Muscle creatine kinase-deficient mice. II. Cardiac and skeletal muscles exhibit tissue-specific adaptation of the mitochondrial function

Spatiotemporal AMPKα2 deletion in mice induces cardiac dysfunction, fibrosis and cardiolipin remodeling associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in males only

Background

The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a major regulator of cellular energetics which plays key role in acute metabolic response and in long-term adaptation to stress. Recent works have also suggested non-metabolic effects.

Methods

To decipher AMPK roles in the heart, we generated a cardio-specific inducible model of gene deletion of the main cardiac catalytic subunit of AMPK (Ampkα2) in mice. This allowed us to avoid the eventual impact of AMPK-KO in peripheral organs.

Results

Cardio-specific Ampkα2 deficiency led to a progressive left ventricular systolic dysfunction and the development of cardiac fibrosis in males. We observed a reduction in complex I-driven respiration without change in mitochondrial mass or in vitro complex I activity, associated with a rearrangement of the cardiolipins and reduced integration of complex I into the electron transport chain supercomplexes. Strikingly, none of these defects were present in females. Interestingly, suppression of estradiol signaling by ovariectomy partially mimicked the male sensitivity to AMPK loss, notably the cardiac fibrosis and the rearrangement of cardiolipins, but not the cardiac function that remained protected.

Conclusion

Our results confirm the close link between AMPK and cardiac mitochondrial function, but also highlight links with cardiac fibrosis. Importantly, we show that AMPK is differently involved in these processes in males and females, which may have clinical implications for the use of AMPK activators in the treatment of heart failure.

AMPK is a metabolic sensor of cellular energy which regulates energy homeostasis.

We generated a cardiac-specific inducible deletion of Ampkα2 and demonstrated that this deletion induces mild cardiac dysfunction in male only.

Cardiac dysfunction observed in males was associated with cardiac fibrosis and cardiac cardiolipin remodeling that are not seen in females.

Although no significant cardiac function alteration was noticed in ovariectomized female Ampkα2ciKO mice, these latter exhibited cardiac fibrosis and mild cardiolipins remodeling.

Our results show a higher dependence on AMPK signaling fibrosis and cardiolipin biosynthesis/maturation in males, either due to the absence of female hormones protection or/and to the action of male hormones. This may contribute to the known difference in cardiovascular risk and outcome between sexes.

Cardiac expression and location of hexokinase changes in a mouse model of pure creatine deficiency

Creatine kinase (CK) is considered the main phosphotransfer system in the heart, important for overcoming diffusion restrictions and regulating mitochondrial respiration. It is substrate limited in creatine-deficient mice lacking l-arginine:glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT) or guanidinoacetate N-methyltranferase (GAMT). Our aim was to determine the expression, activity, and mitochondrial coupling of hexokinase (HK) and adenylate kinase (AK), as these represent alternative energy transfer systems. In permeabilized cardiomyocytes, we assessed how much endogenous ADP generated by HK, AK, or CK stimulated mitochondrial respiration and how much was channeled to mitochondria. In whole heart homogenates, and cytosolic and mitochondrial fractions, we measured the activities of AK, CK, and HK. Lastly, we assessed the expression of the major HK, AK, and CK isoforms. Overall, respiration stimulated by HK, AK, and CK was ∼25, 90, and 80%, respectively, of the maximal respiration rate, and ∼20, 0, and 25%, respectively, was channeled to the mitochondria. The activity, distribution, and expression of HK, AK, and CK did not change in GAMT knockout (KO) mice. In AGAT KO mice, we found no changes in AK, but we found a higher HK activity in the mitochondrial fraction, greater expression of HK I, but a lower stimulation of respiration by HK. Our findings suggest that mouse hearts depend less on phosphotransfer systems to facilitate ADP flux across the mitochondrial membrane. In AGAT KO mice, which are a model of pure creatine deficiency, the changes in HK may reflect changes in metabolism as well as influence mitochondrial regulation and reactive oxygen species production.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In creatine-deficient AGAT-/- and GAMT-/- mice, the myocardial creatine kinase system is substrate limited. It is unknown whether subcellular localization and mitochondrial ADP channeling by hexokinase and adenylate kinase may compensate as alternative phosphotransfer systems. Our results show no changes in adenylate kinase, which is the main alternative to creatine kinase in heart. However, we found increased expression and activity of hexokinase I in AGAT-/- cardiomyocytes. This could affect mitochondrial regulation and reactive oxygen species production.

Structure and function of resistance arteries from BB-creatine kinase and ubiquitous Mt-creatine kinase double knockout mice

Increasing evidence indicates that the enzyme creatine kinase (CK) is intimately involved in microvascular contractility. The mitochondrial isoenzyme catalyses phosphocreatine synthesis from ATP, while cytoplasmic CK, predominantly the BB isoenzyme in vascular tissue, is tightly bound near myosin ATPase, where it favours ATP production from phosphocreatine to metabolically support vascular contractility. However, the effect of CK gene inactivation on microvascular function is hitherto unknown. We studied functional and structural parameters of mesenteric resistance arteries isolated from 5 adult male mice lacking cytoplasmic BB-CK and ubiquitous mitochondrial CK (CK-/-) vs 6 sex/age-matched controls. Using a Mulvany Halpern myograph, we assessed the acute maximum contractile force with 125 mM K⁺ and 10^-5 M norepinephrine, and the effect of two inhibitors, dinitrofluorobenzene, which inhibits phosphotransfer enzymes (0.1 μM), and the specific adenylate kinase inhibitor P1, P5-di(adenosine 5') pentaphosphate (10^-6 to 10^-5 M). WT and CK-/- did not significantly differ in media thickness, vascular elasticity parameters, or acute maximum contractile force. CK-/- arteries displayed greater reduction in contractility after dinitrofluorobenzene 38%; vs 14% in WT; and after AK inhibition, 14% vs 5.5% in WT, and displayed abnormal mitochondria, with a partial loss of the inner membrane. Thus, CK-/- mice display a surprisingly mild phenotype in vascular dysfunction. However, the mitochondrial abnormalities and greater effect of inhibitors on contractility may reflect a compromised energy metabolism. In CK-/- mice, compensatory mechanisms salvage energy metabolism, as described for other CK knock-out models.

Marker enzyme activities in hindleg from creatine-deficient AGAT and GAMT KO mice - differences between models, muscles, and sexes

Creatine kinase (CK) functions as an energy buffer in muscles. Its substrate, creatine, is generated by L-arginine:glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT) and guanidinoacetate N-methyltransferase (GAMT). Creatine deficiency has more severe consequences for AGAT than GAMT KO mice. In the present study, to characterize their muscle phenotype further, we recorded the weight of tibialis anterior (TA), extensor digitorum longus (EDL), gastrocnemius (GAS), plantaris (PLA) and soleus (SOL) from creatine-deficient AGAT and GAMT, KO and WT mice. In GAS, PLA and SOL representing glycolytic, intermediate and oxidative muscle, respectively, we recorded the activities of pyruvate kinase (PK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), citrate synthase (CS) and cytochrome oxidase (CO). In AGAT KO compared to WT mice, muscle atrophy and differences in marker enzyme activities were more pronounced in glycolytic than oxidative muscle. In GAMT KO compared to WT, the atrophy was modest, differences in PK and LDH activities were minor, and CS and CO activities were slightly higher in all muscles. SOL from males had higher CS and CO activities compared to females. Our results add detail to the characterization of AGAT and GAMT KO skeletal muscle phenotypes and illustrate the importance of taking into account differences between muscles, and differences between sexes.

Creatine kinase/α-crystallin interaction functions in cataract development

Creatine kinase (CK) is an energy storage enzyme that plays an important role in energy metabolism. CK/phosphocreatine functions as an energy buffer and links ATP production sites with ATP utilization sites. Several key mutations in the αA-crystallin (cryaa) and αB-crystallin (cryab) genes have been linked with autosomal-dominant, hereditary human cataracts. The cryaa-R49C mutation was identified in a four-generation Caucasian family. We previously identified an increase in the quantity of CK complexed with α-crystallin in the lenses of knock-in mice expressing the cryaa-R49C mutation using proteomic analyses. Increased levels of CK in postnatal cataractous lenses may indicate increased ATP requirements during early cataract development. To gain a further understanding of the relationship between CK and α-crystallin, we investigated whether α-crystallin interacts with and forms complexes with CK, in vitro. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) showed that each CK dimer bound to 28 α-crystallin subunits, with a K_d of 3.3 × 10⁻⁷ M, and that the interaction between α-crystallin and CK was endothermic, thermodynamically favorable, and entropy-driven. High-salt concentrations did not affect the interaction between CK and α-crystallin, suggesting that the interaction between CK and α-crystallin is primarily hydrophobic. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) detected water-soluble α-crystallin and CK complexes, as determined by increased light scattering after complex formation. In addition, CK and α-crystallin formed partially-water-insoluble, high-molecular-mass complexes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based enzymatic activity analyses of lens homogenates showed a 17-fold increase in CK activity in the postnatal lenses of cryaa-R49C knock-in mice. These studies indicate that the interaction between α-crystallin and CK is functionally important and that increased CK levels may be necessary to meet the increased ATP demands of ATP-dependent functions in cataractous lenses.

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Cataract model α-crystallin mutant mice exhibit upregulated creatine kinase.

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Isothermal titration calorimetry detected creatine kinase/α-crystallin interaction.

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The protein-protein interaction is thermodynamically favorable and entropy driven.

Inducible Cardiac-Specific Deletion of Sirt1 in Male Mice Reveals Progressive Cardiac Dysfunction and Sensitization of the Heart to Pressure Overload

Heart failure is associated with profound alterations of energy metabolism thought to play a major role in the progression of this syndrome. SIRT1 is a metabolic sensor of cellular energy and exerts essential functions on energy metabolism, oxidative stress response, apoptosis, or aging. Importantly, SIRT1 deacetylates the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator 1α (PGC-1α), the master regulator of energy metabolism involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty acid utilization. However, the exact role of SIRT1 in controlling cardiac energy metabolism is still incompletely understood and conflicting results have been obtained. We generated a cardio-specific inducible model of Sirt1 gene deletion in mice (Sirt1^ciKO) to decipher the role of SIRT1 in control conditions and following cardiac stress induced by pressure overload. SIRT1 deficiency induced a progressive cardiac dysfunction, without overt alteration in mitochondrial content or properties. Sixteen weeks after Sirt1 deletion an increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and a higher rate of oxidative damage were observed, suggesting disruption of the ROS production/detoxification balance. Following pressure overload, cardiac dysfunction and alteration in mitochondrial properties were exacerbated in Sirt1^ciKO mice. Overall the results demonstrate that SIRT1 plays a cardioprotective role on cardiac energy metabolism and thereby on cardiac function.

The Role of Mitochondria in the Mechanisms of Cardiac Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Mitochondria play a critical role in maintaining cellular function by ATP production. They are also a source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and proapoptotic factors. The role of mitochondria has been established in many aspects of cell physiology/pathophysiology, including cell signaling. Mitochondria may deteriorate under various pathological conditions, including ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Mitochondrial injury can be one of the main causes for cardiac and other tissue injuries by energy stress and overproduction of toxic reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative stress, elevated calcium and apoptotic and necrotic cell death. However, the interplay among these processes in normal and pathological conditions is still poorly understood. Mitochondria play a critical role in cardiac IR injury, where they are directly involved in several pathophysiological mechanisms. We also discuss the role of mitochondria in the context of mitochondrial dynamics, specializations and heterogeneity. Also, we wanted to stress the existence of morphologically and functionally different mitochondrial subpopulations in the heart that may have different sensitivities to diseases and IR injury. Therefore, various cardioprotective interventions that modulate mitochondrial stability, dynamics and turnover, including various pharmacologic agents, specific mitochondrial antioxidants and uncouplers, and ischemic preconditioning can be considered as the main strategies to protect mitochondrial and cardiovascular function and thus enhance longevity.

Alterations of skeletal muscle bioenergetics in a mouse with F508del mutation leading to a cystic fibrosis-like condition

High energy expenditure is reported in cystic fibrosis (CF) animal models and patients. Alterations in skeletal muscle oxidative capacity, fuel utilization, and the creatine kinase-phosphocreatine system suggest mitochondrial dysfunction. Studies were performed on congenic C57BL/6J and F508del (Cftr^tm1kth) mice. Indirect calorimetry was used to measure gas exchange to evaluate aerobic capacity during treadmill exercise. The bioenergetic function of skeletal muscle subsarcolemmal (SSM) and interfibrillar mitochondria (IFM) was evaluated using an integrated approach combining measurement of the rate of oxidative phosphorylation by polarography and of electron transport chain activities by spectrophotometry. CF mice have reduced maximal aerobic capacity. In SSM of these mice, oxidative phosphorylation was impaired in the presence of complex I, II, III, and IV substrates except when glutamate was used as substrate. This impairment appeared to be caused by a defect in complex V activity, whereas the oxidative system of the electron transport chain was unchanged. In IFM, oxidative phosphorylation and electron transport chain activities were preserved, whereas complex V activity was reduced, in CF. Furthermore, creatine kinase activity was reduced in both SSM and IFM of CF skeletal muscle. The decreased complex V activity in SSM resulted in reduced oxidative phosphorylation, which could explain the reduced skeletal muscle response to exercise in CF mice. The decrease in mitochondrial creatine kinase activity also contributed to this poor exercise response.

Tubulin βII and βIII Isoforms as the Regulators of VDAC Channel Permeability in Health and Disease

In recent decades, there have been several models describing the relationships between the cytoskeleton and the bioenergetic function of the cell. The main player in these models is the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), located in the mitochondrial outer membrane. Most metabolites including respiratory substrates, ADP, and Pi enter mitochondria only through VDAC. At the same time, high-energy phosphates are channeled out and directed to cellular energy transfer networks. Regulation of these energy fluxes is controlled by β-tubulin, bound to VDAC. It is also thought that β-tubulin‒VDAC interaction modulates cellular energy metabolism in cancer, e.g., switching from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis. In this review we focus on the described roles of unpolymerized αβ-tubulin heterodimers in regulating VDAC permeability for adenine nucleotides and cellular bioenergetics. We introduce the Mitochondrial Interactosome model and the function of the βII-tubulin subunit in this model in muscle cells and brain synaptosomes, and also consider the role of βIII-tubulin in cancer cells.

Influence of exercise amount and intensity on long-term weight loss maintenance and skeletal muscle mitochondrial ROS production in humans

Sustaining a weight loss after a lifestyle intervention is challenging. The objective of the present study was to investigate if mitochondrial function is associated with the ability to maintain a weight loss. Sixty-eight former participants in an 11-12-week lifestyle intervention were recruited into 2 groups; weight loss maintenance (WLM; body mass index (BMI): 32 ± 1 kg/m²) and weight regain (WR; BMI: 43 ± 2 kg/m²) based on weight loss measured at a follow-up visit (WLM: 4.8 ± 0.4; WR: 7.6 ± 0.8 years after lifestyle intervention). Maximal oxygen consumption rate, physical activity level, and blood and muscle samples were obtained at the follow-up experiment. Mitochondrial respiratory capacity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were measured. Fasting blood samples were used to calculate glucose homeostasis index. WR had impaired glucose homeostasis and decreased maximal oxygen uptake and physical activity level compared with WLM. The decreased physical activity in WR was due to a lower activity level at vigorous and moderate intensities. Mitochondrial respiratory capacity and citrate synthase (CS) activity was higher in WLM, but intrinsic mitochondrial respiratory capacity (mitochondrial respiratory capacity corrected for mitochondrial content (CS activity)) was similar. ROS production was higher in WR compared with WLM, which was accompanied by a decreased content of antioxidant proteins in WR. Intrinsic mitochondrial respiratory capacity in skeletal muscle is not associated with the ability to maintain a long-term weight loss. WLM had a higher maximal oxygen uptake, physical activity level, mitochondrial respiratory capacity and CS activity compared with WR. The reduced glucose tolerance was concurrent with increased ROS production per mitochondria in WR, and could also be associated with the lower physical activity level in this group.

Estrogens, Estrogen Receptors Effects on Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle Mitochondria

Mitochondria are unique organelles present in almost all cell types. They are involved not only in the supply of energy to the host cell, but also in multiple biochemical and biological processes like calcium homeostasis, production, and regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), pH control, or cell death. The importance of mitochondria in cell biology and pathology is increasingly recognized. Being maternally inherited, mitochondria exhibit a tissue-specificity, because most of the mitochondrial proteins are encoded by the nuclear genome. This renders them exquisitely well-adapted to the physiology of the host cell. It is thus not surprising that mitochondria show a sexual dimorphism and that they are also prone to the influence of sex chromosomes and sex hormones. Estrogens affect mitochondria through multiple processes involving membrane and nuclear estrogen receptors (ERs) as well as more direct effects. Moreover, estrogen receptors have been identified within mitochondria. The effects of estrogens on mitochondria comprise protein content and specific activity of mitochondrial proteins, phospholipid content of membranes, oxidant and anti-oxidant capacities, oxidative phosphorylation, and calcium retention capacities. Herein we will briefly review the life cycle and functions of mitochondria, the importance of estrogen receptors and the effects of estrogens on heart and skeletal muscle mitochondria.

High-intensity interval training changes mitochondrial respiratory capacity differently in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle

The effect of high-intensity training (HIT) on mitochondrial ADP sensitivity and respiratory capacity was investigated in human skeletal muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). Twelve men and women underwent 6 weeks of HIT (7 × 1 min at app. 100% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max )). Mitochondrial respiration was measured in permeabilized muscle fibers and in abdominal SAT. Mitochondrial ADP sensitivity was determined using Michaelis Menten enzyme kinetics. VO2max , body composition and citrate synthase (CS) activity (skeletal muscle) and mtDNA (SAT) were measured before and after training. VO2max increased from 2.6 ± 0.2 to 2.8 ± 0.2 L O2 /min (P = 0.011) accompanied by a decreased mitochondrial ADP sensitivity in skeletal muscle (Km : 0.14 ± 0.02 to 0.29 ± 0.03 mmol/L ADP (P = 0.002)), with no changes in SAT (Km : 0.12 ± 0.02 to 0.16 ± 0.05 mmol/L ADP; P = 0.186), following training. Mitochondrial respiratory capacity increased in skeletal muscle from 57 ± 4 to 67 ± 4 pmol O2 ·mg-1 ·sec-1 (P < 0.001), but decreased with training in SAT from 1.3 ± 0.1 to 1.0 ± 0.1 pmol O2 ·mg-1 ·sec-1 (P < 0.001). CS activity increased (P = 0.027) and mtDNA was unchanged following training. Intrinsic mitochondrial respiratory capacity was unchanged in skeletal muscle, but increased in SAT after HIT. In summary, our results demonstrate that mitochondrial adaptations to HIT in skeletal muscle are comparable to adaptations to endurance training, with an increased mitochondrial respiratory capacity and CS activity. However, mitochondria in SAT adapts differently compared to skeletal muscle mitochondria, where mitochondrial respiratory capacity decreased and mtDNA remained unchanged after HIT.

Beneficial effects of exercise training in heart failure are lost in male diabetic rats

Exercise training has been demonstrated to have beneficial effects in patients with heart failure (HF) or diabetes. However, it is unknown whether diabetic patients with HF will benefit from exercise training. Male Wistar rats were fed either a standard (Sham, n = 53) or high-fat, high-sucrose diet ( n = 66) for 6 mo. After 2 mo of diet, the rats were already diabetic. Rats were then randomly subjected to either myocardial infarction by coronary artery ligation (MI) or sham operation. Two months later, heart failure was documented by echocardiography and animals were randomly subjected to exercise training with treadmill for an additional 8 wk or remained sedentary. At the end, rats were euthanized and tissues were assayed by RT-PCR, immunoblotting, spectrophotometry, and immunohistology. MI induced a similar decrease in ejection fraction in diabetic and lean animals but a higher premature mortality in the diabetic group. Exercise for 8 wk resulted in a higher working power developed by MI animals with diabetes and improved glycaemia but not ejection fraction or pathological phenotype. In contrast, exercise improved the ejection fraction and increased adaptive hypertrophy after MI in the lean group. Trained diabetic rats with MI were nevertheless able to develop cardiomyocyte hypertrophy but without angiogenic responses. Exercise improved stress markers and cardiac energy metabolism in lean but not diabetic-MI rats. Hence, following HF, the benefits of exercise training on cardiac function are blunted in diabetic animals. In conclusion, exercise training only improved the myocardial profile of infarcted lean rats fed the standard diet. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Exercise training is beneficial in patients with heart failure (HF) or diabetes. However, less is known of the possible benefit of exercise training for HF patients with diabetes. Using a rat model where both diabetes and MI had been induced, we showed that 2 mo after MI, 8 wk of exercise training failed to improve cardiac function and metabolism in diabetic animals in contrast to lean animals.

Alterations to mitochondrial fatty-acid use in skeletal muscle after chronic exposure to hypoxia depend on metabolic phenotype

We investigated the effects of chronic hypoxia on the maximal use of and sensitivity of mitochondria to different substrates in rat slow-oxidative (soleus, SOL) and fast-glycolytic (extensor digitorum longus, EDL) muscles. We studied mitochondrial respiration in situ in permeabilized myofibers, using pyruvate, octanoate, palmitoyl-carnitine (PC), or palmitoyl-coenzyme A (PCoA). The hypophagia induced by hypoxia may also alter metabolism. Therefore, we used a group of pair-fed rats (reproducing the same caloric restriction, as observed in hypoxic animals), in addition to the normoxic control fed ad libitum. The resting respiratory exchange ratio decreased after 21 days of exposure to hypobaric hypoxia (simulated elevation of 5,500 m). The respiration supported by pyruvate and octanoate were unaffected. In contrast, the maximal oxidative respiratory rate for PCoA, the transport of which depends on carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT-1), decreased in the rapid-glycolytic EDL and increased in the slow-oxidative SOL, although hypoxia improved affinity for this substrate in both muscle types. PC and PCoA were oxidized similarly in normoxic EDL, whereas chronic hypoxia limited transport at the CPT-1 step in this muscle. The effects of hypoxia were mediated by caloric restriction in the SOL and by hypoxia itself in the EDL. We conclude that improvements in mitochondrial affinity for PCoA, a physiological long-chain fatty acid, would facilitate fatty-acid use at rest after chronic hypoxia independently of quantitative alterations of mitochondria. Conversely, decreasing the maximal oxidation of PCoA in fast-glycolytic muscles would limit fatty-acid use during exercise.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Affinity for low concentrations of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) in mitochondria skeletal muscles increases after chronic hypoxia. Combined with a lower respiratory exchange ratio, this suggests facility for fatty acid utilization at rest. This fuel preference is related to caloric restriction in oxidative muscle and to hypoxia in glycolytic one. In contrast, maximal oxidation for LCFA is decreased by chronic hypoxia in glycolytic muscle and can explain glucose dependence at exercise.

Synergistic action of dendritic mitochondria and creatine kinase maintains ATP homeostasis and actin dynamics in growing neuronal dendrites

The distribution of mitochondria within mature, differentiated neurons is clearly adapted to their regional physiological needs and can be perturbed under various pathological conditions, but the function of mitochondria in developing neurons has been less well studied. We have studied mitochondrial distribution within developing mouse cerebellar Purkinje cells and have found that active delivery of mitochondria into their dendrites is a prerequisite for proper dendritic outgrowth. Even when mitochondria in the Purkinje cell bodies are functioning normally, interrupting the transport of mitochondria into their dendrites severely disturbs dendritic growth. Additionally, we find that the growth of atrophic dendrites lacking mitochondria can be rescued by activating ATP-phosphocreatine exchange mediated by creatine kinase (CK). Conversely, inhibiting cytosolic CKs decreases dendritic ATP levels and also disrupts dendrite development. Mechanistically, this energy depletion appears to perturb normal actin dynamics and enhance the aggregation of cofilin within growing dendrites, reminiscent of what occurs in neurons overexpressing the dephosphorylated form of cofilin. These results suggest that local ATP synthesis by dendritic mitochondria and ATP-phosphocreatine exchange act synergistically to sustain the cytoskeletal dynamics necessary for dendritic development.

Cytoskeleton and regulation of mitochondrial function: the role of beta-tubulin II

The control of mitochondrial function is a cardinal issue in the field of cardiac bioenergetics, and the analysis of mitochondrial regulations is central to basic research and in the diagnosis of many diseases. Interaction between cytoskeletal proteins and mitochondria can actively participate in mitochondrial regulation. Potential candidates for the key roles in this regulation are the cytoskeletal proteins plectin and tubulin. Analysis of cardiac cells has revealed regular arrangement of β-tubulin II, fully co-localized with mitochondria. β-Tubulin IV demonstrated a characteristic staining of branched network, β-tubulin III was matched with Z-lines, and β-tubulin I was diffusely spotted and fragmentary polymerized. In contrast, HL-1 cells were characterized by the complete absence of β-tubulin II. Comparative analysis of cardiomyocytes and HL-1 cells revealed a dramatic difference in the mechanisms of mitochondrial regulation. In the heart, colocalization of β-tubulin isotype II with mitochondria suggests that it can participate in the coupling of ATP-ADP translocase (ANT), mitochondrial creatine kinase (MtCK), and VDAC (ANT-MtCK-VDAC). This mitochondrial supercomplex is responsible for the efficient intracellular energy transfer via the phosphocreatine pathway. Existing data suggest that cytoskeletal proteins may control the VDAC, contributing to maintenance of mitochondrial and cellular physiology.

Methods for assessing mitochondrial function in diabetes

A growing body of research is investigating the potential contribution of mitochondrial function to the etiology of type 2 diabetes. Numerous in vitro, in situ, and in vivo methodologies are available to examine various aspects of mitochondrial function, each requiring an understanding of their principles, advantages, and limitations. This review provides investigators with a critical overview of the strengths, limitations and critical experimental parameters to consider when selecting and conducting studies on mitochondrial function. In vitro (isolated mitochondria) and in situ (permeabilized cells/tissue) approaches provide direct access to the mitochondria, allowing for study of mitochondrial bioenergetics and redox function under defined substrate conditions. Several experimental parameters must be tightly controlled, including assay media, temperature, oxygen concentration, and in the case of permeabilized skeletal muscle, the contractile state of the fibers. Recently developed technology now offers the opportunity to measure oxygen consumption in intact cultured cells. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy provides the most direct way of assessing mitochondrial function in vivo with interpretations based on specific modeling approaches. The continuing rapid evolution of these technologies offers new and exciting opportunities for deciphering the potential role of mitochondrial function in the etiology and treatment of diabetes.

Mitochondrial creatine kinase activity and phosphate shuttling are acutely regulated by exercise in human skeletal muscle

Energy transfer between mitochondrial and cytosolic compartments is predominantly achieved by creatine-dependent phosphate shuttling (PCr/Cr) involving mitochondrial creatine kinase (miCK). However, ADP/ATP diffusion through adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT) and voltage-dependent anion carriers (VDACs) is also involved in this process. To determine if exercise alters the regulation of this system, ADP-stimulated mitochondrial respiratory kinetics were assessed in permeabilized muscle fibre bundles (PmFBs) taken from biopsies before and after 2 h of cycling exercise (60% ) in nine lean males. Concentrations of creatine (Cr) and phosphocreatine (PCr) as well as the contractile state of PmFBs were manipulated in situ. In the absence of contractile signals (relaxed PmFBs) and miCK activity (no Cr), post-exercise respiratory sensitivity to ADP was reduced in situ (up to 126% higher apparent K(m) to ADP) suggesting inhibition of ADP/ATP diffusion between matrix and cytosolic compartments (possibly ANT and VDACs). However this effect was masked in the presence of saturating Cr (no effect of exercise on ADP sensitivity). Given that the role of ANT is thought to be independent of Cr, these findings suggest ADP/ATP, but not PCr/Cr, cycling through the outer mitochondrial membrane (VDACs) may be attenuated in resting muscle after exercise. In contrast, in contracted PmFBs, post-exercise respiratory sensitivity to ADP increased with miCK activation (saturating Cr; 33% lower apparent K(m) to ADP), suggesting prior exercise increases miCK sensitivity in situ. These observations demonstrate that exercise increases miCK-dependent respiratory sensitivity to ADP, promoting mitochondrial-cytosolic energy exchange via PCr/Cr cycling, possibly through VDACs. This effect may mask an underlying inhibition of Cr-independent ADP/ATP diffusion. This enhanced regulation of miCK-dependent phosphate shuttling may improve energy homeostasis through more efficient coupling of oxidative phosphorylation to perturbations in cellular energy charge during subsequent bouts of contraction.

Skeletal muscle mitochondrial density, gene expression, and enzyme activities in human heart failure: minimal effects of the disease and resistance training

Impaired skeletal muscle energetics could adversely affect physical and metabolic function in patients with heart failure (HF). The effect of HF on aspects of mitochondrial structure and function, independent of muscle disuse and other disease-related confounding factors, however, is unclear. Moreover, no study has evaluated whether resistance exercise training, a modality that increases functional capacity, might derive its benefits through modulation of mitochondrial structure and function. Thirteen HF patients and 14 age- and physical activity-matched controls were evaluated for skeletal muscle mitochondrial size/content, gene expression, and enzyme activity before and after an 18-wk resistance exercise-training program. At baseline, HF patients and controls had similar mitochondrial fractional areas, although HF patients had larger average mitochondrion size (P < 0.05) and a trend toward a reduced number of mitochondria (P ≤ 0.10). No differences in the expression of transcriptional regulators or cytochrome oxidase subunits or the activity of mitochondrial and cytosolic enzymes were noted. Relationships among transcriptional regulators suggested that networks controlling mitochondrial content and gene expression are intact. Resistance training increased (P < 0.01) mitochondrial transcription factor A expression in patients and controls, and this increase was related to improvements in muscle strength (P = 0.05). Training did not, however, alter mitochondrial size/content, enzyme activities, or expression of other transcriptional regulators. In conclusion, our results suggest that the HF syndrome has minimal effects on skeletal muscle mitochondrial biology when the confounding effects of muscle disuse and other disease-related factors are removed. Moreover, the beneficial effects of resistance training on physical function in HF patients and controls are likely not related to alterations in mitochondrial biology.

Resveratrol improves survival, hemodynamics and energetics in a rat model of hypertension leading to heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is characterized by contractile dysfunction associated with altered energy metabolism. This study was aimed at determining whether resveratrol, a polyphenol known to activate energy metabolism, could be beneficial as a metabolic therapy of HF. Survival, ventricular and vascular function as well as cardiac and skeletal muscle energy metabolism were assessed in a hypertensive model of HF, the Dahl salt-sensitive rat fed with a high-salt diet (HS-NT). Resveratrol (18 mg/kg/day; HS-RSV) was given for 8 weeks after hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy were established (which occurred 3 weeks after salt addition). Resveratrol treatment improved survival (64% in HS-RSV versus 15% in HS-NT, p<0.001), and prevented the 25% reduction in body weight in HS-NT (P<0.001). Moreover, RSV counteracted the development of cardiac dysfunction (fractional shortening −34% in HS-NT) as evaluated by echocardiography, which occurred without regression of hypertension or hypertrophy. Moreover, aortic endothelial dysfunction present in HS-NT was prevented in resveratrol-treated rats. Resveratrol treatment tended to preserve mitochondrial mass and biogenesis and completely protected mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and PPARα (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α) expression. We conclude that resveratrol treatment exerts beneficial protective effects on survival, endothelium–dependent smooth muscle relaxation and cardiac contractile and mitochondrial function, suggesting that resveratrol or metabolic activators could be a relevant therapy in hypertension-induced HF.

Fiber Types in Mammalian Skeletal Muscles

Mammalian skeletal muscle comprises different fiber types, whose identity is first established during embryonic development by intrinsic myogenic control mechanisms and is later modulated by neural and hormonal factors. The relative proportion of the different fiber types varies strikingly between species, and in humans shows significant variability between individuals. Myosin heavy chain isoforms, whose complete inventory and expression pattern are now available, provide a useful marker for fiber types, both for the four major forms present in trunk and limb muscles and the minor forms present in head and neck muscles. However, muscle fiber diversity involves all functional muscle cell compartments, including membrane excitation, excitation-contraction coupling, contractile machinery, cytoskeleton scaffold, and energy supply systems. Variations within each compartment are limited by the need of matching fiber type properties between different compartments. Nerve activity is a major control mechanism of the fiber type profile, and multiple signaling pathways are implicated in activity-dependent changes of muscle fibers. The characterization of these pathways is raising increasing interest in clinical medicine, given the potentially beneficial effects of muscle fiber type switching in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases.

Analyzing the functional properties of the creatine kinase system with multiscale 'sloppy' modeling

In this study the function of the two isoforms of creatine kinase (CK; EC 2.7.3.2) in myocardium is investigated. The 'phosphocreatine shuttle' hypothesis states that mitochondrial and cytosolic CK plays a pivotal role in the transport of high-energy phosphate (HEP) groups from mitochondria to myofibrils in contracting muscle. Temporal buffering of changes in ATP and ADP is another potential role of CK. With a mathematical model, we analyzed energy transport and damping of high peaks of ATP hydrolysis during the cardiac cycle. The analysis was based on multiscale data measured at the level of isolated enzymes, isolated mitochondria and on dynamic response times of oxidative phosphorylation measured at the whole heart level. Using 'sloppy modeling' ensemble simulations, we derived confidence intervals for predictions of the contributions by phosphocreatine (PCr) and ATP to the transfer of HEP from mitochondria to sites of ATP hydrolysis. Our calculations indicate that only 15±8% (mean±SD) of transcytosolic energy transport is carried by PCr, contradicting the PCr shuttle hypothesis. We also predicted temporal buffering capabilities of the CK isoforms protecting against high peaks of ATP hydrolysis (3750 µM*s(-1)) in myofibrils. CK inhibition by 98% in silico leads to an increase in amplitude of mitochondrial ATP synthesis pulsation from 215±23 to 566±31 µM*s(-1), while amplitudes of oscillations in cytosolic ADP concentration double from 77±11 to 146±1 µM. Our findings indicate that CK acts as a large bandwidth high-capacity temporal energy buffer maintaining cellular ATP homeostasis and reducing oscillations in mitochondrial metabolism. However, the contribution of CK to the transport of high-energy phosphate groups appears limited. Mitochondrial CK activity lowers cytosolic inorganic phosphate levels while cytosolic CK has the opposite effect.

Inhibiting myosin-ATPase reveals a dynamic range of mitochondrial respiratory control in skeletal muscle

Assessment of mitochondrial ADP-stimulated respiratory kinetics in PmFBs (permeabilized fibre bundles) is increasingly used in clinical diagnostic and basic research settings. However, estimates of the Km for ADP vary considerably (~20-300 μM) and tend to overestimate respiration at rest. Noting that PmFBs spontaneously contract during respiration experiments, we systematically determined the impact of contraction, temperature and oxygenation on ADP-stimulated respiratory kinetics. BLEB (blebbistatin), a myosin II ATPase inhibitor, blocked contraction under all conditions and yielded high Km values for ADP of >~250 and ~80 μM in red and white rat PmFBs respectively. In the absence of BLEB, PmFBs contracted and the Km for ADP decreased ~2-10-fold in a temperature-dependent manner. PmFBs were sensitive to hyperoxia (increased Km) in the absence of BLEB (contracted) at 30 °C but not 37 °C. In PmFBs from humans, contraction elicited high sensitivity to ADP (Km<100 μM), whereas blocking contraction (+BLEB) and including a phosphocreatine/creatine ratio of 2:1 to mimic the resting energetic state yielded a Km for ADP of ~1560 μM, consistent with estimates of in vivo resting respiratory rates of <1% maximum. These results demonstrate that the sensitivity of muscle to ADP varies over a wide range in relation to contractile state and cellular energy charge, providing evidence that enzymatic coupling of energy transfer within skeletal muscle becomes more efficient in the working state.

The creatine kinase system and pleiotropic effects of creatine

The pleiotropic effects of creatine (Cr) are based mostly on the functions of the enzyme creatine kinase (CK) and its high-energy product phosphocreatine (PCr). Multidisciplinary studies have established molecular, cellular, organ and somatic functions of the CK/PCr system, in particular for cells and tissues with high and intermittent energy fluctuations. These studies include tissue-specific expression and subcellular localization of CK isoforms, high-resolution molecular structures and structure–function relationships, transgenic CK abrogation and reverse genetic approaches. Three energy-related physiological principles emerge, namely that the CK/PCr systems functions as (a) an immediately available temporal energy buffer, (b) a spatial energy buffer or intracellular energy transport system (the CK/PCr energy shuttle or circuit) and (c) a metabolic regulator. The CK/PCr energy shuttle connects sites of ATP production (glycolysis and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation) with subcellular sites of ATP utilization (ATPases). Thus, diffusion limitations of ADP and ATP are overcome by PCr/Cr shuttling, as most clearly seen in polar cells such as spermatozoa, retina photoreceptor cells and sensory hair bundles of the inner ear. The CK/PCr system relies on the close exchange of substrates and products between CK isoforms and ATP-generating or -consuming processes. Mitochondrial CK in the mitochondrial outer compartment, for example, is tightly coupled to ATP export via adenine nucleotide transporter or carrier (ANT) and thus ATP-synthesis and respiratory chain activity, releasing PCr into the cytosol. This coupling also reduces formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibits mitochondrial permeability transition, an early event in apoptosis. Cr itself may also act as a direct and/or indirect anti-oxidant, while PCr can interact with and protect cellular membranes. Collectively, these factors may well explain the beneficial effects of Cr supplementation. The stimulating effects of Cr for muscle and bone growth and maintenance, and especially in neuroprotection, are now recognized and the first clinical studies are underway. Novel socio-economically relevant applications of Cr supplementation are emerging, e.g. for senior people, intensive care units and dialysis patients, who are notoriously Cr-depleted. Also, Cr will likely be beneficial for the healthy development of premature infants, who after separation from the placenta depend on external Cr. Cr supplementation of pregnant and lactating women, as well as of babies and infants are likely to be of benefit for child development. Last but not least, Cr harbours a global ecological potential as an additive for animal feed, replacing meat- and fish meal for animal (poultry and swine) and fish aqua farming. This may help to alleviate human starvation and at the same time prevent over-fishing of oceans.

VDAC3 has differing mitochondrial functions in two types of striated muscles

Voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) is an abundant mitochondrial outer membrane protein. In mammals, three VDAC isoforms have been characterized. We have previously reported alterations in the function of mitochondria when assessed in situ in different muscle types in VDAC1 deficient mice (Anflous et al., 2001). In the present report we extend the study to VDAC3 deficient muscles and measure the respiratory enzyme activity in both VDAC1 and VDAC3 deficient muscles. While in the heart the absence of VDAC3 causes a decrease in the apparent affinity of in situ mitochondria for ADP, in the gastrocnemius, a mixed glycolytic/oxidative muscle, the affinity of in situ mitochondria for ADP remains unchanged. The absence of VDAC1 causes multiple defects in respiratory complex activities in both types of muscle. However, in VDAC3 deficient mice the defect is restricted to the heart and only to complex IV. These functional alterations correlate with structural aberrations of mitochondria. These results demonstrate that, unlike VDAC1, there is muscle-type specificity for VDAC3 function and therefore in vivo these two isoforms may fulfill different physiologic functions.

Postnatal development of mouse heart: formation of energetic microdomains

Cardiomyocyte contractile function requires tight control of the ATP/ADP ratio in the vicinity of the myosin-ATPase and sarcoplasmic reticulum ATPase (SERCA). In these cells, the main systems that provide energy are creatine kinase (CK), which catalyses phosphotransfer from phosphocreatine to ADP, and direct adenine nucleotide channelling (DANC) from mitochondria to ATPases. However, it is not known how and when these complex energetic systems are established during postnatal development. We therefore studied the maturation of the efficacy with which DANC and CK maintain ATP/ADP-dependent SR and myofibrillar function (SR Ca(2+) pumping and prevention of rigor tension), as well as the maturation of mitochondrial oxidative capacity. Experiments were performed on saponin-skinned fibres from left ventricles of 3-, 7-, 21-, 42- and 63-day-old mice. Cardiomyocyte and mitochondrial network morphology were characterized using electron microscopy. Our results show an early building-up of energetic microdomains in the developing mouse heart. CK efficacy for myosin-ATPase regulation was already maximal 3 days after birth, while for SERCA regulation it progressively increased until 21 days after birth. Seven days after birth, DANC for these two ATPases was as effective as in adult mice, despite a non-maximal mitochondrial respiration capacity. However, 3 days after birth, DANC between mitochondria and myosin-ATPase was not yet fully efficient. To prevent rigor tension in the presence of working mitochondria, the myosin-ATPase needed more intracellular MgATP in 3-day-old mice than in 7-day-old mice (pMgATP(50) 4.03 +/- 0.02 and 4.36 +/- 0.07, respectively, P < 0.05), whereas the intrinsic sensitivity of myofibrils to ATP (when mitochondria were inhibited) was similar at both ages. This may be due to the significant remodelling of the cytoarchitecture that occurs between these ages (cytosolic space reduction, formation of the mitochondrial network around the myofibrils). These results reveal a link between the maturation of intracellular energy pathways and cell architecture.

Flow of energy in the outer retina in darkness and in light

Structural features of neurons create challenges for effective production and distribution of essential metabolic energy. We investigated how metabolic energy is distributed between cellular compartments in photoreceptors. In avascular retinas, aerobic production of energy occurs only in mitochondria that are located centrally within the photoreceptor. Our findings indicate that metabolic energy flows from these central mitochondria as phosphocreatine toward the photoreceptor's synaptic terminal in darkness. In light, it flows in the opposite direction as ATP toward the outer segment. Consistent with this model, inhibition of creatine kinase in avascular retinas blocks synaptic transmission without influencing outer segment activity. Our findings also reveal how vascularization of neuronal tissue can influence the strategies neurons use for energy management. In vascularized retinas, mitochondria in the synaptic terminals of photoreceptors make neurotransmission less dependent on creatine kinase. Thus, vasculature of the tissue and the intracellular distribution of mitochondria can play key roles in setting the strategy for energy distribution in neurons.

Impairment of maximal aerobic power with moderate hypoxia in endurance athletes: do skeletal muscle mitochondria play a role?

This study investigates the role of central vs. peripheral factors in the limitation of maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o2max) with moderate hypoxia [inspired fraction (FiO2) =14.5%]. Fifteen endurance-trained athletes performed maximal cycle incremental tests to assess V̇o2max, maximal cardiac output (Q̇max), and maximal arteriovenous oxygen (a-vO2) difference in normoxia and hypoxia. Muscle biopsies of vastus lateralis were taken 1 wk before the cycling tests to evaluate maximal muscle oxidative capacity (V̇max) and sensitivity of mitochondrial respiration to ADP ( Km) on permeabilized muscle fibers in situ. Those athletes exhibiting the largest reduction of V̇o2max in moderate hypoxia (Severe Loss group: −18 ± 2%) suffered from significant reductions in Q̇max (−4 ± 1%) and maximal a-vO2 difference (−14 ± 2%). Athletes who well tolerated hypoxia, as attested by a significantly smaller drop of V̇o2max with hypoxia (Moderate Loss group: −7 ± 1%), also display a blunted Q̇max (−9 ± 2%) but, conversely, were able to maintain maximal a-vO2 difference (+1 ± 2%). Though V̇max was similar in the two experimental groups, the smallest reduction of V̇o2max with moderate hypoxia was observed in those athletes presenting the lowest apparent Km for ADP in the presence of creatine ( Km+Cr). In already-trained athletes with high muscular oxidative capacities, the qualitative, rather than quantitative, aspects of the mitochondrial function may constitute a limiting factor to aerobic ATP turnover when exercising at low FiO2, presumably through the functional coupling between the mitochondrial creatine kinase and ATP production. This study suggests a potential role for peripheral factors, including the alteration of cellular homeostasis in active muscles, in determining the tolerance to hypoxia in maximally exercising endurance-trained athletes.

Structure-function relationships in feedback regulation of energy fluxes in vivo in health and disease: mitochondrial interactosome

The aim of this review is to analyze the results of experimental research of mechanisms of regulation of mitochondrial respiration in cardiac and skeletal muscle cells in vivo obtained by using the permeabilized cell technique. Such an analysis in the framework of Molecular Systems Bioenergetics shows that the mechanisms of regulation of energy fluxes depend on the structural organization of the cells and interaction of mitochondria with cytoskeletal elements. Two types of cells of cardiac phenotype with very different structures were analyzed: adult cardiomyocytes and continuously dividing cancerous HL-1 cells. In cardiomyocytes mitochondria are arranged very regularly, and show rapid configuration changes of inner membrane but no fusion or fission, diffusion of ADP and ATP is restricted mostly at the level of mitochondrial outer membrane due to an interaction of heterodimeric tubulin with voltage dependent anion channel, VDAC. VDAC with associated tubulin forms a supercomplex, Mitochondrial Interactosome, with mitochondrial creatine kinase, MtCK, which is structurally and functionally coupled to ATP synthasome. Due to selectively limited permeability of VDAC for adenine nucleotides, mitochondrial respiration rate depends almost linearly upon the changes of cytoplasmic ADP concentration in their physiological range. Functional coupling of MtCK with ATP synthasome amplifies this signal by recycling adenine nucleotides in mitochondria coupled to effective phosphocreatine synthesis. In cancerous HL-1 cells this complex is significantly modified: tubulin is replaced by hexokinase and MtCK is lacking, resulting in direct utilization of mitochondrial ATP for glycolytic lactate production and in this way contributing in the mechanism of the Warburg effect. Systemic analysis of changes in the integrated system of energy metabolism is also helpful for better understanding of pathogenesis of many other diseases.

Direct measurement of energy fluxes from mitochondria into cytoplasm in permeabilized cardiac cells in situ: some evidence for Mitochondrial Interactosome

The aim of this study was to measure energy fluxes from mitochondria in isolated permeabilized cardiomyocytes. Respiration of permeabilized cardiomyocytes and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured in presence of MgATP, pyruvate kinase - phosphoenolpyruvate and creatine. ATP and phosphocreatine concentrations in medium surrounding cardiomyocytes were determined. While ATP concentration did not change in time, mitochondria effectively produced phosphocreatine (PCr) with PCr/O(2) ratio equal to 5.68 +/- 0.14. Addition of heterodimeric tubulin to isolated mitochondria was found to increase apparent Km for exogenous ADP from 11 +/- 2 microM to 330 +/- 47 microM, but creatine again decreased it to 23 +/- 6 microM. These results show directly that under physiological conditions the major energy carrier from mitochondria into cytoplasm is PCr, produced by mitochondrial creatine kinase (MtCK), which functional coupling to adenine nucleotide translocase is enhanced by selective limitation of permeability of mitochondrial outer membrane within supercomplex ATP Synthasome-MtCK-VDAC-tubulin, Mitochondrial Interactosome.

Regulation of respiration controlled by mitochondrial creatine kinase in permeabilized cardiac cells in situ. Importance of system level properties

The main focus of this investigation is steady state kinetics of regulation of mitochondrial respiration in permeabilized cardiomyocytes in situ. Complete kinetic analysis of the regulation of respiration by mitochondrial creatine kinase was performed in the presence of pyruvate kinase and phosphoenolpyruvate to simulate interaction of mitochondria with glycolytic enzymes. Such a system analysis revealed striking differences in kinetic behaviour of the MtCK-activated mitochondrial respiration in situ and in vitro. Apparent dissociation constants of MgATP from its binary and ternary complexes with MtCK, Kia and Ka (1.94+/-0.86 mM and 2.04+/-0.14 mM, correspondingly) were increased by several orders of magnitude in situ in comparison with same constants in vitro (0.44+/-0.08 mM and 0.016+/-0.01 mM, respectively). Apparent dissociation constants of creatine, Kib and Kb (2.12+/-0.21 mM 2.17+/-0.40 Mm, correspondingly) were significantly decreased in situ in comparison with in vitro mitochondria (28+/-7 mM and 5+/-1.2 mM, respectively). Dissociation constant for phosphocreatine was not changed. These data may indicate selective restriction of metabolites' diffusion at the level of mitochondrial outer membrane. It is concluded that mechanisms of the regulation of respiration and energy fluxes in vivo are system level properties which depend on intracellular interactions of mitochondria with cytoskeleton, intracellular MgATPases and cytoplasmic glycolytic system.

Analysis of mitochondrial function in situ in permeabilized muscle fibers, tissues and cells

Analysis of mitochondrial function is central to the study of intracellular energy metabolism, mechanisms of cell death and pathophysiology of a variety of human diseases, including myopathies, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. However, important properties of mitochondria differ in vivo and in vitro. Here, we describe a protocol for the analysis of functional mitochondria in situ, without the isolation of organelles, in selectively permeabilized cells or muscle fibers using digitonin or saponin. A specially designed substrate/inhibitor titration approach allows the step-by-step analysis of several mitochondrial complexes. This protocol allows the detailed characterization of functional mitochondria in their normal intracellular position and assembly, preserving essential interactions with other organelles. As only a small amount of tissue is required for analysis, the protocol can be used in diagnostic settings in clinical studies. The permeabilization procedure and specific titration analysis can be completed in 2 h.

In vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy of transgenic mice with altered expression of guanidinoacetate methyltransferase and creatine kinase isoenzymes

Mice with an under- or over-expression of enzymes catalyzing phosphoryl transfer in high-energy supplying reactions are particulary attractive for in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) studies as substrates of these enzymes are visible in MR spectra. This chapter reviews results of in vivo MRS studies on transgenic mice with alterations in the expression of the enzymes creatine kinase and guanidinoacetate methyltransferase. The particular metabolic consequences of these enzyme deficiencies in skeletal muscle, brain, heart and liver are addressed. An overview is given of metabolite levels determined by in vivo MRS in skeletal muscle and brain of wild-type and transgenic mice. MRS studies on mice lacking guanidinoacetate methyltransferase have demonstrated metabolic changes comparable to those found in the deficiency of this enzyme in humans, which are (partly) reversible upon creatine feeding. Apart from being a model for a creatine deficiency syndrome, these mice are also of interest to study fundamental aspects of the biological role of creatine. MRS studies on transgenic mice lacking creatine kinase isoenzymes have contributed significantly to the view that the creatine kinase reaction together with other enzymatic steps involved in high-energy phosphate transfer builds a large metabolic energy network, which is highly versatile and can dynamically adapt to genotoxic or physiological challenges.

Distinct organization of energy metabolism in HL-1 cardiac cell line and cardiomyocytes

Expression and function of creatine kinase (CK), adenylate kinase (AK) and hexokinase (HK) isoforms in relation to their roles in regulation of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and intracellular energy transfer were assessed in beating (B) and non-beating (NB) cardiac HL-l cell lines and adult rat cardiomyocytes or myocardium. In both types of HL-1 cells, the AK2, CKB, HK1 and HK2 genes were expressed at higher levels than the CKM, CKMT2 and AK1 genes. Contrary to the saponin-permeabilized cardiomyocytes the OXPHOS was coupled to mitochondrial AK and HK but not to mitochondrial CK, and neither direct transfer of adenine nucleotides between CaMgATPases and mitochondria nor functional coupling between CK-MM and CaMgATPases was observed in permeabilized HL-1 cells. The HL-1 cells also exhibited deficient complex I of the respiratory chain. In conclusion, contrary to cardiomyocytes where mitochondria and CaMgATPases are organized into tight complexes which ensure effective energy transfer and feedback signaling between these structures via specialized pathways mediated by CK and AK isoforms and direct adenine nucleotide channeling, these complexes do not exist in HL-1 cells due to less organized energy metabolism.

Thyroid hormone as a determinant of metabolic and contractile phenotype of skeletal muscle

Skeletal muscles are composed of several types of fibers with different contractile and metabolic properties. Genetic background and type of innervation of the fibers primarily determine these properties, but thyroid hormone (TH) is a powerful modulator of the fiber phenotype. The rates of contraction and relaxation are stimulated by TH, as are the energy consumption and heat production associated with activity. Quantitative and qualitative changes in substrate metabolism accommodate the increase in ATP turnover. Because of the total mass of skeletal muscle, these changes affect whole-body physiology. Although apparently straightforward, the phenotypic shifts induced by TH are highly complex and fiber specific. This review addresses the mechanisms by which TH may modulate fiber gene expression and discusses some of the implications of the TH-regulated changes in metabolic and contractile phenotype of skeletal muscle.

The creatine kinase phosphotransfer network: thermodynamic and kinetic considerations, the impact of the mitochondrial outer membrane and modelling approaches

In this review, we summarize the main structural and functional data on the role of the phosphocreatine (PCr)--creatine kinase (CK) pathway for compartmentalized energy transfer in cardiac cells. Mitochondrial creatine kinase, MtCK, fixed by cardiolipin molecules in the vicinity of the adenine nucleotide translocator, is a key enzyme in this pathway. Direct transfer of ATP and ADP between these proteins has been revealed both in experimental studies on the kinetics of the regulation of mitochondrial respiration and by mathematical modelling as a main mechanism of functional coupling of PCr production to oxidative phosphorylation. In cells in vivo or in permeabilized cells in situ, this coupling is reinforced by limited permeability of the outer membrane of the mitochondria for adenine nucleotides due to the contacts with cytoskeletal proteins. Due to these mechanisms, at least 80% of total energy is exported from mitochondria by PCr molecules. Mathematical modelling of intracellular diffusion and energy transfer shows that the main function of the PCr-CK pathway is to connect different pools (compartments) of ATP and, by this way, to overcome the local restrictions and diffusion limitation of adenine nucleotides due to the high degree of structural organization of cardiac cells.

Relationship between metabolic function and skeletal muscle fatigue during a 90 s maximal isometric contraction

Little is known concerning the contributions of oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos), anaerobic glycolytic rate (AnGly), maximum creatine kinase (CK) activity, and metabolic economy (ME) on fatigue resistance. The purpose of this study was to model fatigue using muscle tissue metabolic measures during a maximal short-duration isometric contraction. Muscle metabolic function was measured with [31P]-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in 54 premenopausal women (age: 33.8+/-6.3 y) while they performed 100% isometric plantar flexions. Multiple regression analysis revealed that all metabolic variables were independent predictors of fatigue resistance after adjusting for maximum isometric force generated (R2=0.56). ME accounted for the largest portion (36%) of overall shared variance. OxPhos accounted for the most shared variance of the three energy systems. These results support previous findings that OxPhos, AnGly, CK, and ME all contribute to fatigue resistance over a short duration. Additionally, the continued activity of CK at the end of 90 s of maximal exercise lends support to the concept of a CK shuttle facilitating energy transfer within the mitochondria.

Mitochondrial and energetic cardiac phenotype in hypothyroid rat. Relevance to heart failure

Changes in thyroid status are associated with profound alterations in biochemical and physiological functioning of cardiac muscle, although its impact on cardiac energy metabolism is still debated. Similarities between the changes in cardiac gene expression in pathological hypertrophy leading to heart failure and hypothyroidism prompted scientists to suggest a role for thyroid hormone status in the development of metabolic and functional alterations in this disease. We thus investigated the effects of hypothyroidism on cardiac energy metabolism. Hypothyroid state (HYPO) was induced by thyroidectomy and propyl-thio-uracyl in male rats for 3 weeks. We examined the effects of hypothyroid state on oxidative capacity and mitochondrial substrate utilization by measuring oxygen consumption of saponin permeabilized cardiac fibers, mitochondrial biogenesis by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and energy metabolism, and energy transfer enzymes by spectrophotometry. The results show that maximal oxidative capacity of the myocardium was decreased from 24.9 +/- 0.9 in control (CT) to 19.3 +/- 0.7 micromol O(2) min(-1) g dry weight(-1) in HYPO. However, protein content and messenger RNA (mRNA) of PGC-1alpha and mRNA of its transcription cascade that is thought to control mitochondrial content in normal myocardium and heart failure, were unchanged in HYPO. Mitochondrial utilization of glycerol-3P (-70%), malate (-45%), and octanoate (-24%) but not pyruvate was decreased in HYPO. Moreover, the creatine kinase system and energy transfer were hardly affected in HYPO. Besides, hypothyroidism decreased the activation of other signaling pathways like p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases, AMP-activated protein kinase, and calcineurin. These results show that cellular hypothyroidism can hardly account for the specific energetic alterations of heart failure.

S6 kinase deletion suppresses muscle growth adaptations to nutrient availability by activating AMP kinase

S6 kinase (S6K) deletion in metazoans causes small cell size, insulin hypersensitivity, and metabolic adaptations; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. Here we show that S6K-deficient skeletal muscle cells have increased AMP and inorganic phosphate levels relative to ATP and phosphocreatine, causing AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) upregulation. Energy stress and muscle cell atrophy are specifically triggered by the S6K1 deletion, independent of S6K2 activity. Two known AMPK-dependent functions, mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty acid beta-oxidation, are upregulated in S6K-deficient muscle cells, leading to a sharp depletion of lipid content, while glycogen stores are spared. Strikingly, AMPK inhibition in S6K-deficient cells restores cell growth and sensitivity to nutrient signals. These data indicate that S6K1 controls the energy state of the cell and the AMPK-dependent metabolic program, providing a mechanism for cell mass accumulation under high-calorie diet.

In vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy of transgenic mouse models with altered high-energy phosphoryl transfer metabolism

Studies of transgenic mice provide powerful means to investigate the in vivo biological significance of gene products. Mice with an under- or overexpression of enzymes involved in high-energy phosphoryl transfer (approximately P) are particulary attractive for in vivo MR spectroscopy studies as the substrates of these enzymes are metabolites that are visible in MR spectra. This review provides a brief overview of the strategies used for generation and study of genetically altered mice and introduces the reader to some practical aspects of in vivo MRS studies on mice. The major part of the paper reviews results of in vivo MRS studies on transgenic mice with alterations in the expression of enzymes involved in approximately P metabolism, such as creatine kinase, adenylate kinase and guanidinoacetate methyl transferase. The particular metabolic consequences of these enzyme deficiencies in skeletal muscle, brain, heart and liver are addressed. Additionally, the use of approximately P systems as markers of gene expression by MRS, such as after viral transduction of genes, is described. Finally, a compilation of tissue levels of metabolites in skeletal muscle, heart and brain of wild-type and transgenic mice, as determined by in vivo MRS, is given. During the last decade, transgenic MRS studies have contributed significantly to our understanding of the physiological role of phosphotransfer enzymes, and to the view that these enzymes together build a much larger metabolic energy network that is highly versatile and can dynamically adapt to intrinsic genotoxic and extrinsic physiological challenges.

AMP-activated protein kinase alpha2 deficiency affects cardiac cardiolipin homeostasis and mitochondrial function

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays an important role in controlling energy homeostasis and is envisioned as a promising target to treat metabolic disorders. In the heart, AMPK is involved in short-term regulation and in transcriptional control of proteins involved in energy metabolism. Here, we investigated whether deletion of AMPKalpha2, the main cardiac catalytic isoform, alters mitochondrial function and biogenesis. Body weight, heart weight, and AMPKalpha1 expression were similar in control littermate and AMPKalpha2(-/-) mice. Despite normal oxygen consumption in perfused hearts, maximal oxidative capacity, measured using saponin permeabilized cardiac fibers, was approximately 30% lower in AMPKalpha2(-/-) mice with octanoate, pyruvate, or glutamate plus malate but not with succinate as substrates, showing an impairment at complex I of the respiratory chain. This effect was associated with a 25% decrease in mitochondrial cardiolipin content, the main mitochondrial membrane phospholipid that is crucial for complex I activity, and with a 13% decrease in mitochondrial content of linoleic acid, the main fatty acid of cardiolipins. The decrease in cardiolipin content could be explained by mRNA downregulation of rate-limiting enzymes of both cardiolipin synthesis (CTP:PA cytidylyltransferase) and remodeling (acyl-CoA:lysocardiolipin acyltransferase 1). These data reveal a new role for AMPKalpha2 subunit in the regulation of cardiac muscle oxidative capacity via cardiolipin homeostasis.

Ultrastructural remodeling of fast skeletal muscle fibers induced by invalidation of creatine kinase

Understanding muscle adaptation to various stimuli is difficult because of the complex nature of stimuli and responses. In particular, responses to perturbations in energy metabolism require careful examination, because they may involve both structural and functional elements. To estimate the structural component of the myocyte adaptation to energetic deficiency, we used transgenic mice with blocked expression of mitochondrial and cytosolic creatine kinases (CK). The ultrastructure was analyzed using the stereological method of vertical sections applied to electron microscopic images of ultrathin longitudinal sections of fast muscle fibers of gastrocnemius, known to adapt to CK deficiency by increasing oxidative metabolism. The lack of CK induced a profound structural adaptation response that included changes in the volume and surface densities of major organelles. In addition, using a new stereological parameter, the environment of an organelle, substantial changes in the mitochondrial neighborhood were identified pointing to their relocation closer to the major sites of energy consumption, supposedly to compensate for invalidated energy transfer. Using quantitative arguments, we have shown for the first time that spatial relations among organelles of muscle cells undergo adaptation in response to nonstructural stimuli like metabolic deficiency.

VDAC1 serves as a mitochondrial binding site for hexokinase in oxidative muscles

Voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs), also known as mitochondrial porins, are the main pathway for metabolites across the mitochondrial outer membrane and may serve as binding sites for kinases, including hexokinase. We determined that mitochondria-bound hexokinase activity is significantly reduced in oxidative muscles (heart and soleus) in vdac1(-/-) mice. The activity data were supported by western blot analysis using HK2 specific antibody. To gain more insight into the physiologic mean of the results with the activity data, VDAC deficient mice were subjected to glucose tolerance testing and exercise-induced stress, each of which involves tissue glucose uptake via different mechanisms. vdac1(-/-) mice exhibit impaired glucose tolerance whereas vdac3(-/-) mice have normal glucose tolerance and exercise capacity. Mice lacking both VDAC1 and VDAC3 (vdac1(-/-)/vdac3(-/-)) have reduced exercise capacity together with impaired glucose tolerance. Therefore, we demonstrated a link between VDAC1 mediated mitochondria-bound hexokinase activity and the capacity for glucose clearance.

Altered energy transfer from mitochondria to sarcoplasmic reticulum after cytoarchitectural perturbations in mice hearts

Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium pump function requires a high local ATP/ADP ratio, which can be maintained by direct nucleotide channelling from mitochondria, and by SR-bound creatine kinase (CK)-catalysed phosphate-transfer from phosphocreatine. We hypothesized that SR calcium uptake supported by mitochondrial direct nucleotide channelling, but not bound CK, depends on the juxtaposition of these organelles. To test this, we studied a well-described model of cytoarchitectural disorganization, the muscle LIM protein (MLP)-null mouse heart. Subcellular organization was characterized using electron microscopy, and mitochondrial, SR and myofibrillar function were assessed in saponin-permeabilized fibres by measuring respiration rates and caffeine-induced tension transients. MLP-null hearts had fewer, less-tightly packed intermyofibrillar mitochondria, and more subsarcolemmal mitochondria. The apparent mitochondrial Km for ADP was significantly lower in the MLP-null heart than in control (175 +/- 15 and 270 +/- 33 microM, respectively), indicating greater ADP accessibility, although maximal respiration rate, mitochondrial content and total CK activity were unaltered. Active tension in the myofibres of MLP-null mice was 54% lower than in controls (39 +/- 3 and 18 +/- 1 mN mm(-2), respectively), consistent with cytoarchitectural disorganization. SR calcium loading in the myofibres of MLP-null mice was similar to that in control myofibres when energy support was provided via Bound CK, but approximately 36% lower than controls when energy support was provided by mitochondrial (P < 0.05). Mitochondrial support for SR calcium uptake was also specifically decreased in the desmin-null heart, which is another model of cytoarchitectural perturbation. Thus, despite normal oxidative capacity, direct nucleotide channelling to the SR was impaired in MLP deficiency, concomitant with looser mitochondrial packing and increased nucleotide accessibility to this organelle. Changes in cytoarchitecture may therefore impair subcellular energy transfer and contribute to energetic and contractile dysfunction.

Cardiac mitochondrial alterations induced by insulin deficiency and hyperinsulinaemia in rats: targeting membrane homeostasis with trimetazidine

The present study investigated the ability of trimetazidine (TMZ) to maintain cardiac mitochondrial function during the development of insulin deficiency and hyperinsulinaemia. The anti-ischaemic drug TMZ is known to increase phospholipid synthesis in cardiac membranes and to have a cardioprotective effect. Insulin deficiency was obtained by streptozotocin injection and hyperinsulinaemia was achieved via a fructose diet. Trimetazidine was incorporated into the diet (7.8 mg/day) and mitochondrial function was evaluated in skinned cardiac fibres. Insulin deficiency decreased mitochondrial affinity for ADP and the index of creatine kinase functional activity. This last alteration was partially prevented by TMZ treatment. Insulin deficiency strongly decreased n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content, in cardiac and mitochondrial membranes, inducing a strong increase in the n-6/n-3 ratio. Trimetazidine treatment limited the increase in the n-6/n-3 ratio and prevented the decrease in DHA content in mitochondrial membranes. Insulin deficiency decreased glutamate- and palmitoylcarnitine-supported respiration. Hyperinsulinaemia affected neither mitochondrial affinity for ADP nor the index of creatine kinase functional activity. Hyperinsulinaemia slightly and significantly affected mitochondrial fatty acid composition, by a small increase the n-6/n-3 ratio. Trimetazidine did not modify membrane-bound mitochondrial function but increased the n-6/n-3 ratio. Moreover, hyperinsulinaemia decreased glutamate-supported respiration. In conclusion, modification of membrane homeostasis with TMZ partially prevented the alterations in fatty acid composition and function in cardiac mitochondria induced by insulin deficiency. Three months of hyperinsulinaemia did not modify membrane-bound mitochondrial function and had only slight effects on fatty acid composition.