Modulation of F0F1-ATP synthase activity by cyclophilin D regulates matrix adenine nucleotide levels

Mtfp1 ablation enhances mitochondrial respiration and protects against hepatic steatosis

Hepatic steatosis is the result of imbalanced nutrient delivery and metabolism in the liver and is the first hallmark of Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). MASLD is the most common chronic liver disease and involves the accumulation of excess lipids in hepatocytes, inflammation, and cancer. Mitochondria play central roles in liver metabolism yet the specific mitochondrial functions causally linked to MASLD remain unclear. Here, we identify Mitochondrial Fission Process 1 protein (MTFP1) as a key regulator of mitochondrial and metabolic activity in the liver. Deletion of Mtfp1 in hepatocytes is physiologically benign in mice yet leads to the upregulation of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) activity and mitochondrial respiration, independently of mitochondrial biogenesis. Consequently, liver-specific knockout mice are protected against high fat diet-induced steatosis and metabolic dysregulation. Additionally, Mtfp1 deletion inhibits mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening in hepatocytes, conferring protection against apoptotic liver damage in vivo and ex vivo. Our work uncovers additional functions of MTFP1 in the liver, positioning this gene as an unexpected regulator of OXPHOS and a therapeutic candidate for MASLD.

Rational design peptide inhibitors of Cyclophilin D as a potential treatment for acute pancreatitis

Cyclophilin D (CypD) is a mitochondrial matrix peptidyl prolidase that regulates the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Inhibition of CypD was suggested as a therapeutic strategy for acute pancreatitis. Peptide inhibitors emerged as novel binding ligand for blocking receptor activity. In this study, we present our computational approach for designing peptide inhibitors of CypD. The 3-D structure of random peptides were built, and docked into the active center of CypD using Rosetta script integrated FlexPepDock module. The peptide displayed the lowest binding energy against CypD was further selected for virtual iterative mutation based on virtual mutagenesis and molecular docking. Finally, the top 5 peptides with the lowest binding energy was selected for validating their affinity against CypD using inhibitory assay. We showed 4 out of the selected 5 peptides were capable for blocking the activity of CypD, while WACLQ display the strongest affinity against CypD, which reached 0.28 mM. The binding mechanism between WACLQ and CypD was characterized using molecular dynamics simulation. Here, we proved our approach can be a robust method for screening peptide inhibitors.

Mitochondrial permeability transition pore-dependent necrosis

Mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP)-dependent cell death is a form of necrotic cell death that is driven by mitochondrial dysfunction by the opening of the mPTP and is triggered by increases in matrix levels of Ca2+ and reactive oxygen species. This form of cell death has been implicated in ischemic injuries of the heart and brain as well as numerous degenerative diseases in the brain and skeletal muscle. This review focuses on the molecular triggers and regulators of mPTP-dependent necrosis in the context of myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury. Research over the past 50 years has led to the identity of regulators and putative pore-forming components of the mPTP. Finally, downstream consequences of activation of the mPTP as well as ongoing questions and areas of research are discussed. These questions pose a particular interest as targeting the mPTP could potentially represent an efficacious therapeutic strategy to reduce infarct size following an ischemic event.

Melatonin-Induced Postconditioning Suppresses NMDA Receptor through Opening of the Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore via Melatonin Receptor in Mouse Neurons

Mitochondrial membrane potential regulation through the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) is reportedly involved in the ischemic postconditioning (PostC) phenomenon. Melatonin is an endogenous hormone that regulates circadian rhythms. Its neuroprotective effects via mitochondrial melatonin receptors (MTs) have recently attracted attention. However, details of the neuroprotective mechanisms associated with PostC have not been clarified. Using hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells from C57BL mice, we studied the involvement of MTs and the mPTP in melatonin-induced PostC mechanisms similar to those of ischemic PostC. We measured changes in spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs), intracellular calcium concentration, mitochondrial membrane potential, and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) currents after ischemic challenge, using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Melatonin significantly suppressed increases in sEPSCs and intracellular calcium concentrations. The NMDAR currents were significantly suppressed by melatonin and the MT agonist, ramelteon. However, this suppressive effect was abolished by the mPTP inhibitor, cyclosporine A, and the MT antagonist, luzindole. Furthermore, both melatonin and ramelteon potentiated depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potentials, and luzindole suppressed depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potentials. This study suggests that melatonin-induced PostC via MTs suppressed the NMDAR that was induced by partial depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential by opening the mPTP, reducing excessive release of glutamate and inducing neuroprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Cyclophilin D regulation of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore

The opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) has been proposed to play a critical role in activating cell death in many settings, including cardiac ischemia and reperfusion. Although the identity of pore forming unit of the PTP is still debated, it is generally agreed that cyclophilin D (CyPD) is a regulator of the PTP. This manuscript will focus on understanding how CyPD might regulate the PTP and how understanding CyPD might give insight about the identify and regulation of the PTP.

Regulated cell death in cisplatin-induced AKI: relevance of myo-inositol metabolism

Regulated cell death (RCD), distinct from accidental cell death, refers to a process of well-controlled programmed cell death with well-defined pathological mechanisms. In the past few decades, various terms for RCDs were coined, and some of them have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various types of acute kidney injury (AKI). Cisplatin is widely used as a chemotherapeutic drug for a broad spectrum of cancers, but its usage was hampered because of being highly nephrotoxic. Cisplatin-induced AKI is commonly seen clinically, and it also serves as a well-established prototypic model for laboratory investigations relevant to acute nephropathy affecting especially the tubular compartment. Literature reports over a period of three decades have indicated that there are multiple types of RCDs, including apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and mitochondrial permeability transition-mediated necrosis, and some of them are pertinent to the pathogenesis of cisplatin-induced AKI. Interestingly, myo-inositol metabolism, a vital biological process that is largely restricted to the kidney, seems to be relevant to the pathogenesis of certain forms of RCDs. A comprehensive understanding of RCDs in cisplatin-induced AKI and their relevance to myo-inositol homeostasis may yield novel therapeutic targets for the amelioration of cisplatin-related nephropathy.

Delineating a role for the mitochondrial permeability transition pore in diabetic kidney disease by targeting cyclophilin D

Mitochondrial stress has been widely observed in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Cyclophilin D (CypD) is a functional component of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) which allows the exchange of ions and solutes between the mitochondrial matrix to induce mitochondrial swelling and activation of cell death pathways. CypD has been successfully targeted in other disease contexts to improve mitochondrial function and reduced pathology. Two approaches were used to elucidate the role of CypD and the mPTP in DKD. Firstly, mice with a deletion of the gene encoding CypD (Ppif-/-) were rendered diabetic with streptozotocin (STZ) and followed for 24 weeks. Secondly, Alisporivir, a CypD inhibitor was administered to the db/db mouse model (5 mg/kg/day oral gavage for 16 weeks). Ppif-/- mice were not protected against diabetes-induced albuminuria and had greater glomerulosclerosis than their WT diabetic littermates. Renal hyperfiltration was lower in diabetic Ppif-/- as compared with WT mice. Similarly, Alisporivir did not improve renal function nor pathology in db/db mice as assessed by no change in albuminuria, KIM-1 excretion and glomerulosclerosis. Db/db mice exhibited changes in mitochondrial function, including elevated respiratory control ratio (RCR), reduced mitochondrial H2O2 generation and increased proximal tubular mitochondrial volume, but these were unaffected by Alisporivir treatment. Taken together, these studies indicate that CypD has a complex role in DKD and direct targeting of this component of the mPTP will likely not improve renal outcomes.

Role of Mitochondrial Calcium and the Permeability Transition Pore in Regulating Cell Death

Adult cardiomyocytes are postmitotic cells that undergo very limited cell division. Thus, cardiomyocyte death as occurs during myocardial infarction has very detrimental consequences for the heart. Mitochondria have emerged as an important regulator of cardiovascular health and disease. Mitochondria are well established as bioenergetic hubs for generating ATP but have also been shown to regulate cell death pathways. Indeed many of the same signals used to regulate metabolism and ATP production, such as calcium and reactive oxygen species, are also key regulators of mitochondrial cell death pathways. It is widely hypothesized that an increase in calcium and reactive oxygen species activate a large conductance channel in the inner mitochondrial membrane known as the PTP (permeability transition pore) and that opening of this pore leads to necroptosis, a regulated form of necrotic cell death. Strategies to reduce PTP opening either by inhibition of PTP or inhibiting the rise in mitochondrial calcium or reactive oxygen species that activate PTP have been proposed. A major limitation of inhibiting the PTP is the lack of knowledge about the identity of the protein(s) that form the PTP and how they are activated by calcium and reactive oxygen species. This review will critically evaluate the candidates for the pore-forming unit of the PTP and discuss recent data suggesting that assumption that the PTP is formed by a single molecular identity may need to be reconsidered.

Sex Differences in Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury: The Role of Mitochondrial Permeability Transition

Brain and heart ischemia are among the leading causes of death and disability in both men and women, but there are significant sex differences in the incidence and severity of these diseases. Ca²⁺ dysregulation in response to ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/RI) is a well-recognized pathogenic mechanism leading to the death of affected cells. Excess intracellular Ca²⁺ causes mitochondrial matrix Ca²⁺ overload that can result in mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT), which can have severe consequences for mitochondrial function and trigger cell death. Recent findings indicate that estrogens and their related receptors are involved in the regulation of MPT, suggesting that sex differences in I/RI could be linked to estrogen-dependent modulation of mitochondrial Ca²⁺. Here, we review the evidence supporting sex differences in I/RI and the role of estrogen and estrogen receptors in producing these differences, the involvement of mitochondrial Ca²⁺ overload in disease pathogenesis, and the estrogen-dependent modulation of MPT that may contribute to sex differences.

Cyclophilin D deficiency attenuates mitochondrial F1Fo ATP synthase dysfunction via OSCP in Alzheimer's disease

Mitochondrial dysfunction is pivotal in inducing synaptic injury and neuronal stress in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Mitochondrial F1Fo ATP synthase deregulation is a hallmark mitochondrial defect leading to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) failure in this neurological disorder. Oligomycin sensitivity conferring protein (OSCP) is a crucial F1Fo ATP synthase subunit. Decreased OSCP levels and OSCP interaction with amyloid β (Aβ) constitute key aspects of F1Fo ATP synthase pathology in AD-related conditions. However, the detailed mechanisms promoting such AD-related OSCP changes have not been fully resolved. Here, we have found increased physical interaction of OSCP with Cyclophilin D (CypD) in AD cases as well as in an AD animal model (5xFAD mice). Genetic depletion of CypD mitigates OSCP loss via ubiquitin-dependent OSCP degradation in 5xFAD mice. Moreover, the ablation of CypD also attenuates OSCP/Aβ interaction in AD mice. The relieved OSCP changes by CypD depletion in 5xFAD mice are along with preserved F1Fo ATP synthase function, restored mitochondrial bioenergetics as well as improved mouse cognition. The simplest interpretation of our results is that CypD is a critical mediator that promotes OSCP deficits in AD-related conditions. Therefore, to block the deleterious impact of CypD on OSCP has the potential to be a promising therapeutic strategy to correct mitochondrial dysfunction for AD therapy.

Cyclophilin D, Somehow a Master Regulator of Mitochondrial Function

Cyclophilin D (CyPD) is an important mitochondrial chaperone protein whose mechanism of action remains a mystery. It is well known for regulating mitochondrial function and coupling of the electron transport chain and ATP synthesis by controlling the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP), but more recent evidence suggests that it may regulate electron transport chain activity. Given its identification as a peptidyl-prolyl, cis-trans isomerase (PPIase), CyPD, is thought to be involved in mitochondrial protein folding, but very few reports demonstrate the presence of this activity. By contrast, CyPD may also perform a scaffolding function, as it binds to a number of important proteins in the mitochondrial matrix and inner mitochondrial membrane. From a clinical perspective, inhibiting CyPD to inhibit PTP opening protects against ischemia⁻reperfusion injury, making modulation of CyPD activity a potentially important therapeutic goal, but the lack of knowledge about the mechanisms of CyPD's actions remains problematic for such therapies. Thus, the important yet enigmatic nature of CyPD somehow makes it a master regulator, yet a troublemaker, for mitochondrial function.

Estrogen receptor beta modulates permeability transition in brain mitochondria

Recent evidence highlights a role for sex and hormonal status in regulating cellular responses to ischemic brain injury and neurodegeneration. A key pathological event in ischemic brain injury is the opening of a mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPT) induced by excitotoxic calcium levels, which can trigger irreversible damage to mitochondria accompanied by the release of pro-apoptotic factors. However, sex differences in brain MPT modulation have not yet been explored. Here, we show that mitochondria isolated from female mouse forebrain have a lower calcium threshold for MPT than male mitochondria, and that this sex difference depends on the MPT regulator cyclophilin D (CypD). We also demonstrate that an estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) antagonist inhibits MPT and knockout of ERβ decreases the sensitivity of mitochondria to the CypD inhibitor, cyclosporine A. These results suggest a functional relationship between ERβ and CypD in modulating brain MPT. Moreover, co-immunoprecipitation studies identify several ERβ binding partners in mitochondria. Among these, we investigate the mitochondrial ATPase as a putative site of MPT regulation by ERβ. We find that previously described interaction between the oligomycin sensitivity-conferring subunit of ATPase (OSCP) and CypD is decreased by ERβ knockout, suggesting that ERβ modulates MPT by regulating CypD interaction with OSCP. Functionally, in primary neurons and hippocampal slice cultures, modulation of ERβ has protective effects against glutamate toxicity and oxygen glucose deprivation, respectively. Taken together, these results reveal a novel pathway of brain MPT regulation by ERβ that could contribute to sex differences in ischemic brain injury and neurodegeneration.

Mitochondrial permeability transition in cardiac ischemia-reperfusion: whether cyclophilin D is a viable target for cardioprotection?

Growing number of studies provide strong evidence that the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP), a non-selective channel in the inner mitochondrial membrane, is involved in the pathogenesis of cardiac ischemia-reperfusion and can be targeted to attenuate reperfusion-induced damage to the myocardium. The molecular identity of the PTP remains unknown and cyclophilin D is the only protein commonly accepted as a major regulator of the PTP opening. Therefore, cyclophilin D is an attractive target for pharmacological or genetic therapies to reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury in various animal models and humans. Most animal studies demonstrated cardioprotective effects of PTP inhibition; however, a recent large clinical trial conducted by international groups demonstrated that cyclosporine A, a cyclophilin D inhibitor, failed to protect the heart in patients with myocardial infarction. These studies, among others, raise the question of whether cyclophilin D, which plays an important physiological role in the regulation of cell metabolism and mitochondrial bioenergetics, is a viable target for cardioprotection. This review discusses previous studies to provide comprehensive information on the physiological role of cyclophilin D as well as PTP opening in the cell that can be taken into consideration for the development of new PTP inhibitors.

Mitochondrial permeability transition pore: Back to the drawing board

Current models theorizing on what the mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) pore is made of, implicate the c-subunit rings of ATP synthase complex. However, two very recent studies, one on atomistic simulations and in the other disrupting all genes coding for the c subunit disproved those models. As a consequence of this, the structural elements of the pore remain unknown. The purpose of the present short-review is to (i) briefly review the latest findings, (ii) serve as an index for more comprehensive reviews regarding mPT specifics, (iii) reiterate on the potential pitfalls while investigating mPT in conjunction to bioenergetics, and most importantly (iv) suggest to those in search of mPT pore identity, to also look elsewhere.

Long-term inhibition of cyclophilin D results in intracellular translocation of calcein AM from mitochondria to lysosomes

Cyclophilin D is a peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase localized in the mitochondrial matrix. Although its effects on mitochondrial characteristics have been well studied, its relation to the uptake of molecules by mitochondria remains unknown. Here, we demonstrated the effects of cyclophilin D on the intracellular translocation of calcein AM. Following addition of calcein AM to control cells or cells overexpressing wild-type cyclophilin D, calcein fluorescence was observed in mitochondria. However, long-term inhibition of cyclophilin D in these cells altered the localization of calcein fluorescence from mitochondria to lysosomes without changing mitochondrial esterase activity. In addition, depletion of glucose from the medium recovered calcein localization from lysosomes to mitochondria. This is the first demonstration of the effects of cyclophilin D on the intracellular translocation of molecules other than proteins and suggests that cyclophilin D may modify mitochondrial features by inducing the translocation of molecules to the mitochondria through the mechanism associated with cellular energy metabolism.

The mitochondrial permeability transition pore in AD 2016: An update

Over the past 30years the mitochondrial permeability transition - the permeabilization of the inner mitochondrial membrane due to the opening of a wide pore - has progressed from being considered a curious artifact induced in isolated mitochondria by Ca(2+) and phosphate to a key cell-death-inducing process in several major pathologies. Its relevance is by now universally acknowledged and a pharmacology targeting the phenomenon is being developed. The molecular nature of the pore remains to this day uncertain, but progress has recently been made with the identification of the FOF1 ATP synthase as the probable proteic substrate. Researchers sharing this conviction are however divided into two camps: these believing that only the ATP synthase dimers or oligomers can form the pore, presumably in the contact region between monomers, and those who consider that the ring-forming c subunits in the FO sector actually constitute the walls of the pore. The latest development is the emergence of a new candidate: Spastic Paraplegia 7 (SPG7), a mitochondrial AAA-type membrane protease which forms a 6-stave barrel. This review summarizes recent developments of research on the pathophysiological relevance and on the molecular nature of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Mitochondrial Channels edited by Pierre Sonveaux, Pierre Maechler and Jean-Claude Martinou.

Selective Inhibition of the Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore Protects against Neurodegeneration in Experimental Multiple Sclerosis

The mitochondrial permeability transition pore is a recognized drug target for neurodegenerative conditions such as multiple sclerosis and for ischemia-reperfusion injury in the brain and heart. The peptidylprolyl isomerase, cyclophilin D (CypD, PPIF), is a positive regulator of the pore, and genetic down-regulation or knock-out improves outcomes in disease models. Current inhibitors of peptidylprolyl isomerases show no selectivity between the tightly conserved cyclophilin paralogs and exhibit significant off-target effects, immunosuppression, and toxicity. We therefore designed and synthesized a new mitochondrially targeted CypD inhibitor, JW47, using a quinolinium cation tethered to cyclosporine. X-ray analysis was used to validate the design concept, and biological evaluation revealed selective cellular inhibition of CypD and the permeability transition pore with reduced cellular toxicity compared with cyclosporine. In an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis disease model of neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis, JW47 demonstrated significant protection of axons and improved motor assessments with minimal immunosuppression. These findings suggest that selective CypD inhibition may represent a viable therapeutic strategy for MS and identify quinolinium as a mitochondrial targeting group for in vivo use.

Cyclophilin D regulates mitochondrial flashes and metabolism in cardiac myocytes

Cyclophilin D (CyP-D) is the mitochondrial-specific member of the evolutionally conserved cyclophilin family, and plays an important role in the regulation of mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) under stress. Recently we have demonstrated that respiratory mitochondria undergo mitochondrial flash ("mitoflash") activity which is coupled with transient MPT under physiological conditions. However, whether and how CyP-D regulates mitoflashes remain incompletely understood. By using both loss- and gain-of-function approaches in isolated cardiomyocytes, beating hearts, and skeletal muscles in living mice, we revisited the role of CyP-D in the regulation of mitoflashes. Overexpression of CyP-D increased, and knockout of it halved, cardiac mitoflash frequency, while mitoflash amplitude and kinetics remained unaffected. However, CyP-D ablation did not alter mitoflash frequency, with mitoflash amplitude increased, in gastrocnemius muscles. This disparity was accompanied by 4-fold higher CyP-D expression in mouse cardiac than skeletal muscles. The mitochondrial maximal respiration rate and reserved capacity were reduced in CyP-D-null cardiomyocytes. These data indicate that CyP-D is a significant regulator of mitoflash ignition and mitochondrial metabolism in heart. In addition, tissue-specific CyP-D expression may partly explain the differential regulation of mitoflashes in the two types of striated muscles.

Regulation of mitochondrial ATP synthase in cardiac pathophysiology

Mitochondrial function is paramount to energy homeostasis, metabolism, signaling, and apoptosis in cells. Mitochondrial complex V (ATP synthase), a molecular motor, is the ultimate ATP generator and a key determinant of mitochondrial function. ATP synthase catalyzes the final coupling step of oxidative phosphorylation to supply energy in the form of ATP. Alterations at this step will crucially impact mitochondrial respiration and hence cardiac performance. It is well established that cardiac contractility is strongly dependent on the mitochondria, and that myocardial ATP depletion is a key feature of heart failure. ATP synthase dysfunction can cause and exacerbate human diseases, such as cardiomyopathy and heart failure. While ATP synthase has been extensively studied, essential questions related to how the regulation of ATP synthase determines energy metabolism in the heart linger and therapies targeting this important mechanism remain scarce. This review will visit the main findings, identify unsolved issues and provide insights into potential future perspectives related to the regulation of ATP synthase and cardiac pathophysiology.

Molecular mechanisms of cell death: central implication of ATP synthase in mitochondrial permeability transition

The term mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) is commonly used to indicate an abrupt increase in the permeability of the inner mitochondrial membrane to low molecular weight solutes. Widespread MPT has catastrophic consequences for the cell, de facto marking the boundary between cellular life and death. MPT results indeed in the structural and functional collapse of mitochondria, an event that commits cells to suicide via regulated necrosis or apoptosis. MPT has a central role in the etiology of both acute and chronic diseases characterized by the loss of post-mitotic cells. Moreover, cancer cells are often relatively insensitive to the induction of MPT, underlying their increased resistance to potentially lethal cues. Thus, intense efforts have been dedicated not only at the understanding of MPT in mechanistic terms, but also at the development of pharmacological MPT modulators. In this setting, multiple mitochondrial and extramitochondrial proteins have been suspected to critically regulate the MPT. So far, however, only peptidylprolyl isomerase F (best known as cyclophilin D) appears to constitute a key component of the so-called permeability transition pore complex (PTPC), the supramolecular entity that is believed to mediate MPT. Here, after reviewing the structural and functional features of the PTPC, we summarize recent findings suggesting that another of its core components is represented by the c subunit of mitochondrial ATP synthase.

Cyclophilin D and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury: a fresh perspective

Reperfusion is characterized by a deregulation of ion homeostasis and generation of reactive oxygen species that enhance the ischemia-related tissue damage culminating in cell death. The mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) has been established as an important mediator of ischemia-reperfusion (IR)-induced necrotic cell death. Although a handful of proteins have been proposed to contribute in mPTP induction, cyclophilin D (CypD) remains its only bona fide regulatory component. In this review we summarize existing knowledge on the involvement of CypD in mPTP formation in general and its relevance to cardiac IR injury in specific. Moreover, we provide insights of recent advancements on additional functions of CypD depending on its interaction partners and post-translational modifications. Finally we emphasize the therapeutic strategies targeting CypD in myocardial IR injury. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Mitochondria: From Basic Mitochondrial Biology to Cardiovascular Disease".

The mitochondrial permeability transition pore and cancer: molecular mechanisms involved in cell death

Since its discovery in the 1970s, the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) has been proposed to be a strategic regulator of cell death. Intense research efforts have focused on elucidating the molecular components of the MPT because this knowledge may help to better understand and treat various pathologies ranging from neurodegenerative and cardiac diseases to cancer. In the case of cancer, several studies have revealed alterations in the activity of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) and have determined its regulatory mechanism; these studies have also suggested that suppression of the activity of the mPTP, rather than its inactivation, commonly occurs in solid neoplasms. This review focuses on the most recent advances in understanding mPTP regulation in cancer and highlights the ability of the mPTP to impede the mechanisms of cell death.

Cell biology. Metabolic control of cell death

Beyond their contribution to basic metabolism, the major cellular organelles, in particular mitochondria, can determine whether cells respond to stress in an adaptive or suicidal manner. Thus, mitochondria can continuously adapt their shape to changing bioenergetic demands as they are subjected to quality control by autophagy, or they can undergo a lethal permeabilization process that initiates apoptosis. Along similar lines, multiple proteins involved in metabolic circuitries, including oxidative phosphorylation and transport of metabolites across membranes, may participate in the regulated or catastrophic dismantling of organelles. Many factors that were initially characterized as cell death regulators are now known to physically or functionally interact with metabolic enzymes. Thus, several metabolic cues regulate the propensity of cells to activate self-destructive programs, in part by acting on nutrient sensors. This suggests the existence of "metabolic checkpoints" that dictate cell fate in response to metabolic fluctuations. Here, we discuss recent insights into the intersection between metabolism and cell death regulation that have major implications for the comprehension and manipulation of unwarranted cell loss.

The mitochondrial permeability transition: a current perspective on its identity and role in ischaemia/reperfusion injury

The mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) is a non-specific pore that opens in the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) when matrix [Ca(2+)] is high, especially when accompanied by oxidative stress, high [Pi] and adenine nucleotide depletion. Such conditions occur during ischaemia and subsequent reperfusion, when MPTP opening is known to occur and cause irreversible damage to the heart. Matrix cyclophilin D facilitates MPTP opening and is the target of its inhibition by cyclosporin A that is cardioprotective. Less certainty exists over the composition of the pore itself, with structural and/or regulatory roles proposed for the adenine nucleotide translocase, the phosphate carrier and the FoF1 ATP synthase. Here we critically review the supporting data for the role of each and suggest that they may interact with each other through their bound cardiolipin to form the ATP synthasome. We propose that under conditions favouring MPTP opening, calcium-triggered conformational changes in these proteins may perturb the interface between them generating the pore. Proteins associated with the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM), such as members of the Bcl-2 family and hexokinase (HK), whilst not directly involved in pore formation, may regulate MPTP opening through interactions between OMM and IMM proteins at "contact sites". Recent evidence suggests that cardioprotective protocols such as preconditioning inhibit MPTP opening at reperfusion by preventing the loss of mitochondrial bound HK2 that stabilises these contact sites. Contact site breakage both sensitises the MPTP to [Ca(2+)] and facilitates cytochrome c loss from the intermembrane space leading to greater ROS production and further MPTP opening. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Mitochondria: From Basic Mitochondrial Biology to Cardiovascular Disease".

Role of soluble adenylyl cyclase in mitochondria

The soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) catalyzes the conversion of ATP into cyclic AMP (cAMP). Recent studies have shed new light on the role of sAC localized in mitochondria and its product cAMP, which drives mitochondrial protein phosphorylation and regulation of the oxidative phosphorylation system and other metabolic enzymes, presumably through the activation of intra-mitochondrial PKA. In this review article, we summarize recent findings on mitochondrial sAC activation by bicarbonate (HCO(3)(-)) and calcium (Ca²⁺) and the effects on mitochondrial metabolism. We also discuss putative mechanisms whereby sAC-mediated mitochondrial protein phosphorylation regulates mitochondrial metabolism. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The role of soluble adenylyl cyclase in health and disease.

Physiologic functions of cyclophilin D and the mitochondrial permeability transition pore

This review focuses on the role of cyclophilin D (CypD) as a prominent mediator of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) and subsequent effects on cardiovascular physiology and pathology. Although a great number of reviews have been written on the MPTP and its effects on cell death, we focus on the biology surrounding CypD itself and the non-cell death physiologic functions of the MPTP. A greater understanding of the physiologic functions of the MPTP and its regulation by CypD will likely suggest novel therapeutic approaches for cardiovascular disease, both dependent and independent of programmed necrotic cell death mechanisms.  

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

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

Role of the c subunit of the FO ATP synthase in mitochondrial permeability transition

The term "mitochondrial permeability transition" (MPT) refers to an abrupt increase in the permeability of the inner mitochondrial membrane to low molecular weight solutes. Due to osmotic forces, MPT is paralleled by a massive influx of water into the mitochondrial matrix, eventually leading to the structural collapse of the organelle. Thus, MPT can initiate mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP), promoting the activation of the apoptotic caspase cascade as well as of caspase-independent cell death mechanisms. MPT appears to be mediated by the opening of the so-called "permeability transition pore complex" (PTPC), a poorly characterized and versatile supramolecular entity assembled at the junctions between the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes. In spite of considerable experimental efforts, the precise molecular composition of the PTPC remains obscure and only one of its constituents, cyclophilin D (CYPD), has been ascribed with a crucial role in the regulation of cell death. Conversely, the results of genetic experiments indicate that other major components of the PTPC, such as voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) and adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT), are dispensable for MPT-driven MOMP. Here, we demonstrate that the c subunit of the FO ATP synthase is required for MPT, mitochondrial fragmentation and cell death as induced by cytosolic calcium overload and oxidative stress in both glycolytic and respiratory cell models. Our results strongly suggest that, similar to CYPD, the c subunit of the FO ATP synthase constitutes a critical component of the PTPC.

The mitochondrial calcium regulator cyclophilin D is an essential component of oestrogen-mediated neuroprotection in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that is more prevalent in males than in females. A similar gender difference has been reported in some strains of transgenic mouse models of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis harbouring the G93A mutation in CuZn superoxide dismutase. Mitochondrial damage caused by pathological alterations in Ca(2+) accumulation is frequently involved in neurodegenerative diseases, including CuZn superoxide dismutase-related amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, but its association with gender is not firmly established. In this study, we examined the effects of genetic ablation of cyclophilin D on gender differences in mice expressing G93A mutant CuZn superoxide dismutase. Cyclophilin D is a mitochondrial protein that promotes mitochondrial damage from accumulated Ca(2+). As anticipated, we found that cyclophilin D ablation markedly increased Ca(2+) retention in brain mitochondria of both males and females. Surprisingly, cyclophilin D ablation completely abolished the phenotypic advantage of G93A females, with no effect on disease in males. We also found that the 17β-oestradiol decreased Ca(2+) retention in brain mitochondria, and that cyclophilin D ablation abolished this effect. Furthermore, 17β-oestradiol protected G93A cortical neurons and spinal cord motor neurons against glutamate toxicity, but the protection was lost in neurons lacking cyclophilin D. Taken together, these results identify a novel mechanism of oestrogen-mediated neuroprotection in CuZn superoxide dismutase-related amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, whereby Ca(2+) overload and mitochondrial damage are prevented in a cyclophilin D-dependent manner. Such a protective mechanism may contribute to the lower incidence and later onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and perhaps other chronic neurodegenerative diseases, in females.

Absence of Ca2+-induced mitochondrial permeability transition but presence of bongkrekate-sensitive nucleotide exchange in C. crangon and P. serratus

Mitochondria from the embryos of brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana) do not undergo Ca²⁺-induced permeability transition in the presence of a profound Ca²⁺ uptake capacity. Furthermore, this crustacean is the only organism known to exhibit bongkrekate-insensitive mitochondrial adenine nucleotide exchange, prompting the conjecture that refractoriness to bongkrekate and absence of Ca²⁺-induced permeability transition are somehow related phenomena. Here we report that mitochondria isolated from two other crustaceans, brown shrimp (Crangon crangon) and common prawn (Palaemon serratus) exhibited bongkrekate-sensitive mitochondrial adenine nucleotide transport, but lacked a Ca²⁺-induced permeability transition. Ca²⁺ uptake capacity was robust in the absence of adenine nucleotides in both crustaceans, unaffected by either bongkrekate or cyclosporin A. Transmission electron microscopy images of Ca²⁺-loaded mitochondria showed needle-like formations of electron-dense material strikingly similar to those observed in mitochondria from the hepatopancreas of blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) and the embryos of Artemia franciscana. Alignment analysis of the partial coding sequences of the adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT) expressed in Crangon crangon and Palaemon serratus versus the complete sequence expressed in Artemia franciscana reappraised the possibility of the 208-214 amino acid region for conferring sensitivity to bongkrekate. However, our findings suggest that the ability to undergo Ca²⁺-induced mitochondrial permeability transition and the sensitivity of adenine nucleotide translocase to bongkrekate are not necessarily related phenomena.

Mitochondrial permeability transition pore component cyclophilin D distinguishes nigrostriatal dopaminergic death paradigms in the MPTP mouse model of Parkinson's disease

AIMS

Mitochondrial damage due to Ca(2+) overload-induced opening of permeability transition pores (PTP) is believed to play a role in selective degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease (PD). Genetic ablation of mitochondrial matrix protein cyclophilin D (CYPD) has been shown to increase Ca(2+) threshold of PTP in vitro and to prevent cell death in several in vivo disease models. We investigated the role of CYPD in a mouse model of MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine)-induced PD.

RESULTS

We demonstrate that in vitro, brain mitochondria isolated from CYPD knockout mice were less sensitive to MPP+ (1-methyl-4-phenyl-pyridinium ion)-induced membrane depolarization, and free radical generation compared to wild-type mice. CYPD knockout mitochondria isolated from ventral midbrain of mice treated with MPTP in vivo exhibited less damage as judged from respiratory chain Complex I activity, State 3 respiration rate, and respiratory control index than wild-type mice, whereas assessment of apoptotic markers showed no differences between the two genotypes. However, CYPD knockout mice were significantly resistant only to an acute regimen of MPTP neurotoxicity in contrast to the subacute and chronic MPTP paradigms.

INNOVATION

Inactivation of CYPD is beneficial in preserving mitochondrial functions only in an acute insult model of MPTP-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that CYPD deficiency distinguishes the modes of dopaminergic neurodegeneration in various regimens of MPTP-neurotoxicity.

Phosphate is not an absolute requirement for the inhibitory effects of cyclosporin A or cyclophilin D deletion on mitochondrial permeability transition

CypD (cyclophilin D) has been established as a critical regulator of the MPT (mitochondrial permeability transition) pore, and pharmacological or genetic inhibition of CypD attenuates MPT in numerous systems. However, it has recently been suggested that the inhibitory effects of CypD inhibition only manifest when P(i) (inorganic phosphate) is present, and that inhibition is lost when P(i) is replaced by As(i) (inorganic arsenate) or V(i) (inorganic vanadate). To test this, liver mitochondria were isolated from wild-type and CypD-deficient (Ppif-/-) mice and then incubated in buffer containing P(i), As(i) or V(i). MPT was induced under both energized and de-energized conditions by the addition of Ca2+, and the resultant mitochondrial swelling was measured spectrophotometrically. For pharmacological inhibition of CypD, wild-type mitochondria were pre-incubated with CsA (cyclosporin A) before the addition of Ca2+. In energized and de-energized mitochondria, Ca2+ induced MPT regardless of the anion present, although the magnitude differed between P(i), As(i) and V(i). However, in all cases, pre-treatment with CsA significantly inhibited MPT. Moreover, these effects were independent of mouse strain, organ type and rodent species. Similarly, attenuation of Ca2+-induced MPT in the Ppif-/- mitochondria was still observed irrespective of whether P(i), As(i) or V(i) was present. We conclude that the pharmacological and genetic inhibition of CypD is still able to attenuate MPT even in the absence of P(i).

mtDNA T8993G mutation-induced mitochondrial complex V inhibition augments cardiolipin-dependent alterations in mitochondrial dynamics during oxidative, Ca(2+), and lipid insults in NARP cybrids: a potential therapeutic target for melatonin

Mitochondrial dynamics including morphological fission and mitochondrial movement are essential to normal mitochondrial and cellular physiology. This study investigated how mtDNA T8993G (NARP)-induced inhibition of mitochondrial complex V altered mitochondrial dynamics in association with a protective mitochondrial phospholipid, cardiolipin (CL), as a potential therapeutic target. NARP cybrids harboring 98% of mtDNA T8993G genes and its parental osteosarcoma 143B cells were studied for comparison, and protection provided by melatonin, a potent mitochondrial protector, was explored. We demonstrate for the first time that NARP mutation significantly enhances apoptotic death as a result of three distinct lethal mitochondrial apoptotic insults including oxidative, Ca(2+), and lipid stress. In addition, NARP significantly augmented pathological depletion of CL. NARP-augmented depletion of CL results in enhanced retardation of mitochondrial movement and fission and later swelling of mitochondria during all insults. These results suggest that CL is a common and crucial pathological target for mitochondrial apoptotic insults. Furthermore, CL possibly plays a central role in regulating mitochondrial dynamics that are associated with NARP-augmented mitochondrial pathologies. Intriguingly, melatonin, by differentially preserving CL during various stresses (oxidation > Ca(2+) > lipid), rescues differentially CL-altered mitochondrial dynamics and cell death (oxidation > Ca(2+) > lipid). Thus, melatonin, in addition to being a mitochondrial antioxidant to antagonize mitochondrial oxidative stress, a mitochondrial permeability transition modulator to antagonize mitochondrial Ca(2+) stress, may stabilize directly CL to prevent its oxidization and/or depletion and, therefore, exerts great potential in rescuing CL-dependent mitochondrial dynamics-associated mitochondrial pathologies for treatment of NARP-induced pathologies and diseases.

Modulation of the mitochondrial permeability transition by cyclophilin D: moving closer to F(0)-F(1) ATP synthase?

Cyclophilin D was recently shown to mask an inhibitory site of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) for phosphate, and to constitutively bind F(0)-F(1) ATP synthase resulting in the slowing of ATP synthesis and hydrolysis rates, thus regulating matrix adenine nucleotide levels. Here we review the striking similarities of the factors affecting the threshold for PTP induction, to those affecting binding of phosphate to formerly proposed sides on F(1)-ATPase affecting ATP hydrolytic activity, including critical arginine residues, matrix pH, [Mg(2+)], adenine nucleotides and proton motive force. Based on these similarities, we scrutinize the hypothesis that in depolarized mitochondria exhibiting reversal of F(0)-F(1) ATP synthase operation, the genetic ablation of cyclophilin D or its inhibition by cyclosporin A results in accelerated proton pumping by ATP hydrolysis, opposing a further decrease in membrane potential and promoting high matrix phosphate levels, both negatively affecting the probability of PTP opening.

The mPTP and its regulatory proteins: final common targets of signalling pathways for protection against necrosis

The mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) is a non-selective, large-conductance channel that is closed under physiological conditions. Opening of the mPTP, leading to abolition of mitochondrial functions, is a major mechanism of myocyte necrosis by ischaemia/reperfusion, and direct inhibition of mPTP opening by use of pharmacological or genetic manipulations limits infarct size in vivo. Multiple pro-survival signal pathways commonly target the mPTP and inhibit its opening. Although the molecular structure of the mPTP has not been established, recent studies have characterized roles of each mPTP subunit and functions of several proteins directly interacting with the mPTP. This article briefly describes the understanding of mPTP regulation and interaction of the mPTP with four proteins (hexokinase II, glycogen synthase kinase-3β, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and sirtuin 3) that are downstream of signal pathways relevant to protection from ischaemia/reperfusion injury.