduced mitochondrial function. Mitochondria from human PAK1-deficient β-cells were deficient in the electron transport chain (ETC) subunits CI, CIII, and CIV; NDUFA12, a CI complex protein, was identified as a novel PAK1 binding partner, and was significantly reduced with PAK1 knockdown. PAK1 knockdown disrupted the NAD+/NADH and NADP+/NADPH ratios, and elevated ROS. An imbalance of the redox state due to mitochondrial dysfunction leads to ER stress in β-cells. PAK1 replenishment in the β-cells of T2D human islets ameliorated levels of ER stress markers.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support a protective function for PAK1 in β-cells. The results support a new model whereby the PAK1 in the β-cell plays a required role upstream of mitochondrial function, via maintaining ETC protein levels and averting stress-induced β-cell apoptosis to retain healthy functional β-cell mass.

Catabolism of GABA, succinic semialdehyde or gamma-hydroxybutyrate through the GABA shunt impair mitochondrial substrate-level phosphorylation

GABA is catabolized in the mitochondrial matrix through the GABA shunt, encompassing transamination to succinic semialdehyde followed by oxidation to succinate by the concerted actions of GABA transaminase (GABA-T) and succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH), respectively. Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a neurotransmitter and a psychoactive drug that could enter the citric acid cycle through transhydrogenation with α-ketoglutarate to succinic semialdehyde and d-hydroxyglutarate, a reaction catalyzed by hydroxyacid-oxoacid transhydrogenase (HOT). Here, we tested the hypothesis that the elevation in matrix succinate concentration caused by exogenous addition of GABA, succinic semialdehyde or GHB shifts the equilibrium of the reversible reaction catalyzed by succinate-CoA ligase towards ATP (or GTP) hydrolysis, effectively negating substrate-level phosphorylation (SLP). Mitochondrial SLP was addressed by interrogating the directionality of the adenine nucleotide translocase during anoxia in isolated mouse brain and liver mitochondria. GABA eliminated SLP, and this was rescued by the GABA-T inhibitors vigabatrin and aminooxyacetic acid. Succinic semialdehyde was an extremely efficient substrate energizing mitochondria during normoxia but mimicked GABA in abolishing SLP in anoxia, in a manner refractory to vigabatrin and aminooxyacetic acid. GHB could moderately energize liver but not brain mitochondria consistent with the scarcity of HOT expression in the latter. In line with these results, GHB abolished SLP in liver but not brain mitochondria during anoxia and this was unaffected by either vigabatrin or aminooxyacetic acid. It is concluded that when mitochondria catabolize GABA or succinic semialdehyde or GHB through the GABA shunt, their ability to perform SLP is impaired.

Succinate, an intermediate in metabolism, signal transduction, ROS, hypoxia, and tumorigenesis

Succinate is an important metabolite at the cross-road of several metabolic pathways, also involved in the formation and elimination of reactive oxygen species. However, it is becoming increasingly apparent that its realm extends to epigenetics, tumorigenesis, signal transduction, endo- and paracrine modulation and inflammation. Here we review the pathways encompassing succinate as a metabolite or a signal and how these may interact in normal and pathological conditions.(1).

Structure and function of mitochondrial membrane protein complexes

Biological energy conversion in mitochondria is carried out by the membrane protein complexes of the respiratory chain and the mitochondrial ATP synthase in the inner membrane cristae. Recent advances in electron cryomicroscopy have made possible new insights into the structural and functional arrangement of these complexes in the membrane, and how they change with age. This review places these advances in the context of what is already known, and discusses the fundamental questions that remain open but can now be approached.

The negative impact of α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex deficiency on matrix substrate-level phosphorylation

A decline in α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (KGDHC) activity has been associated with neurodegeneration. Provision of succinyl-CoA by KGDHC is essential for generation of matrix ATP (or GTP) by substrate-level phosphorylation catalyzed by succinyl-CoA ligase. Here, we demonstrate ATP consumption in respiration-impaired isolated and in situ neuronal somal mitochondria from transgenic mice with a deficiency of either dihydrolipoyl succinyltransferase (DLST) or dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase (DLD) that exhibit a 20-48% decrease in KGDHC activity. Import of ATP into the mitochondrial matrix of transgenic mice was attributed to a shift in the reversal potential of the adenine nucleotide translocase toward more negative values due to diminished matrix substrate-level phosphorylation, which causes the translocase to reverse prematurely. Immunoreactivity of all three subunits of succinyl-CoA ligase and maximal enzymatic activity were unaffected in transgenic mice as compared to wild-type littermates. Therefore, decreased matrix substrate-level phosphorylation was due to diminished provision of succinyl-CoA. These results were corroborated further by the finding that mitochondria from wild-type mice respiring on substrates supporting substrate-level phosphorylation exhibited ~30% higher ADP-ATP exchange rates compared to those obtained from DLST(+/-) or DLD(+/-) littermates. We propose that KGDHC-associated pathologies are a consequence of the inability of respiration-impaired mitochondria to rely on "in-house" mitochondrial ATP reserves.

Comparison of the H+/ATP ratios of the H+-ATP synthases from yeast and from chloroplast

F(0)F(1)-ATP synthases use the free energy derived from a transmembrane proton transport to synthesize ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate. The number of protons translocated per ATP (H(+)/ATP ratio) is an important parameter for the mechanism of the enzyme and for energy transduction in cells. Current models of rotational catalysis predict that the H(+)/ATP ratio is identical to the stoichiometric ratio of c-subunits to β-subunits. We measured in parallel the H(+)/ATP ratios at equilibrium of purified F(0)F(1)s from yeast mitochondria (c/β = 3.3) and from spinach chloroplasts (c/β = 4.7). The isolated enzymes were reconstituted into liposomes and, after energization of the proteoliposomes with acid-base transitions, the initial rates of ATP synthesis and hydrolysis were measured as a function of ΔpH. The equilibrium ΔpH was obtained by interpolation, and from its dependency on the stoichiometric ratio, [ATP]/([ADP]·[P(i)]), finally the thermodynamic H(+)/ATP ratios were obtained: 2.9 ± 0.2 for the mitochondrial enzyme and 3.9 ± 0.3 for the chloroplast enzyme. The data show that the thermodynamic H(+)/ATP ratio depends on the stoichiometry of the c-subunit, although it is not identical to the c/β ratio.

The effect of pH and free Mg2+ on ATP linked enzymes and the calculation of Gibbs free energy of ATP hydrolysis

The apparent equilibrium constants, K′, of biochemical reactions containing substrates which bind [Mg2+] unequally can be significantly altered by changes in free intracellular [Mg2+]. Intracellular free [Mg2+] can be estimated by measurements of [citrate]/[isocitrate], a ratio known to vary with tissue free [Mg2+]. The combined equilibrium constant for glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, phosphoglycerate kinase, and triose phosphate isomerase for the three reactions (K(GG-TPI)′) was corrected using new binding constants for dihydroxyacetone-phosphate and 3-phosphoglycerate. The result of this calculation is demonstrated in the calculation of the free energy of ATP hydrolysis. In addition, the dependence of the equilibrium constant for the glutamine synthetase reaction on pH and free [Mg2+] was demonstrated. Furthermore, a theory linking the ΔG′ value of mitochondrial complex I−II and the cytosolic ΔG′ value of ATP hydrolysis is discussed with evidence from previous publications.

A novel kinetic assay of mitochondrial ATP-ADP exchange rate mediated by the ANT

A novel method exploiting the differential affinity of ADP and ATP to Mg(2+) was developed to measure mitochondrial ADP-ATP exchange rate. The rate of ATP appearing in the medium after addition of ADP to energized mitochondria, is calculated from the measured rate of change in free extramitochondrial [Mg(2+)] reported by the membrane-impermeable 5K(+) salt of the Mg(2+)-sensitive fluorescent indicator, Magnesium Green, using standard binding equations. The assay is designed such that the adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT) is the sole mediator of changes in [Mg(2+)] in the extramitochondrial volume, as a result of ADP-ATP exchange. We also provide data on the dependence of ATP efflux rate within the 6.8-7.8 matrix pH range as a function of membrane potential. Finally, by comparing the ATP-ADP steady-state exchange rate to the amount of the ANT in rat brain synaptic, brain nonsynaptic, heart and liver mitochondria, we provide molecular turnover numbers for the known ANT isotypes.

Stoichiometry of energy coupling by proton-translocating ATPases: a history of variability

One of the central energy-coupling reactions in living systems is the intraconversion of ATP with a transmembrane proton gradient, carried out by proton-translocating F- and V-type ATPases/synthases. These reversible enzymes can hydrolyze ATP and pump protons, or can use the energy of a transmembrane proton gradient to synthesize ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate. The stoichiometry of these processes (H(+)/ATP, or coupling ratio) has been studied in many systems for many years, with no universally agreed upon solution. Recent discoveries concerning the structure of the ATPases, their assembly and the stoichiometry of their numerous subunits, particularly the proton-carrying proteolipid (subunit c) of the F(O) and V(0) sectors, have shed new light on this question and raise the possibility of variable coupling ratios modulated by variable proteolipid stoichiometries.

Synthesis of a self-contained concept of the molecular mechanism of energy interconversion by H(+)-transporting ATP synthase

The original aim of the review has been to probe into the validity of the paradigm on the high energy-carrier function of ATP. It seemed to be called into question on the basis of findings with H(+)-transporting ATP synthase suggesting the formation of ATP from ADP and Pi without energy input. Thus, ATP appeared as a low-energy compound. Starting from the current, rich knowledge of the molecular structure and the inviting thinking on the mechanism of H(+)-transporting ATP synthase, we have endeavoured to freshly interpret and integrate the pertinent observations in the light of the comprehensively derived model of the molecular mechanism of energy interconversion by Na+/K(+)-transporting ATPase. In this way, we have uncovered the common mechanistic elements of the two energy-interconverting enzymes. The emerging purpose of the present paper has been the 'synthesis' of a self-contained concept of the molecular mechanism of the interconversion of electrochemical and chemical Gibbs energies by H(+)-transporting ATP synthase. The outcome is reflected in the following tentative evaluations. 1. In ATP hydrolysis, the great Gibbs energy change which is observed in solution, is largely conserved by the F1 sector of ATP synthase as mechanical Gibbs energy in the enzyme's protein fabric, so that it can be utilized in the resynthesis of ATP from enzyme-bound ADP and Pi. The plainly measured low Gibbs energy change results from large compensating enthalpy and entropy changes that reflect the underlying changes in protein conformation. 2. In stoichiometric ATP synthesis by F1 sector from ADP and Pi bound to the catalytic centre, their intrinsic binding energy brings about a loss of peptide chain entropy that makes possible an entropy-driven ATP formation. 3. The driving force for ATP synthesis cannot be the high Gibbs energy change on binding of product ATP; the tight ATP-enzyme complex rather is a low Gibbs energy intermediate from which escape is difficult. 4. The catalytic centre exists either in an open state unable to firmly bind the substrate-product couple, or in a closed state protecting formed ATP from facile hydrolysis by ambient water. 5. The cleft closure, induced by binding of Pi and ADP or ATP, does not necessarily need external energy supply, because the cleft closure proceeds from rigid domain rotations which can occur rather spontaneously. In further analogy to adenylate kinase, the driving force of this domain movement presumably comes from the electrostatic interactions between phosphate moieties and arginine side chains in the catalytic centre.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Kinetic studies of ATP synthase: the case for the positional change mechanism

The mitochondrial ATP synthases shares many structural and kinetic properties with bacterial and chloroplast ATP synthases. These enzymes transduce the energy contained in the membrane's electrochemical proton gradients into the energy required for synthesis of high-energy phosphate bonds. The unusual three-fold symmetry of the hydrophilic domain, F1, of all these synthases is striking. Each F1 has three identical beta subunits and three identical alpha subunits as well as three additional subunits present as single copies. The catalytic site for synthesis is undoubtedly contained in the beta subunit or an alpha, beta interface, and thus each enzyme appears to contain three identical catalytic sites. This review summarizes recent isotopic and kinetic evidence in favour of the concept, originally proposed by Boyer and coworkers, that energy from the proton gradient is exerted not directly for the reaction at the catalytic site, but rather to release product from a single catalytic site. A modification of this binding change hypotheses is favored by recent data which suggest that the binding change is due to a positional change in all three beta subunits relative to the remaining subunits of F1 and F0 and that the vector of rotation is influenced by energy. The positional change, or rotation, appears to be the slow step in the process of catalysis and it is accelerated in all F1F0 ATPases studied by substrate binding and by the proton gradient. However, in the mammalian mitochondrial enzyme, other types of allosteric rate regulation not yet fully elucidated seem important as well.

Glynn and the conceptual development of the chemiosmotic theory: a retrospective and prospective view

The origin and evolution of the chemiosmotic theory is described particularly in relation to Peter Mitchell's application of it to model oxidative phosphorylation. Much of the deployment, development and evaluation of the theory occurred at the independent laboratory of the Glynn Research Foundation; the value and future of such an institution is discussed. The role of models mediating between theories and phenomena is analyzed with regard to the growth of knowledge of chemiosmotic systems.

Impairment of ATP-linked reactions in mitochondria isolated from skeletal muscle of halothane-sensitive pigs

Oxygen consumption was depressed in mitochondria isolated from halothane sensitive pig (HP) muscle. The calculation of the respiratory control ratio (RCR) indicated that mitochondria were more affected at the site-I level of the respiratory chain. Calcium accumulation in these mitochondria was not altered when driven by the oxidation of succinate. This process was abolished when linked to ATP as a source of energy. ATP transport was completely inhibited in (HP) mitochondria.

Effect of papain digestion on polypeptide subunits and electron-transfer pathways in mitochondrial b-c1 complex

Papain digestion of subunits of mitochondrial b-c1 complex (ubiquinol-cytochrome-c reductase) isolated from bovine heart and its impact on redox and proton-motive activity of the whole complex were investigated. A 5-min incubation of the oxidized enzyme with papain resulted in digestion of core protein II and the 14-kDa subunit, and limited digestion of the iron-sulfur protein. This was accompanied by a small inhibition of the rate of electron flow and a marked inhibition of proton translocation with decrease of the H+/e- ratio for proton pumping. When papain treatment was performed on the b-c1 complex pre-reduced with ascorbate, partial proteolysis of the iron-sulfur protein and the 14-kDa subunit was greatly accelerated and the electron transfer activity was more markedly inhibited. In all the conditions tested, digestion of the Rieske iron-sulfur protein paralleled the inhibition of reductase activity. Under ascorbate-reduced conditions, papain digestion of the complex gave rise to an alteration of the EPR line shape of the iron-sulfur cluster, namely a broadening and shift of the gx negative peak and destabilization of the protein-bound antimycin-sensitive semiquinone. The latter paralleled the decrease in electron transfer activity and inhibition of antimycin-sensitive cytochrome-b reduction. The results obtained indicate the following. 1. Core protein II and the 14-kDa protein may contribute to the proton-conducting pathway(s) from the matrix aqueous phase to the primary protolytic redox center (protein-bound semiquinone/quinone couple). 2. The iron-sulfur protein contributes, together with other protein(s) (the 14-kDa subunit), to the stabilization of the protein-bound antimycin-sensitive semiquinone species in a protein pocket in the complex. 3. Reduction of the high-potential redox centers induces a change in the quaternary structure of the complex which results in an enhanced surface exposure of segments of the 14-kDa protein and the iron-sulfur protein.

Characteristics of the protonmotive activity of mammalian cytochrome c oxidase and their modification by amino acid reagents

Experimental analysis of the protonmotive activity of reconstituted cytochrome c oxidase from beef heart reveals the following features: (1) The observed H+:e- ratio for redox-linked proton ejection from oxidase vesicles is variable, being affected by various effectors that also influence the catalytic process. (2) Proton ejection appears to be associated with electron transfer from heme a (+CuA) to heme a3 (+CuB). (3) Chemical modification studies contribute to indentification of proton-conduction pathways in the protein and/or residues involved in the coupling process between redox and protonmotive activity. In intact rat liver mitochondria, under physiological conditions of dehydrogenase activity and delta microH+ generation by the respiratory chain cytochrome oxidase, does not appear to contribute significant H+ pumping. The relevance of what is observed is discussed in terms of possible mechanisms and physiological role.

The stoichiometry of charge translocation by cytochrome oxidase and the cytochrome bc1 complex of mitochondria at high membrane potential

The q+/2e stoichiometries (number of charges translocated per electron pair transferred) of cytochrome oxidase and the cytochrome bc1 complex in rat liver mitochondria were determined at a range of membrane potentials up to 180 mV. The method used was similar to the one used in the preceding paper by us in this journal to determine the q+/O stoichiometry of the mitochondrial electron transport chain from succinate to oxygen. The measured q+/2e stoichiometry of cytochrome oxidase was 3.5 positive charges per O atom reduced at low membrane potential (120 mV) and it decreased to about 1.5 at high membrane potential (180 mV). The measured q+/2e stoichiometry of the cytochrome bc1 complex was between 1 and 1.25 positive charges ejected per electron pair and did not change significantly as delta psi was varied from 85 mV to 157 mV. The sum of the q+/2e stoichiometries of cytochrome oxidase and the cytochrome bc1 complex determined separately was similar to their value determined together for electron transport from succinate to oxygen over the range of membrane potentials studied. The most probable interpretation of these results is that the stoichiometry of the cytochrome bc1 complex is invariant over a range of membrane potentials and that the q+/2e stoichiometry of cytochrome oxidase decreases from 4 at low membrane potential to 2 at high membrane potential.

Energy metabolism in rat mast cells in relation to histamine secretion

1. The relation between the energy metabolism and the secretory activity of rat peritoneal mast cells has been studied by determination of the cellular content of ATP and the rate of lactate production reflecting the rate of ATP synthesis under various experimental conditions. Secretion of histamine was induced by the antigen-antibody reaction, the polymeric amine compound 48/80, and the divalent ionophore A23187. 2. In presence of low concentrations of metabolic inhibitors (oligomycin or antimycin A) a linear relation between the secretion of histamine induced by all three liberators and the cellular ATP content at the time of cell activation was demonstrated. This may indicate a direct link between ATP and the secretory mechanism. 3. The possibility of an increased utilization of ATP during histamine secretion was explored in mast cells exposed to metabolic inhibitors. Incubation of mast cells with 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) decreased the ATP content of the cells, and a long-lasting and stable level of mast cell ATP was observed. This is explained by a small decrease in the rate of ATP-synthesis by 2-DG. In 2-DG-treated cells secretion of histamine in response to compound 48/80 or the antigen-antibody reaction could still occur, and the secretion is shown to be associated with a decrease of the cellular ATP level. This ATP decrease indicates that secretion occurs by an ATP-requiring mechanism, that causes an increased cellular utilization of ATP in association with the secretory response. 4. The possibility has been considered that increased cytosol concentration of calcium in association with secretion may decrease the rate of ATP-synthesis due to accumulation of calcium by the mitochondria. This possibility can be excluded by the observation that in presence of respiratory inhibitors an identical ATP decrease was found during the secretion as in the case of the glycolytic inhibitor alone. This indicates that increased utilization of ATP by the cells was related directly to the secretory response. This observation was made with all three secretagogues. 5. A quantitative evaluation of the increased amount of ATP utilized by the cells in relation to the secretory response was performed by use of metabolic inhibitors. The ATP requirement of compound 48/80-induced secretion was 0.15 pmol/10(3) cells. This was observed when the ATP-synthesis was decreased to a negligible value.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Chemical modification studies of beef-heart mitochondrial b-c1 complex. Effect of modification by ethoxyformic anhydride

The effect of the histidine-modifier ethoxyformic anhydride (EFA) on the enzymatic properties of the mitochondrial b-c1 complex (ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase) has been investigated. Chemical modification by EFA inhibited to the same extent the reductase and the proton translocating activity of the complex. In particular EFA modification of the complex resulted in: strong inhibition of the antimycin-insensitive reduction of b cytochromes; inhibition of the antimycin-promoted oxidant-induced reduction of b cytochromes and inhibition of oxidation of pre-reduced b cytochromes. Analysis of the absorbance at 238 nm, indicative of N-(ethoxyformyl)histidine derivative, of the various polypeptide subunits separated by high-pressure liquid chromatography procedure, showed that EFA modified residues in core proteins and in the low-molecular-mass proteins. Both the inhibition of the redox and the protonmotive activity of the complex and the absorbance increase at 238 nm of the core protein fraction were readily reversed by hydroxylamine, indicating that modification of histidine residue(s) in core protein(s) is critical for the activity of the complex. This was supported by the finding that modification of the reductase with EFA prevented binding of fluorescein isothiocyanate to histidine residue(s) in core protein II. EFA modification of the reductase was without effect on the binding of N-(7-dimethylamino-4-methylcoumarinyl)maleimide to the various polypeptides of the complex except for the binding to the Fe-S protein which was greatly potentiated. Thus primary chemical modification of histidine residue(s) in core protein (II) appears to cause, in turn, a conformational change in the Rieske Fe-S protein.

Determination of the upper and lower limits of the mechanistic stoichiometry of incompletely coupled fluxes. Stoichiometry of incompletely coupled reactions

A rationale is formulated for the design of experiments to determine the upper and lower limits of the mechanistic stoichiometry of any two incompletely coupled fluxes J1 and J2. Incomplete coupling results when there is a branch at some point in the sequence of reactions or processes coupling the two fluxes. The upper limit of the mechanistic stoichiometry is given by the minimum value of dJ2/dJ1 obtained when the fluxes are systematically varied by changes in steps after the branch point. The lower limit is given by the maximum value of dJ2/dJ1 obtained when the fluxes are varied by changes in steps prior to the branch point. The rationale for determining these limits is developed from both a simple kinetic model and from a linear nonequilibrium thermodynamic treatment of coupled fluxes, using the mechanistic approach [Westerhoff, H. V. & van Dam, K. (1979) Curr. Top. Bioenerg. 9, 1-62]. The phenomenological stoichiometry, the flux ratio at level flow and the affinity ratio at static head of incompletely coupled fluxes are defined in terms of mechanistic conductances and their relationship to the mechanistic stoichiometry is discussed. From the rationale developed, experimental approaches to determine the mechanistic stoichiometry of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation are outlined. The principles employed do not require knowledge of the pathway or the rate of transmembrane leaks or slippage and may also be applied to analysis of the stoichiometry of other incompletely coupled systems, including vectorial H+/O and K+/O translocation coupled to mitochondrial electron transport.

The upper and lower limits of the mechanistic stoichiometry of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Stoichiometry of oxidative phosphorylation

Determination of the intrinsic or mechanistic P/O ratio of oxidative phosphorylation is difficult because of the unknown magnitude of leak fluxes. Applying a new approach developed to overcome this problem (see our preceding paper in this journal), the relationships between the rate of O2 uptake [( Jo)3], the net rate of phosphorylation (Jp), the P/O ratio, and the respiratory control ratio (RCR) have been determined in rat liver mitochondria when the rate of phosphorylation was systematically varied by three specific means. (a) When phosphorylation is titrated with carboxyatractyloside, linear relationships are observed between Jp and (Jo)3. These data indicate that the upper limit of the mechanistic P/O ratio is 1.80 for succinate and 2.90 for 3-hydroxybutyrate oxidation. (b) Titration with malonate or antimycin yields linear relationships between Jp and (Jo)3. These data give the lower limit of the mechanistic P/O ratio of 1.63 for succinate and 2.66 for 3-hydroxybutyrate oxidation. (c) Titration with a protonophore yields linear relationships between Jp, (Jo)3, and (Jo)4 and between P/O and 1/RCR. Extrapolation of the P/O ratio to 1/RCR = 0 yields P/O ratios of 1.75 for succinate and 2.73 for 3-hydroxybutyrate oxidation which must be equal to or greater than the mechanistic stoichiometry. When published values for the H+/O and H+/ATP ejection ratios are taken into consideration, these measurements suggest that the mechanistic P/O ratio is 1.75 for succinate oxidation and 2.75 for NADH oxidation.

Proton translocation by cytochrome oxidase in (antimycin + myxothiazol)-treated rat liver mitochondria using ferrocyanide or hexammineruthenium as electron donor

When O2 was injected into an anaerobic suspension of valinomycin-treated rat liver mitochondria inhibited with rotenone, antimycin, and myxothiazol, a small amount of O2 (0.23-0.33 ng-atom of O/mg of protein) was reduced extremely rapidly (within the 2 s time-resolution of the oxygen electrode). The subsequent steady-state rate of flow of electrons to oxygen was very low [less than 3 nequiv. X s-1 X (g of mitochondrial protein)-1]. In the presence of valinomycin there was a rapid ejection of protons synchronous with the rapid phase of O2 consumption corresponding to 0.38-0.61 nequiv. of H+ X (mg of mitochondrial protein)-1. When valinomycin was replaced by carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP) there was a rapid alkalification of the medium corresponding to 0.20-0.42 nequiv. of H+ X (mg of mitochondrial protein)-1. When 2 mM-Fe(CN)6(4-) was present to re-reduce endogenous cytochrome c, O2 consumption was still biphasic but the second phase of O2 consumption was very much more rapid [600 nequiv. X s-1 X (g of protein)-1], and resulted in the virtually complete consumption of the O2 in the pulse within 4 s. With 60 microM-Ru(NH3)6(2+) as reductant, O2 consumption was even faster [1200 nequiv. X s-1 X (g of protein)-1]. In a medium containing 150 mM-choline chloride with Ru(NH3)6(2+) as reductant, the proton per reducing equivalent stoichiometry (delta H+O/e-) was +0.95 in the presence of valinomycin and -0.94 in the presence of FCCP. In choline chloride medium containing Ru(NH3)6(2+) and valinomycin, there was an uptake of K+ ions corresponding to 1.86 K+/e-. It is concluded that nearly 1 proton is translocated outwards through cytochrome oxidase per oxidizing equivalent injected in this medium. In low ionic strength sucrose-based medium, with Ru(NH3)6(2+) as reductant, delta H+O/e- was 1.05 in the presence of valinomycin, and -0.71 in the presence of FCCP. It is concluded that the translocation of protons is accompanied by net acid production in this medium.

The H+/O ratio of proton translocation linked to the oxidation of succinate by mitochondria. Reply to a commentary

Costa, L.E., Reynafarje, B. and Lehninger, A.L. [(1984) J. Biol. Chem. 259, 4802-4811] have reported 'second-generation' measurements of the H+/O ratio approaching 8.0 for vectorial H+ translocation coupled to succinate oxidation by rat liver mitochondria. In a Commentary in this Journal [Krab, K., Soos, J. and Wikström, M. (1984) FEBS Lett. 178, 187-192] it was concluded that the measurements of Costa et al. significantly overestimated the true H+/O stoichiometry. It is shown here that the mathematical simulation on which Krab et al. based this claim is faulty and that data reported by Costa et al. had already excluded the criticism advanced by Krab et al. Also reported are new data, obtained under conditions in which the arguments of Krab et al. are irrelevant, which confirm that the H+/O ratio for succinate oxidation extrapolated to level flow is close to 8.

The stoichiometry of H+ pumping in cytochrome oxidase and the mechanism of uncoupling

It is suggested that loose coupling in free energy transducing organelles is due partly to leaks through the phospholipid bilayer (extrinsic uncoupling) and partly to "slipping" of the proton pumps (intrinsic uncoupling). The flow ratio of the redox pumps (JH/JO) measured at level flow is not affected by extrinsic uncoupling, but it will be lower the higher the extent of intrinsic uncoupling. During operation of cytochrome oxidase with ferrocyanide or N,N,N',N'-tetraphenyl-p-phenylenediamine as substrates, the rate of resting respiration depends on substrate concentration and does not exhibit control by delta muH; the available data strongly suggest that the enzyme is intrinsically uncoupled to a high and variable (substrate concentration-dependent) extent. It is concluded that flow ratios (at level flows) provide underestimates of the cytochrome oxidase pump stoichiometry.

An assessment of the chemiosmotic hypothesis of mitochondrial energy transduction

It is argued that a proton concentration difference and/or a membrane potential is not the form into which the free energy of the oxidation-reduction reactions of the mitochondrial respiratory chain is first transduced. It is suggested that the search for a chemical intermediate should be continued in spite of the conclusion by some investigators that the chemical hypothesis is untenable. It is asked whether pH changes when measured in solutions containing mitochondria can be interpreted as evidence for H+ movements, also, whether there is a continuous, renewable and stable electrochemical proton concentration difference (delta mu H+) across the mitochondrial membrane, and whether in fact the delta mu H+ is a necessary intermediate in the synthesis of ATP. The four postulates of Mitchell's chemiosmotic hypothesis of energy transduction are discussed point by point. It is agreed that "The systems are plugged through a topologically closed insulating membrane," which probably is not "a nonaqueous osmotic barrier," and which probably does not have an unusually "low permeability to solutes and to H+ and OH- in particular" when compared with other membranes. There is disagreement with the statement that "Respiratory and photoredox systems are chemiosmotic membrane-located protonmotive chains" in that it is suggested by others that chemiosmosis is chemically nonexistent and that thermodynamically it would lack control. The subsequent statement, "having a characteristic----H+/2 epsilon- stoichiometry," is rendered uncertain by the experimental findings of values greater than 2H+/2 epsilon-/site and probably as large as 4H+/2 epsilon-/site. The proposal that "The synthetase is a chemiosmotic membrane-located reversible motive ATPase" requires the assumption that the ATP synthetase is the same enzyme as the ATPase, but functioning in the reverse direction. It is considered possible that there are two enzymes in the multi-subunit ATPase complex: one the hydrolase, and the other the synthetase. The further proposal, "having characteristic----H+/P stoichiometry" requires that the ratio be 2 according to Mitchell. However, values of 3, as well as larger values, have been reported by others, which introduces a large element of uncertainty. There is no disagreement with the statement that "There are proton-linked (or hydroxyl ion-linked) solute porter systems for osmotic stabilization and metabolite transport." In fact, this may be the principal reason for having proton efflux or "proton-pumping.''(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Oxygen-dependent proton efflux in cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)

The oxygen-dependent proton efflux (in the dark) of intact cells of Anabaena variabilis and four other cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) was investigated. In contrast to bacteria and isolated mitochondria, an H+/e ratio (= protons translocated per electron transported) of only 0.23 to 0.35 and a P/e ratio of 0.8 to 1.5 were observed, indicative of respiratory electron transport being localized essentially on the thylakoids, not on the cytoplasmic membrane. Oxygen-induced acidification of the medium was sensitive to cyanide and the uncoupler carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone. Inhibitors such as 2,6-dinitrophenol and vanadate exhibited a significant decrease in the H+/e ratio. After the oxygen pulse, electron transport started immediately, but proton efflux lagged 40 to 60 s behind, a period also needed before maximum ATP pool levels were attained. We suggest that proton efflux in A. variabilis is due to a proton-translocating ATP hydrolase (ATP-consuming ATPase) rather than to respiratory electron transport located on the cytoplasmic membrane.

Interactions in cytochrome oxidase: functions and structure

Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase is an exceedingly complex multistructural and multifunctional membranous enzyme. In this review, we will provide an overview of the many interactions of cytochrome oxidase, stressing developments not covered by the excellent monograph of Wikström, Krab, and Saraste (1981), and continuing into early 1983. First we describe its functions (both in the nominal sense, as a transporter of electrons between cytochrome c and oxygen, and in its role in energy transduction). Then we describe its structure, emphasizing the protein (its structure as a whole, the number and stoichiometry of its subunits, their biosynthetic origin, and their interactions with each other, with other components of the enzyme complex, and with the membrane as a whole). Finally, we present a model in which the protein conformation serves as the focus for the dynamic interaction of its two major functions.

The energy equivalents of ATP and the energy values of food proteins and fats

Heats of combustion and energy equivalents of cytoplasmic ATP have been estimated for glucose, 101 food proteins and 116 food fats based on amino acid and fatty acid composition data from food composition tables and the heats of combustion and energy equivalents of cytoplasmic ATP of each individual amino acid, fatty acid, glycerol and glucose. The isodynamic equivalents of carbohydrate, fat and protein at the biochemical level have been investigated. Heats of combustion of food proteins and fats derived from compositional data were within 1% of published values obtained by calorimetry. Cytoplasmic ATP equivalents for glucose, fat and protein range from 9.0 to 14.7, 8.6 to 14.6 and 6.4 to 13.2 mol cytoplasmic ATP/MJ of metabolizable energy respectively, depending on the choice of mitochondrial proton stoichiometries for these estimations. The range is extended further when considering the level and type of mitochondrial 'uncoupling'. Isobioenergetic relationships between the efficiencies of glucose (G) and fat (F) (F = 1.05 G - 0.9) and glucose and protein (P) (P = G(1.02 - 0.19 f) - (1.8 + 0.5 f] energy conversions (where f is the fraction of protein oxidized via gluconeogenesis) were obtained and were essentially independent of the choice of mitochondrial proton stoichiometry and the level and type of uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation. Potential errors in previous estimates of ATP yield from protein are shown to be as much as -17.6 to greater than 118%; accounting for the efficiency of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation narrows this to between -7.9 and 17.4% and accounting for the fraction of protein oxidized via gluconeogenesis limits this further to between -7.9 and 11.1%. Remaining uncertainty is attributed mostly to lack of knowledge about the energy cost of substrate absorption from the gut and transport across cell membranes. Coefficients of variation (cv) in the cytoplasmic ATP yield/g protein and /g protein nitrogen for the 101 food proteins were large (0.033 and 0.058 respectively). This is attributed mostly to variation in the metabolizable heats of combustion (cv 0.033 and 0.053 respectively) and to a much smaller extent in the efficiency with which cytoplasmic ATP equivalents are generated/MJ of metabolizable energy (cv 0.01). It is concluded that the current understanding of biochemical energy transduction is sufficient to permit only a crude estimate of the energy equivalents of cytoplasmic ATP but that these equivalents vary by less than 5% between both different food proteins and different food fats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)