Mitochondrial protein import: precursor oxidation in a ternary complex with disulfide carrier and sulfhydryl oxidase

The Interaction and Effect of a Small MitoBlock Library as Inhibitor of ALR Protein-Protein Interaction Pathway

MIA40 and ALR of the MIA pathway mediate the import of protein precursors that form disulfides into the mitochondrial intermembrane space. This import pathway is suggested to be a linear pathway in which MIA40 first binds to the precursor via a disulfide linkage and oxidizes it. Subsequently, ALR re-oxidizes MIA40 and then ALR transfers electrons to terminal electron acceptors. However, the precise mechanism by which ALR and MIA40 coordinate translocation is unknown. With a collection of small molecule modulators (MB-5 to MB-9 and MB-13) that inhibit ALR activity, we characterized the import mechanism in mitochondria. NMR studies show that most of the compounds bind to a similar region in ALR. Mechanistic studies with small molecules demonstrate that treatment with compound MB-6 locks the precursor in a state bound to MIA40, blocking re-oxidation of MIA40 by ALR. Thus, small molecules that target a similar region in ALR alter the dynamics of the MIA import pathway differently, resulting in a set of probes that are useful for studying the catalysis of the redox-regulated import pathway in model systems.

Oxidation of Arabidopsis thaliana COX19 Using the Combined Action of ERV1 and Glutathione

Protein import and oxidative folding within the intermembrane space (IMS) of mitochondria relies on the MIA40-ERV1 couple. The MIA40 oxidoreductase usually performs substrate recognition and oxidation and is then regenerated by the FAD-dependent oxidase ERV1. In most eukaryotes, both proteins are essential; however, MIA40 is dispensable in Arabidopsis thaliana. Previous complementation experiments have studied yeast mia40 mutants expressing a redox inactive, but import-competent versions of yeast Mia40 using A. thaliana ERV1 (AtERV1) suggest that AtERV1 catalyzes the oxidation of MIA40 substrates. We assessed the ability of both yeast and Arabidopsis MIA40 and ERV1 recombinant proteins to oxidize the apo-cytochrome reductase CCMH and the cytochrome c oxidase assembly protein COX19, a typical MIA40 substrate, in the presence or absence of glutathione, using in vitro cysteine alkylation and cytochrome c reduction assays. The presence of glutathione used at a physiological concentration and redox potential was sufficient to support the oxidation of COX19 by AtERV1, providing a likely explanation for why MIA40 is not essential for the import and oxidative folding of IMS-located proteins in Arabidopsis. The results point to fundamental biochemical differences between Arabidopsis and yeast ERV1 in catalyzing protein oxidation.

Maintenance of small molecule redox homeostasis in mitochondria

Compartmentalisation of eukaryotic cells enables fundamental otherwise often incompatible cellular processes. Establishment and maintenance of distinct compartments in the cell relies not only on proteins, lipids and metabolites but also on small redox molecules. In particular, small redox molecules such as glutathione, NAD(P)H and hydrogen peroxide (H₂ O₂ ) cooperate with protein partners in dedicated machineries to establish specific subcellular redox compartments with conditions that enable oxidative protein folding and redox signalling. Dysregulated redox homeostasis has been directly linked with a number of diseases including cancer, neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, metabolic diseases and ageing. In this review, we will summarise mechanisms regulating establishment and maintenance of redox homeostasis in the mitochondrial subcompartments of mammalian cells.

Protein import in mitochondria biogenesis: guided by targeting signals and sustained by dedicated chaperones

Mitochondria have a central role in cellular metabolism; they are responsible for the biosynthesis of amino acids, lipids, iron-sulphur clusters and regulate apoptosis. About 99% of mitochondrial proteins are encoded by nuclear genes, so the biogenesis of mitochondria heavily depends on protein import pathways into the organelle. An intricate system of well-studied import machinery facilitates the import of mitochondrial proteins. In addition, folding of the newly synthesized proteins takes place in a busy environment. A system of folding helper proteins, molecular chaperones and co-chaperones, are present to maintain proper conformation and thus avoid protein aggregation and premature damage. The components of the import machinery are well characterised, but the targeting signals and how they are recognised and decoded remains in some cases unclear. Here we provide some detail on the types of targeting signals involved in the protein import process. Furthermore, we discuss the very elaborate chaperone systems of the intermembrane space that are needed to overcome the particular challenges for the folding process in this compartment. The mechanisms that sustain productive folding in the face of aggregation and damage in mitochondria are critical components of the stress response and play an important role in cell homeostasis.

Cytosolic aggregation of mitochondrial proteins disrupts cellular homeostasis by stimulating the aggregation of other proteins

Mitochondria are organelles with their own genomes, but they rely on the import of nuclear-encoded proteins that are translated by cytosolic ribosomes. Therefore, it is important to understand whether failures in the mitochondrial uptake of these nuclear-encoded proteins can cause proteotoxic stress and identify response mechanisms that may counteract it. Here, we report that upon impairments in mitochondrial protein import, high-risk precursor and immature forms of mitochondrial proteins form aberrant deposits in the cytosol. These deposits then cause further cytosolic accumulation and consequently aggregation of other mitochondrial proteins and disease-related proteins, including α-synuclein and amyloid β. This aggregation triggers a cytosolic protein homeostasis imbalance that is accompanied by specific molecular chaperone responses at both the transcriptomic and protein levels. Altogether, our results provide evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction, specifically protein import defects, contributes to impairments in protein homeostasis, thus revealing a possible molecular mechanism by which mitochondria are involved in neurodegenerative diseases.

Bisphenol-A inhibits mitochondrial biogenesis via impairment of GFER mediated mitochondrial protein import in the rat brain hippocampus

Mitochondrial biogenesis relies on different protein import machinery, as mitochondrial proteins are imported from the cytosol. The mitochondrial intermembrane space assembly (MIA) pathway consists of GFER/ALR and CHCHD4/Mia40, responsible for importing proteins and their oxidative folding inside the mitochondria. The MIA pathway plays an essential role in complex IV (COX IV) biogenesis via importing copper chaperone COX17, associated with the respiratory chain. BPA, an environmental toxicant, found in consumable plastics, causes neurotoxicity via impairment in mitochondrial dynamics, neurogenesis, and cognitive functions. We studied the levels of key regulatory proteins of mitochondrial import pathways and mitochondrial biogenesis after BPA exposure in the rat hippocampus. BPA caused a significant reduction in the levels of mitochondrial biogenesis proteins (PGC1α, and TFAM) and mitochondrial import protein (GFER). Immunohistochemical analysis showed reduced co-localization of NeuN with GFER, PGC-1α, and TFAM suggesting impaired mitochondrial biogenesis and protein import. BPA exposure resulted in damaged mitochondria with distorted cristae in neurons and caused a significant reduction in GFER localization inside IMS as depicted by immunogold electron microscopy. The reduced levels of GFER resulted in defective COX17 import. The translocation of cytochrome c into the cytosol and increased cleaved caspase-3 levels triggered apoptosis due to BPA toxicity. Overall, our study implicates GFER as a potential target for impaired mitochondrial protein machinery, biogenesis, and apoptosis against BPA neurotoxicity in the rat hippocampus.

Effects of Liposome and Cardiolipin on Folding and Function of Mitochondrial Erv1

Erv1 (EC number 1.8.3.2) is an essential mitochondrial enzyme catalyzing protein import and oxidative folding in the mitochondrial intermembrane space. Erv1 has both oxidase and cytochrome c reductase activities. While both Erv1 and cytochrome c were reported to be membrane associated in mitochondria, it is unknown how the mitochondrial membrane environment may affect the function of Erv1. Here, in this study, we used liposomes to mimic the mitochondrial membrane and investigated the effect of liposomes and cardiolipin on the folding and function of yeast Erv1. Enzyme kinetics of both the oxidase and cytochrome c reductase activity of Erv1 were studied using oxygen consumption analysis and spectroscopic methods. Our results showed that the presence of liposomes has mild impacts on Erv1 oxidase activity, but significantly inhibited the catalytic efficiency of Erv1 cytochrome c reductase activity in a cardiolipin-dependent manner. Taken together, the results of this study provide important insights into the function of Erv1 in the mitochondria, suggesting that molecular oxygen is a better substrate than cytochrome c for Erv1 in the yeast mitochondria.

Structure of the mitochondrial import gate reveals distinct preprotein paths

The translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane (TOM) is the main entry gate for proteins^1-4. Here we use cryo-electron microscopy to report the structure of the yeast TOM core complex^5-9 at 3.8-Å resolution. The structure reveals the high-resolution architecture of the translocator consisting of two Tom40 β-barrel channels and α-helical transmembrane subunits, providing insight into critical features that are conserved in all eukaryotes^1-3. Each Tom40 β-barrel is surrounded by small TOM subunits, and tethered by two Tom22 subunits and one phospholipid. The N-terminal extension of Tom40 forms a helix inside the channel; mutational analysis reveals its dual role in early and late steps in the biogenesis of intermembrane-space proteins in cooperation with Tom5. Each Tom40 channel possesses two precursor exit sites. Tom22, Tom40 and Tom7 guide presequence-containing preproteins to the exit in the middle of the dimer, whereas Tom5 and the Tom40 N extension guide preproteins lacking a presequence to the exit at the periphery of the dimer.

Development of the Mitochondrial Intermembrane Space Disulfide Relay Represents a Critical Step in Eukaryotic Evolution

The mitochondrial intermembrane space evolved from the bacterial periplasm. Presumably as a consequence of their common origin, most proteins of these compartments are stabilized by structural disulfide bonds. The molecular machineries that mediate oxidative protein folding in bacteria and mitochondria, however, appear to share no common ancestry. Here we tested whether the enzymes Erv1 and Mia40 of the yeast mitochondrial disulfide relay could be functionally replaced by corresponding components of other compartments. We found that the sulfhydryl oxidase Erv1 could be replaced by the Ero1 oxidase or the protein disulfide isomerase from the endoplasmic reticulum, however at the cost of respiration deficiency. In contrast to Erv1, the mitochondrial oxidoreductase Mia40 proved to be indispensable and could not be replaced by thioredoxin-like enzymes, including the cytoplasmic reductase thioredoxin, the periplasmic dithiol oxidase DsbA, and Pdi1. From our studies we conclude that the profound inertness against glutathione, its slow oxidation kinetics and its high affinity to substrates renders Mia40 a unique and essential component of mitochondrial biogenesis. Evidently, the development of a specific mitochondrial disulfide relay system represented a crucial step in the evolution of the eukaryotic cell.

Quantitative proteomics identifies redox switches for global translation modulation by mitochondrially produced reactive oxygen species

The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is inevitably linked to life. However, the precise role of ROS in signalling and specific targets is largely unknown. We perform a global proteomic analysis to delineate the yeast redoxome to a depth of more than 4,300 unique cysteine residues in over 2,200 proteins. Mapping of redox-active thiols in proteins exposed to exogenous or endogenous mitochondria-derived oxidative stress reveals ROS-sensitive sites in several components of the translation apparatus. Mitochondria are the major source of cellular ROS. We demonstrate that increased levels of intracellular ROS caused by dysfunctional mitochondria serve as a signal to attenuate global protein synthesis. Hence, we propose a universal mechanism that controls protein synthesis by inducing reversible changes in the translation machinery upon modulating the redox status of proteins involved in translation. This crosstalk between mitochondria and protein synthesis may have an important contribution to pathologies caused by dysfunctional mitochondria.

Erv1 of Arabidopsis thaliana can directly oxidize mitochondrial intermembrane space proteins in the absence of redox-active Mia40

Background

Many proteins of the mitochondrial intermembrane space (IMS) contain structural disulfide bonds formed by the mitochondrial disulfide relay. In fungi and animals, the sulfhydryl oxidase Erv1 ‘generates’ disulfide bonds that are passed on to the oxidoreductase Mia40, which oxidizes substrate proteins. A different structural organization of plant Erv1 proteins compared to that of animal and fungal orthologs was proposed to explain its inability to complement the corresponding yeast mutant.

Results

Herein, we have revisited the biochemical and functional properties of Arabidopsis thaliana Erv1 by both in vitro reconstituted activity assays and complementation of erv1 and mia40 yeast mutants. These mutants were viable, however, they showed severe defects in the biogenesis of IMS proteins. The plant Erv1 was unable to oxidize yeast Mia40 and rather even blocked its activity. Nevertheless, it was able to mediate the import and folding of mitochondrial proteins.

Conclusions

We observed that plant Erv1, unlike its homologs in fungi and animals, can promote protein import and oxidative protein folding in the IMS independently of the oxidoreductase Mia40. In accordance to the absence of Mia40 in many protists, our study suggests that the mitochondrial disulfide relay evolved in a stepwise reaction from an Erv1-only system to which Mia40 was added in order to improve substrate specificity.

Graphical Abstract

Integrative functions of the mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system

Mitochondria are complex double-membrane-bound organelles of eukaryotic cells that function as energy-converting powerhouses, metabolic factories and signaling centers. The outer membrane controls the exchange of material and information with other cellular compartments. The inner membrane provides an extended, highly folded surface for selective transport and energy-coupling reactions. It can be divided into an inner boundary membrane and tubular or lamellar cristae membranes that accommodate the oxidative phosphorylation units. Outer membrane, inner boundary membrane and cristae come together at crista junctions, where the mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS) acts as a membrane-shaping and -connecting scaffold. This peculiar architecture is of pivotal importance for multiple mitochondrial functions. Many elaborate studies in the past years have shed light on the subunit composition and organization of MICOS. In this review article, we summarize these insights and then move on to discuss exciting recent discoveries on the integrative functions of MICOS. Multi-faceted connections to other major players of mitochondrial biogenesis and physiology, like the protein import machineries, the oxidative phosphorylation system, carrier proteins and phospholipid biosynthesis enzymes, are currently emerging. Therefore, we propose that MICOS acts as a central hub in mitochondrial membrane architecture and functionality.

Mitochondrial protein transport in health and disease

Mitochondria are fundamental structures that fulfil important and diverse functions within cells, including cellular respiration and iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis. Mitochondrial function is reliant on the organelles proteome, which is maintained and adjusted depending on cellular requirements. The majority of mitochondrial proteins are encoded by nuclear genes and must be trafficked to, and imported into the organelle following synthesis in the cytosol. These nuclear-encoded mitochondrial precursors utilise dynamic and multimeric translocation machines to traverse the organelles membranes and be partitioned to the appropriate mitochondrial subcompartment. Yeast model systems have been instrumental in establishing the molecular basis of mitochondrial protein import machines and mechanisms, however unique players and mechanisms are apparent in higher eukaryotes. Here, we review our current knowledge on mitochondrial protein import in human cells and how dysfunction in these pathways can lead to disease.

Plasmids for variable expression of proteins targeted to the mitochondrial matrix or intermembrane space

We describe the construction and uses of a series of plasmids for directing expression to varied levels of exogenous proteins targeted to the mitochondrial matrix or intermembrane space. We found that the level of protein expression achieved, the kinetics of expression and mitochondrial import, and half-life after import can each vary with the protein examined. These factors should be considered when directing localization of an exogenous protein to mitochondria for rescue, proteomics, or other approaches. We describe the construction of a collection of plasmids for varied expression of proteins targeted to the mitochondrial matrix or intermembrane space, using previously defined targeting sequences and strength CMV promoters. The limited size of these compartments makes them particularly vulnerable to artifacts from over-expression. We found that different proteins display different kinetics of expression and import that should be considered when analyzing results from this approach. Finally, this collection of plasmids has been deposited in the Addgene plasmid repository to facilitate the ready access and use of these tools.

Oxidative protein biogenesis and redox regulation in the mitochondrial intermembrane space

Mitochondria are organelles that play a central role in cellular metabolism, as they are responsible for processes such as iron/sulfur cluster biogenesis, respiration and apoptosis. Here, we describe briefly the various protein import pathways for sorting of mitochondrial proteins into the different subcompartments, with an emphasis on the targeting to the intermembrane space. The discovery of a dedicated redox-controlled pathway in the intermembrane space that links protein import to oxidative protein folding raises important questions on the redox regulation of this process. We discuss the salient features of redox regulation in the intermembrane space and how such mechanisms may be linked to the more general redox homeostasis balance that is crucial not only for normal cell physiology but also for cellular dysfunction.

The presence of disulfide bonds reveals an evolutionarily conserved mechanism involved in mitochondrial protein translocase assembly

Disulfide bond formation is crucial for the biogenesis and structure of many proteins that are localized in the intermembrane space of mitochondria. The importance of disulfide bond formation within mitochondrial proteins was extended beyond soluble intermembrane space proteins. Tim22, a membrane protein and core component of the mitochondrial translocase TIM22, forms an intramolecular disulfide bond in yeast. Tim22 belongs to the Tim17/Tim22/Tim23 family of protein translocases. Here, we present evidence of the high evolutionary conservation of disulfide bond formation in Tim17 and Tim22 among fungi and metazoa. Topological models are proposed that include the location of disulfide bonds relative to the predicted transmembrane regions. Yeast and human Tim22 variants that are not oxidized do not properly integrate into the membrane complex. Moreover, the lack of Tim17 oxidation disrupts the TIM23 translocase complex. This underlines the importance of disulfide bond formation for mature translocase assembly through membrane stabilization of weak transmembrane domains.

Oxidative folding in the mitochondrial intermembrane space: A regulated process important for cell physiology and disease

Mitochondria are fundamental organelles with a complex internal architecture that fulfill important diverse functions including iron–sulfur cluster assembly and cell respiration. Intense work for more than 30 years has identified the key protein import components and the pathways involved in protein targeting and assembly. More recently, oxidative folding has been discovered as one important mechanism for mitochondrial proteostasis whilst several human disorders have been linked to this pathway. We describe the molecular components of this pathway in view of their putative redox regulation and we summarize available evidence on the connections of these pathways to human disorders.

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Mitochondria are the cell center of iron–sulfur cluster assembly and cell respiration.

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The MIA pathway has recently been linked to Fe/S pathways, Ca^2 + uptake and apoptosis.

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Mitochondria along with the ER and peroxisomes are major sources of ROS.

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Many diseases have been linked to mitochondrial dysfunction.

The Oxidation Status of Mic19 Regulates MICOS Assembly

The function of mitochondria depends on the proper organization of mitochondrial membranes. The morphology of the inner membrane is regulated by the recently identified mitochondrial contact site and crista organizing system (MICOS) complex. MICOS mutants exhibit alterations in crista formation, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the mechanisms that underlie MICOS regulation remain poorly understood. MIC19, a peripheral protein of the inner membrane and component of the MICOS complex, was previously reported to be required for the proper function of MICOS in maintaining the architecture of the inner membrane. Here, we show that human and Saccharomyces cerevisiae MIC19 proteins undergo oxidation in mitochondria and require the mitochondrial intermembrane space assembly (MIA) pathway, which couples the oxidation and import of mitochondrial intermembrane space proteins for mitochondrial localization. Detailed analyses identified yeast Mic19 in two different redox forms. The form that contains an intramolecular disulfide bond is bound to Mic60 of the MICOS complex. Mic19 oxidation is not essential for its integration into the MICOS complex but plays a role in MICOS assembly and the maintenance of the proper inner membrane morphology. These findings suggest that Mic19 is a redox-dependent regulator of MICOS function.

The MIA pathway: a key regulator of mitochondrial oxidative protein folding and biogenesis

Mitochondria are fundamental intracellular organelles with key roles in important cellular processes like energy production, Fe/S cluster biogenesis, and homeostasis of lipids and inorganic ions. Mitochondrial dysfunction is consequently linked to many human pathologies (cancer, diabetes, neurodegeneration, stroke) and apoptosis. Mitochondrial biogenesis relies on protein import as most mitochondrial proteins (about 10–15% of the human proteome) are imported after their synthesis in the cytosol. Over the last several years many mitochondrial translocation pathways have been discovered. Among them, the import pathway that targets proteins to the intermembrane space (IMS) stands out as it is the only one that couples import to folding and oxidation and results in the covalent modification of the incoming precursor that adopt internal disulfide bonds in the process (the MIA pathway). The discovery of this pathway represented a significant paradigm shift as it challenged the prevailing dogma that the endoplasmic reticulum is the only compartment of eukaryotic cells where oxidative folding can occur.

The concept of the oxidative folding pathway was first proposed on the basis of folding and import data for the small Tim proteins that have conserved cysteine motifs and must adopt intramolecular disulfides after import so that they are retained in the organelle. The introduction of disulfides in the IMS is catalyzed by Mia40 that functions as a chaperone inducing their folding. The sulfhydryl oxidase Erv1 generates the disulfide pairs de novo using either molecular oxygen or, cytochrome c and other proteins as terminal electron acceptors that eventually link this folding process to respiration. The solution NMR structure of Mia40 (and supporting biochemical experiments) showed that Mia40 is a novel type of disulfide donor whose recognition capacity for its substrates relies on a hydrophobic binding cleft found adjacent to a thiol active CPC motif. Targeting of the substrates to this pathway is guided by a novel type of IMS targeting signal called ITS or MISS. This consists of only 9 amino acids, found upstream or downstream of a unique Cys that is primed for docking to Mia40 when the substrate is accommodated in the Mia40 binding cleft. Different routes exist to complete the folding of the substrates and their final maturation in the IMS. Identification of new Mia40 substrates (some even without the requirement of their cysteines) reveals an expanded chaperone-like activity of this protein in the IMS. New evidence on the targeting of redox active proteins like thioredoxin, glutaredoxin, and peroxiredoxin into the IMS suggests the presence of redox-dependent regulatory mechanisms of the protein folding and import process in mitochondria. Maintenance of redox balance in mitochondria is crucial for normal cell physiology and depends on the cross-talk between the various redox signaling processes and the mitochondrial oxidative folding pathway.

COA6 is a mitochondrial complex IV assembly factor critical for biogenesis of mtDNA-encoded COX2

Biogenesis of complex IV of the mitochondrial respiratory chain requires assembly factors for subunit maturation, co-factor attachment and stabilization of intermediate assemblies. A pathogenic mutation in COA6, leading to substitution of a conserved tryptophan for a cysteine residue, results in a loss of complex IV activity and cardiomyopathy. Here, we demonstrate that the complex IV defect correlates with a severe loss in complex IV assembly in patient heart but not fibroblasts. Complete loss of COA6 activity using gene editing in HEK293T cells resulted in a profound growth defect due to complex IV deficiency, caused by impaired biogenesis of the copper-bound mitochondrial DNA-encoded subunit COX2 and subsequent accumulation of complex IV assembly intermediates. We show that the pathogenic mutation in COA6 does not affect its import into mitochondria but impairs its maturation and stability. Furthermore, we show that COA6 has the capacity to bind copper and can associate with newly translated COX2 and the mitochondrial copper chaperone SCO1. Our data reveal that COA6 is intricately involved in the copper-dependent biogenesis of COX2.

Mia40 Protein Serves as an Electron Sink in the Mia40-Erv1 Import Pathway

A redox-regulated import pathway consisting of Mia40 and Erv1 mediates the import of cysteine-rich proteins into the mitochondrial intermembrane space. Mia40 is the oxidoreductase that inserts two disulfide bonds into the substrate simultaneously. However, Mia40 has one redox-active cysteine pair, resulting in ambiguity about how Mia40 accepts numerous electrons during substrate oxidation. In this study, we have addressed the oxidation of Tim13 in vitro and in organello. Reductants such as glutathione and ascorbate inhibited both the oxidation of the substrate Tim13 in vitro and the import of Tim13 and Cmc1 into isolated mitochondria. In addition, a ternary complex consisting of Erv1, Mia40, and substrate, linked by disulfide bonds, was not detected in vitro. Instead, Mia40 accepted six electrons from substrates, and this fully reduced Mia40 was sensitive to protease, indicative of conformational changes in the structure. Mia40 in mitochondria from the erv1-101 mutant was also trapped in a completely reduced state, demonstrating that Mia40 can accept up to six electrons as substrates are imported. Therefore, these studies support that Mia40 functions as an electron sink to facilitate the insertion of two disulfide bonds into substrates.

Three approaches to one problem: protein folding in the periplasm, the endoplasmic reticulum, and the intermembrane space

SIGNIFICANCE

The bacterial periplasm, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and the intermembrane space (IMS) of mitochondria contain dedicated machineries for the incorporation of disulfide bonds into polypeptides, which cooperate with chaperones, proteases, and assembly factors during protein biogenesis.

RECENT ADVANCES

The mitochondrial disulfide relay was identified only very recently. The current knowledge of the protein folding machinery of the IMS will be described in detail in this review and compared with the "more established" systems of the periplasm and the ER.

CRITICAL ISSUES

While the disulfide relays of all three compartments adhere to the same principle, the specific designs and functions of these systems differ considerably. In particular, the cooperation with other folding systems makes the situation in each compartment unique.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

The biochemical properties of the oxidation machineries are relatively well understood. However, it still remains largely unclear as to how the quality control systems of "oxidizing" compartments orchestrate the activities of oxidoreductases, chaperones, proteases, and signaling molecules to ensure protein homeostasis.

The mitochondrial disulfide relay system: roles in oxidative protein folding and beyond

Disulfide bond formation drives protein import of most proteins of the mitochondrial intermembrane space (IMS). The main components of this disulfide relay machinery are the oxidoreductase Mia40 and the sulfhydryl oxidase Erv1/ALR. Their precise functions have been elucidated in molecular detail for the yeast and human enzymes in vitro and in intact cells. However, we still lack knowledge on how Mia40 and Erv1/ALR impact cellular and organism physiology and whether they have functions beyond their role in disulfide bond formation. Here we summarize the principles of oxidation-dependent protein import mediated by the mitochondrial disulfide relay. We proceed by discussing recently described functions of Mia40 in the hypoxia response and of ALR in influencing mitochondrial morphology and its importance for tissue development and embryogenesis. We also include a discussion of the still mysterious function of Erv1/ALR in liver regeneration.

Coupling of mitochondrial import and export translocases by receptor-mediated supercomplex formation

The mitochondrial outer membrane harbors two protein translocases that are essential for cell viability: the translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane (TOM) and the sorting and assembly machinery (SAM). The precursors of β-barrel proteins use both translocases-TOM for import to the intermembrane space and SAM for export into the outer membrane. It is unknown if the translocases cooperate and where the β-barrel of newly imported proteins is formed. We established a position-specific assay for monitoring β-barrel formation in vivo and in organello and demonstrated that the β-barrel was formed and membrane inserted while the precursor was bound to SAM. β-barrel formation was inhibited by SAM mutants and, unexpectedly, by mutants of the central import receptor, Tom22. We show that the cytosolic domain of Tom22 links TOM and SAM into a supercomplex, facilitating precursor transfer on the intermembrane space side. Our study reveals receptor-mediated coupling of import and export translocases as a means of precursor channeling.

Oxidative protein-folding systems in plant cells

Plants are unique among eukaryotes in having evolved organelles: the protein storage vacuole, protein body, and chloroplast. Disulfide transfer pathways that function in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and chloroplasts of plants play critical roles in the development of protein storage organelles and the biogenesis of chloroplasts, respectively. Disulfide bond formation requires the cooperative function of disulfide-generating enzymes (e.g., ER oxidoreductase 1), which generate disulfide bonds de novo, and disulfide carrier proteins (e.g., protein disulfide isomerase), which transfer disulfides to substrates by means of thiol-disulfide exchange reactions. Selective molecular communication between disulfide-generating enzymes and disulfide carrier proteins, which reflects the molecular and structural diversity of disulfide carrier proteins, is key to the efficient transfer of disulfides to specific sets of substrates. This review focuses on recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms and functions of the various disulfide transfer pathways involved in oxidative protein folding in the ER, chloroplasts, and mitochondria of plants.

Folding and biogenesis of mitochondrial small Tim proteins

Correct and timely folding is critical to the function of all proteins. The importance of this is illustrated in the biogenesis of the mitochondrial intermembrane space (IMS) “small Tim” proteins. Biogenesis of the small Tim proteins is regulated by dedicated systems or pathways, beginning with synthesis in the cytosol and ending with assembly of individually folded proteins into functional complexes in the mitochondrial IMS. The process is mostly centered on regulating the redox states of the conserved cysteine residues: oxidative folding is crucial for protein function in the IMS, but oxidized (disulfide bonded) proteins cannot be imported into mitochondria. How the redox-sensitive small Tim precursor proteins are maintained in a reduced, import-competent form in the cytosol is not well understood. Recent studies suggest that zinc and the cytosolic thioredoxin system play a role in the biogenesis of these proteins. In the IMS, the mitochondrial import and assembly (MIA) pathway catalyzes both import into the IMS and oxidative folding of the small Tim proteins. Finally, assembly of the small Tim complexes is a multistep process driven by electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions; however, the chaperone function of the complex might require destabilization of these interactions to accommodate the substrate. Here, we review how folding of the small Tim proteins is regulated during their biogenesis, from maintenance of the unfolded precursors in the cytosol, to their import, oxidative folding, complex assembly and function in the IMS.

The mitochondrial intermembrane space: a hub for oxidative folding linked to protein biogenesis

SIGNIFICANCE

The introduction of disulfide bonds in proteins of the mitochondrial intermembrane space (IMS) is fundamental for their folding and assembly. This oxidative folding process depends on the disulfide donor/import receptor Mia40 and the flavin adenine dinucleotide oxidase Erv1 and concerns proteins involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, respiratory complex assembly, and metal transfer.

RECENT ADVANCES

The recently determined structural basis of the interaction between Mia40 and some substrates provides a framework for the electron transfer process. A possible proofreading role for the cellular reductant glutathione has been proposed, while other studies suggest the association of Mia40 and Erv1 in dynamic multiprotein complexes in the IMS.

CRITICAL ISSUES

The association of Mia40 with Erv1 and substrates in large multiprotein complexes is critical. Completion of substrate folding by additional disulfide bonds after initial binding to Mia40 remains unclear. Furthermore, a more general role for Mia40 in recognizing substrates targeted to other compartments, or even without specific cysteine motifs, remains an intriguing possibility.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Dissecting a regulatory role of intramitochondrial protein complex organization and small redox-active molecules will be crucial for understanding oxidative folding in the IMS. This should have an impact on the physiology of human cells, as disease-linked mutations of key components of this process have been manifested, and their expression in stem cells appears crucial for development.

A small molecule inhibitor of redox-regulated protein translocation into mitochondria

The mitochondrial disulfide relay system of Mia40 and Erv1/ALR facilitates import of the small translocase of the inner membrane (Tim) proteins and cysteine-rich proteins. A chemical screen identified small molecules that inhibit Erv1 oxidase activity, thereby facilitating dissection of the disulfide relay system in yeast and vertebrate mitochondria. One molecule, mitochondrial protein import blockers from the Carla Koehler laboratory (MitoBloCK-6), attenuated the import of Erv1 substrates into yeast mitochondria and inhibited oxidation of Tim13 and Cmc1 in in vitro reconstitution assays. In addition, MitoBloCK-6 revealed an unexpected role for Erv1 in the carrier import pathway, namely transferring substrates from the translocase of the outer membrane complex onto the small Tim complexes. Cardiac development was impaired in MitoBloCK-6-exposed zebrafish embryos. Finally, MitoBloCK-6 induced apoptosis via cytochrome c release in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) but not in differentiated cells, suggesting an important role for ALR in hESC homeostasis.

The ubiquitin-proteasome system regulates mitochondrial intermembrane space proteins

Mitochondrial precursor proteins are synthesized in the cytosol and subsequently imported into mitochondria. The import of mitochondrial intermembrane space proteins is coupled with their oxidative folding and governed by the mitochondrial intermembrane space import and assembly (MIA) pathway. The cytosolic steps that precede mitochondrial import are not well understood. We identified a role for the ubiquitin-proteasome system in the biogenesis of intermembrane space proteins. Interestingly, the function of the ubiquitin-proteasome system is not restricted to conditions of mitochondrial protein import failure. The ubiquitin-proteasome system persistently removes a fraction of intermembrane space proteins under physiological conditions, acting as a negative regulator in the biogenesis of this class of proteins. Thus, the ubiquitin-proteasome system plays an important role in determining the levels of proteins targeted to the intermembrane space of mitochondria.

Mitochondrial protein homeostasis

Mitochondria use 800-1,500 proteins to perform their biological functions in the eukaryotic cells. Distinct transport and sorting mechanisms are responsible for the delivery of proteins to the correct location within mitochondria. Mitochondrial proteins undergo processing events and form functional assemblies. Finally, non-functional proteins are cleared to maintain healthy mitochondria. We provide an overview of the processes collectively contributing to the maintenance of mitochondrial protein homeostasis, which is critical for cell physiology and survival.

Mitochondrial protein import: Mia40 facilitates Tim22 translocation into the inner membrane of mitochondria

The MIA pathway governs the localization and oxidative folding of intermembrane space proteins. This study reports that the MIA pathway is involved in the transport of mitochondrial inner membrane protein Tim22, thereby broadening the known functions of MIA to the biogenesis of inner membrane proteins.

The mitochondrial intermembrane space assembly (MIA) pathway is generally considered to be dedicated to the redox-dependent import and biogenesis of proteins localized to the intermembrane space of mitochondria. The oxidoreductase Mia40 is a central component of the pathway responsible for the transfer of disulfide bonds to intermembrane space precursor proteins, causing their oxidative folding. Here we present the first evidence that the function of Mia40 is not restricted to the transport and oxidative folding of intermembrane space proteins. We identify Tim22, a multispanning membrane protein and core component of the TIM22 translocase of inner membrane, as a protein with cysteine residues undergoing oxidation during Tim22 biogenesis. We show that Mia40 is involved in the biogenesis and complex assembly of Tim22. Tim22 forms a disulfide-bonded intermediate with Mia40 upon import into mitochondria. Of interest, Mia40 binds the Tim22 precursor also via noncovalent interactions. We propose that Mia40 not only is responsible for disulfide bond formation, but also assists the Tim22 protein in its integration into the inner membrane of mitochondria.

The power of yeast to model diseases of the powerhouse of the cell

Mitochondria participate in a variety of cellular functions. As such, mitochondrial diseases exhibit numerous clinical phenotypes. Because mitochondrial functions are highly conserved between humans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, yeast are an excellent model to study mitochondrial disease, providing insight into both physiological and pathophysiological processes.

The mitochondrial protein import machinery has multiple connections to the respiratory chain

The mitochondrial inner membrane harbors the complexes of the respiratory chain and protein translocases required for the import of mitochondrial precursor proteins. These complexes are functionally interdependent, as the import of respiratory chain precursor proteins across and into the inner membrane requires the membrane potential. Vice versa the membrane potential is generated by the proton pumping complexes of the respiratory chain. Besides this basic codependency four different systems for protein import, processing and assembly show further connections to the respiratory chain. The mitochondrial intermembrane space import and assembly machinery oxidizes cysteine residues within the imported precursor proteins and is able to donate the liberated electrons to the respiratory chain. The presequence translocase of the inner membrane physically interacts with the respiratory chain. The mitochondrial processing peptidase is homologous to respiratory chain subunits and the carrier translocase of the inner membrane even shares a subunit with the respiratory chain. In this review we will summarize the import of mitochondrial precursor proteins and highlight these special links between the mitochondrial protein import machinery and the respiratory chain. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Respiratory complex II: Role in cellular physiology and disease.

Disulfide bond formation: sulfhydryl oxidase ALR controls mitochondrial biogenesis of human MIA40

The conserved MIA pathway is responsible for the import and oxidative folding of proteins destined for the intermembrane space of mitochondria. In contrast to a wealth of information obtained from studies with yeast, the function of the MIA pathway in higher eukaryotes has remained enigmatic. Here, we took advantage of the molecular understanding of the MIA pathway in yeast and designed a model of the human MIA pathway. The yeast model for MIA consists of two critical components, the disulfide bond carrier Mia40 and sulfhydryl oxidase Erv1/ALR. Human MIA40 and ALR substituted for their yeast counterparts in the essential function for the oxidative biogenesis of mitochondrial intermembrane space proteins. In addition, the sulfhydryl oxidases ALR/Erv1 were found to be involved in the mitochondrial localization of human MIA40. Furthermore, the defective accumulation of human MIA40 in mitochondria underlies a recently identified disease that is caused by amino acid exchange in ALR. Thus, human ALR is an important factor that controls not only the ability of MIA40 to bind and oxidize protein clients but also the localization of human MIA40 in mitochondria.

Mechanisms of protein sorting in mitochondria

A protein's function is intimately linked to its correct subcellular location, yet the machinery required for protein synthesis is predominately cytosolic. How proteins are trafficked through the confines of the cell and integrated into the appropriate cellular compartments has puzzled and intrigued researchers for decades. Indeed, studies exploring this premise revealed elaborate cellular protein translocation and sorting systems, which ensure that all proteins are shuttled to the appropriate cellular destination, where they fulfill their specific functions. This holds true for mitochondria, where sophisticated molecular machines serve to recognize incoming precursor proteins and integrate them into the functional framework of the organelle. We summarize the recent progress in our understanding of mitochondrial protein sorting and the machineries and mechanisms that mediate and regulate this highly dynamic cellular process essential for survival of virtually all eukaryotic cells.

Role of twin Cys-Xaa9-Cys motif cysteines in mitochondrial import of the cytochrome C oxidase biogenesis factor Cmc1

The Mia40 import pathway facilitates the import and oxidative folding of cysteine-rich protein substrates into the mitochondrial intermembrane space. Here we describe the in vitro and in organello oxidative folding of Cmc1, a twin CX(9)C-containing substrate, which contains an unpaired cysteine. In vitro, Cmc1 can be oxidized by the import receptor Mia40 alone when in excess or at a lower rate by only the sulfhydryl oxidase Erv1. However, physiological and efficient Cmc1 oxidation requires Erv1 and Mia40. Cmc1 forms a stable intermediate with Mia40 and is released from this interaction in the presence of Erv1. The three proteins are shown to form a ternary complex in mitochondria. Our results suggest that this mechanism facilitates efficient formation of multiple disulfides and prevents the formation of non-native disulfide bonds.

Role of mitochondrial inner membrane organizing system in protein biogenesis of the mitochondrial outer membrane

The mitochondrial inner membrane organizing system (MINOS) is a large protein complex required for maintaining inner membrane architecture. We report that MINOS independently interacts with both preprotein translocases of the outer mitochondrial membrane and plays a role in the biogenesis of β-barrel proteins of the outer membrane.

Mitochondria contain two membranes, the outer membrane and the inner membrane with folded cristae. The mitochondrial inner membrane organizing system (MINOS) is a large protein complex required for maintaining inner membrane architecture. MINOS interacts with both preprotein transport machineries of the outer membrane, the translocase of the outer membrane (TOM) and the sorting and assembly machinery (SAM). It is unknown, however, whether MINOS plays a role in the biogenesis of outer membrane proteins. We have dissected the interaction of MINOS with TOM and SAM and report that MINOS binds to both translocases independently. MINOS binds to the SAM complex via the conserved polypeptide transport–associated domain of Sam50. Mitochondria lacking mitofilin, the large core subunit of MINOS, are impaired in the biogenesis of β-barrel proteins of the outer membrane, whereas mutant mitochondria lacking any of the other five MINOS subunits import β-barrel proteins in a manner similar to wild-type mitochondria. We show that mitofilin is required at an early stage of β-barrel biogenesis that includes the initial translocation through the TOM complex. We conclude that MINOS interacts with TOM and SAM independently and that the core subunit mitofilin is involved in biogenesis of outer membrane β-barrel proteins.

In vivo evidence for cooperation of Mia40 and Erv1 in the oxidation of mitochondrial proteins

The intermembrane space of mitochondria accommodates the essential mitochondrial intermembrane space assembly (MIA) machinery that catalyzes oxidative folding of proteins. The disulfide bond formation pathway is based on a relay of reactions involving disulfide transfer from the sulfhydryl oxidase Erv1 to Mia40 and from Mia40 to substrate proteins. However, the substrates of the MIA typically contain two disulfide bonds. It was unclear what the mechanisms are that ensure that proteins are released from Mia40 in a fully oxidized form. In this work, we dissect the stage of the oxidative folding relay, in which Mia40 binds to its substrate. We identify dynamics of the Mia40-substrate intermediate complex. Our experiments performed in a native environment, both in organello and in vivo, show that Erv1 directly participates in Mia40-substrate complex dynamics by forming a ternary complex. Thus Mia40 in cooperation with Erv1 promotes the formation of two disulfide bonds in the substrate protein, ensuring the efficiency of oxidative folding in the intermembrane space of mitochondria.

Mitochondrial protein import: common principles and physiological networks

Most mitochondrial proteins are encoded in the nucleus. They are synthesized as precursor forms in the cytosol and must be imported into mitochondria with the help of different protein translocases. Distinct import signals within precursors direct each protein to the mitochondrial surface and subsequently onto specific transport routes to its final destination within these organelles. In this review we highlight common principles of mitochondrial protein import and address different mechanisms of protein integration into mitochondrial membranes. Over the last years it has become clear that mitochondrial protein translocases are not independently operating units, but in fact closely cooperate with each other. We discuss recent studies that indicate how the pathways for mitochondrial protein biogenesis are embedded into a functional network of various other physiological processes, such as energy metabolism, signal transduction, and maintenance of mitochondrial morphology. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Protein Import and Quality Control in Mitochondria and Plastids.

The MIA pathway: a tight bond between protein transport and oxidative folding in mitochondria

Many newly synthesized proteins obtain disulfide bonds in the bacterial periplasm, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the mitochondrial intermembrane space. The acquisition of disulfide bonds is critical for the folding, assembly and activity of these proteins. Spontaneous oxidation of thiol groups is inefficient in vivo, therefore cells have developed machineries that catalyse the oxidation of substrate proteins. The identification of the machinery that mediates this process in the intermembrane space of mitochondria, known as MIA (mitochondrial intermembrane space assembly), provided a unique mechanism of protein transport. The MIA machinery introduces disulfide bonds into incoming intermembrane space precursors and thus tightly couples the process of precursor translocation to precursor oxidation. We discuss our current understanding of the MIA pathway and the mechanisms that oversee thiol-exchange reactions in mitochondria.

Mitochondrial protein import: from transport pathways to an integrated network

Mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell, import most of their proteins from the cytosol. It was originally assumed that mitochondria imported precursor proteins via a general pathway but recent studies have revealed a remarkable variety of import pathways and mechanisms. Currently, five different protein import pathways can be distinguished. However, the import machineries cooperate with each other and are connected to other systems that function in the respiratory chain, mitochondrial membrane organization, protein quality control and endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria junctions. In this Opinion, we propose that mitochondrial protein import should not be seen as an independent task of the organelle and that a network of cooperating machineries is responsible for major mitochondrial functions.

Mitochondrial disulfide relay: redox-regulated protein import into the intermembrane space

99% of all mitochondrial proteins are synthesized in the cytosol, from where they are imported into mitochondria. In contrast to matrix proteins, many proteins of the intermembrane space (IMS) lack presequences and are imported in an oxidation-driven reaction by the mitochondrial disulfide relay. Incoming polypeptides are recognized and oxidized by the IMS-located receptor Mia40. Reoxidation of Mia40 is facilitated by the sulfhydryl oxidase Erv1 and the respiratory chain. Although structurally unrelated, the mitochondrial disulfide relay functionally resembles the Dsb (disufide bond) system of the bacterial periplasm, the compartment from which the IMS was derived 2 billion years ago.

How proteins form disulfide bonds

The identification of protein disulfide isomerase, almost 50 years ago, opened the way to the study of oxidative protein folding. Oxidative protein folding refers to the composite process by which a protein recovers both its native structure and its native disulfide bonds. Pathways that form disulfide bonds have now been unraveled in the bacterial periplasm (disulfide bond protein A [DsbA], DsbB, DsbC, DsbG, and DsbD), the endoplasmic reticulum (protein disulfide isomerase and Ero1), and the mitochondrial intermembrane space (Mia40 and Erv1). This review summarizes the current knowledge on disulfide bond formation in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes and highlights the major problems that remain to be solved.

Structure and function of DsbA, a key bacterial oxidative folding catalyst

Since its discovery in 1991, the bacterial periplasmic oxidative folding catalyst DsbA has been the focus of intense research. Early studies addressed why it is so oxidizing and how it is maintained in its less stable oxidized state. The crystal structure of Escherichia coli DsbA (EcDsbA) revealed that the oxidizing periplasmic enzyme is a distant evolutionary cousin of the reducing cytoplasmic enzyme thioredoxin. Recent significant developments have deepened our understanding of DsbA function, mechanism, and interactions: the structure of the partner membrane protein EcDsbB, including its complex with EcDsbA, proved a landmark in the field. Studies of DsbA machineries from bacteria other than E. coli K-12 have highlighted dramatic differences from the model organism, including a striking divergence in redox parameters and surface features. Several DsbA structures have provided the first clues to its interaction with substrates, and finally, evidence for a central role of DsbA in bacterial virulence has been demonstrated in a range of organisms. Here, we review current knowledge on DsbA, a bacterial periplasmic protein that introduces disulfide bonds into diverse substrate proteins and which may one day be the target of a new class of anti-virulence drugs to treat bacterial infection.

Molecular recognition and substrate mimicry drive the electron-transfer process between MIA40 and ALR

Oxidative protein folding in the mitochondrial intermembrane space requires the transfer of a disulfide bond from MIA40 to the substrate. During this process MIA40 is reduced and regenerated to a functional state through the interaction with the flavin-dependent sulfhydryl oxidase ALR. Here we present the mechanistic basis of ALR-MIA40 interaction at atomic resolution by biochemical and structural analyses of the mitochondrial ALR isoform and its covalent mixed disulfide intermediate with MIA40. This ALR isoform contains a folded FAD-binding domain at the C-terminus and an unstructured, flexible N-terminal domain, weakly and transiently interacting one with the other. A specific region of the N-terminal domain guides the interaction with the MIA40 substrate binding cleft (mimicking the interaction of the substrate itself), without being involved in the import of ALR. The hydrophobicity-driven binding of this region ensures precise protein-protein recognition needed for an efficient electron transfer process.