Protein kinase C-epsilon coimmunoprecipitates with cytochrome oxidase subunit IV and is associated with improved cytochrome-c oxidase activity and cardioprotection

Mitochondrial Kinase Signaling for Cardioprotection

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury is reduced by cardioprotective adaptations such as local or remote ischemic conditioning. The cardioprotective stimuli activate signaling cascades, which converge on mitochondria and maintain the function of the organelles, which is critical for cell survival. The signaling cascades include not only extracellular molecules that activate sarcolemmal receptor-dependent or -independent protein kinases that signal at the plasma membrane or in the cytosol, but also involve kinases, which are located to or within mitochondria, phosphorylate mitochondrial target proteins, and thereby modify, e.g., respiration, the generation of reactive oxygen species, calcium handling, mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy, or apoptosis. In the present review, we give a personal and opinionated overview of selected protein kinases, localized to/within myocardial mitochondria, and summarize the available data on their role in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury and protection from it. We highlight the regulation of mitochondrial function by these mitochondrial protein kinases.

Oxidative phosphorylation in HIV-1 infection: impacts on cellular metabolism and immune function

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) presents significant challenges to the immune system, predominantly characterized by CD4+ T cell depletion, leading to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Antiretroviral therapy (ART) effectively suppresses the viral load in people with HIV (PWH), leading to a state of chronic infection that is associated with inflammation. This review explores the complex relationship between oxidative phosphorylation, a crucial metabolic pathway for cellular energy production, and HIV-1, emphasizing the dual impact of HIV-1 infection and the metabolic and mitochondrial effects of ART. The review highlights how HIV-1 infection disrupts oxidative phosphorylation, promoting glycolysis and fatty acid synthesis to facilitate viral replication. ART can exacerbate metabolic dysregulation despite controlling viral replication, impacting mitochondrial DNA synthesis and enhancing reactive oxygen species production. These effects collectively contribute to significant changes in oxidative phosphorylation, influencing immune cell metabolism and function. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generated through oxidative phosphorylation can influence the metabolic landscape of infected cells through ATP-detected purinergic signaling and contributes to immunometabolic dysfunction. Future research should focus on identifying specific targets within this pathway and exploring the role of purinergic signaling in HIV-1 pathogenesis to enhance HIV-1 treatment modalities, addressing both viral infection and its metabolic consequences.

The roles of PKC-δ and PKC-ε in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury

Ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) cause a reduction in arterial blood supply to tissues, followed by the restoration of perfusion and consequent reoxygenation. The reestablishment of blood flow triggers further damage to ischemic tissue through reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, interference with cellular ion homeostasis, opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores (mPTPs) and promotion of cell death (apoptosis or necrosis). PKC-δ and PKC-ε, belonging to a family of serine/threonine kinases, have been demonstrated to play important roles during I/R injury in cardiovascular diseases. However, the cardioprotective mechanisms of PKC-δ and PKC-ε in I/R injury have not been elaborated until now. This article discusses the roles of PKC-δ and PKC-ε during myocardial I/R in redox regulation (redox signaling and oxidative stress), cell death (apoptosis and necrosis), Ca²⁺ overload, and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Cytochrome c Oxidase at Full Thrust: Regulation and Biological Consequences to Flying Insects

Flight dispersal represents a key aspect of the evolutionary and ecological success of insects, allowing escape from predators, mating, and colonization of new niches. The huge energy demand posed by flight activity is essentially met by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in flight muscle mitochondria. In insects, mitochondrial ATP supply and oxidant production are regulated by several factors, including the energy demand exerted by changes in adenylate balance. Indeed, adenylate directly regulates OXPHOS by targeting both chemiosmotic ATP production and the activities of specific mitochondrial enzymes. In several organisms, cytochrome c oxidase (COX) is regulated at transcriptional, post-translational, and allosteric levels, impacting mitochondrial energy metabolism, and redox balance. This review will present the concepts on how COX function contributes to flying insect biology, focusing on the existing examples in the literature where its structure and activity are regulated not only by physiological and environmental factors but also how changes in its activity impacts insect biology. We also performed in silico sequence analyses and determined the structure models of three COX subunits (IV, VIa, and VIc) from different insect species to compare with mammalian orthologs. We observed that the sequences and structure models of COXIV, COXVIa, and COXVIc were quite similar to their mammalian counterparts. Remarkably, specific substitutions to phosphomimetic amino acids at critical phosphorylation sites emerge as hallmarks on insect COX sequences, suggesting a new regulatory mechanism of COX activity. Therefore, by providing a physiological and bioenergetic framework of COX regulation in such metabolically extreme models, we hope to expand the knowledge of this critical enzyme complex and the potential consequences for insect dispersal.

The peri-menopause in a woman's life: a systemic inflammatory phase that enables later neurodegenerative disease

The peri-menopause or menopausal transition—the time period that surrounds the final years of a woman’s reproductive life—is associated with profound reproductive and hormonal changes in a woman’s body and exponentially increases a woman’s risk of cerebral ischemia and Alzheimer’s disease. Although our understanding of the exact timeline or definition of peri-menopause is limited, it is clear that there are two stages to the peri-menopause. These are the early menopausal transition, where menstrual cycles are mostly regular, with relatively few interruptions, and the late transition, where amenorrhea becomes more prolonged and lasts for at least 60 days, up to the final menstrual period. Emerging evidence is showing that peri-menopause is pro-inflammatory and disrupts estrogen-regulated neurological systems. Estrogen is a master regulator that functions through a network of estrogen receptors subtypes alpha (ER-α) and beta (ER-β). Estrogen receptor-beta has been shown to regulate a key component of the innate immune response known as the inflammasome, and it also is involved in regulation of neuronal mitochondrial function. This review will present an overview of the menopausal transition as an inflammatory event, with associated systemic and central nervous system inflammation, plus regulation of the innate immune response by ER-β-mediated mechanisms.

Cardiolipin remodeling in Barth syndrome and other hereditary cardiomyopathies

Mitochondria play a prominent role in cardiac energy metabolism, and their function is critically dependent on the integrity of mitochondrial membranes. Disorders characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction are commonly associated with cardiac disease. The mitochondrial phospholipid cardiolipin directly interacts with a number of essential protein complexes in the mitochondrial membranes including the respiratory chain, mitochondrial metabolite carriers, and proteins critical for mitochondrial morphology. Barth syndrome is an X-linked disorder caused by an inherited defect in the biogenesis of the mitochondrial phospholipid cardiolipin. How cardiolipin deficiency impacts on mitochondrial function and how mitochondrial dysfunction causes cardiomyopathy has been intensively studied in cellular and animal models of Barth syndrome. These findings may also have implications for the molecular mechanisms underlying other inherited disorders associated with defects in cardiolipin, such as Sengers syndrome and dilated cardiomyopathy with ataxia (DCMA).

Protein kinase Cα mediates recovery of renal and mitochondrial functions following acute injury

Previously, we have shown that active protein kinase Cα (PKCα) promotes recovery of mitochondrial function after injury in vitro [Nowak G & Bakajsova D (2012) Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 303, F515-F526]. This study examined whether PKCα regulates recovery of mitochondrial and kidney functions after ischemia-induced acute injury (AKI) in vivo. Markers of kidney injury were increased after bilateral ischemia and returned to normal levels in wild-type (WT) mice. Maximum mitochondrial respiration and activities of respiratory complexes and F_o F₁ -ATPase decreased after ischemia and recovered in WT mice. Reperfusion after ischemia was accompanied by translocation of active PKCα to mitochondria. PKCα deletion reduced mitochondrial respiration and activities of respiratory complex I and F_o F₁ -ATPase in noninjured kidneys, indicating that PKCα is essential in developing fully functional renal mitochondria. These changes in PKCα-deficient mice were accompanied by lower levels of complex I subunits (NDUFA9 and NDUFS3) and the γ-subunit of F_o F₁ -ATPase. Also, lack of PKCα exacerbated ischemia-induced decreases in respiration, complex I and F_o F₁ -ATPase activities, and blocked their recovery after injury, indicating a crucial role of PKCα in promoting mitochondrial recovery after AKI. Further, PKCα deletion exacerbated acetylation and succinylation of key mitochondrial proteins of energy metabolism after ischemia due to decreases in deacetylase and desuccinylase (sirtuin3 and sirtuin5) levels in renal mitochondria. Thus, our data show a novel role for PKCα in regulating levels of mitochondrial sirtuins and acetylation and succinylation of key mitochondrial proteins. We conclude that PKCα deletion: (a) affects renal physiology by decreasing mitochondrial capacity for maximum respiration; (b) blocks recovery of mitochondrial functions, renal morphology, and functions after AKI; and (c) decreases survival after AKI. ENZYMES: Protein kinase C: EC 2.7.11.13; NADH : ubiquinone reductase (H⁺ -translocating; complex I): EC 7.1.1.2; FoF1-ATPase (H⁺ -transporting two-sector ATPase): EC 7.1.2.2; Succinate : ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex II): EC 1.3.5.1; Ubiquinol : cytochrome-c reductase (complex III): EC 7.1.1.8; Cytochrome c oxidase (complex IV): EC 1.9.3.1; NAD-dependent protein deacetylase sirtuin-3, mitochondrial: EC 2.3.1.286; NAD-dependent protein deacetylase sirtuin-5, mitochondrial: EC 3.5.1.-; Proteinase K (peptidase K): EC 3.4.21.64.

Mitochondrial respirasome works as a single unit and the cross-talk between complexes I, III2 and IV stimulates NADH dehydrogenase activity

Ustilago maydis is an aerobic basidiomycete that depends on oxidative phosphorylation for its ATP supply, pointing to the mitochondrion as a key player in its energy metabolism. Mitochondrial respiratory complexes I, III₂, and IV occur in supramolecular structures named respirasome. In this work, we characterized the subunit composition and the kinetics of NADH:Q oxidoreductase activity of the digitonine-solubilized respirasome (1600 kDa) and the free-complex I (990 kDa). In the presence of 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone (DBQ) and cytochrome c, both the respirasome NADH:O₂ and the NADH:DBQ oxidoreductase activities were inhibited by rotenone, antimycin A or cyanide. A value of 2.4 for the NADH oxidized/oxygen reduced ratio was determined for the respirasome activity, while ROS production was less than 0.001% of the oxygen consumption rate. Analysis of the NADH:DBQ oxidoreductase activity showed that respirasome was 3-times more active and showed higher affinity than free-complex I. The results suggest that the contacts between complexes I, III₂ and IV in the respirasome increase the catalytic efficiency of complex I and regulate its activity to prevent ROS production.

Phosphoregulation on mitochondria: Integration of cell and organelle responses

Mitochondria are highly integrated organelles that are crucial to cell adaptation and mitigating adverse physiology. Recent studies demonstrate that fundamental signal transduction pathways incorporate mitochondrial substrates into their biological programs. Reversible phosphorylation is emerging as a useful mechanism to modulate mitochondrial function in accordance with cellular changes. Critical serine/threonine protein kinases, such as the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), protein kinase A (PKA), PTEN-induced kinase-1 (PINK1), and AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK), readily translocate to the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM), the interface of mitochondria-cell communication. OMM protein kinases phosphorylate diverse mitochondrial substrates that have discrete effects on organelle dynamics, protein import, respiratory complex activity, antioxidant capacity, and apoptosis. OMM phosphorylation events can be tempered through the actions of local protein phosphatases, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), to regulate the extent and duration of signaling. The central mediators of OMM signal transduction are the scaffold proteins because the relative abundance of these accessory proteins determines the magnitude and duration of a signaling event on the mitochondrial surface, which dictates the biological outcome of a local signal transduction pathway. The concentrations of scaffold proteins, such as A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) and Sab (or SH3 binding protein 5-SH3BP5), have been shown to influence neuronal survival and vulnerability, respectively, in models of Parkinson's disease (PD), highlighting the importance of OMM signaling to health and disease. Despite recent progress, much remains to be discovered concerning the mechanisms of OMM signaling. Nonetheless, enhancing beneficial OMM signaling events and inhibiting detrimental protein-protein interactions on the mitochondrial surface may represent highly selective approaches to restore mitochondrial health and homeostasis and mitigate organelle dysfunction in conditions such as PD.

PKC and PKN in heart disease

The protein kinase C (PKC) and closely related protein kinase N (PKN) families of serine/threonine protein kinases play crucial cellular roles. Both kinases belong to the AGC subfamily of protein kinases that also include the cAMP dependent protein kinase (PKA), protein kinase B (PKB/AKT), protein kinase G (PKG) and the ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K). Involvement of PKC family members in heart disease has been well documented over the years, as their activity and levels are mis-regulated in several pathological heart conditions, such as ischemia, diabetic cardiomyopathy, as well as hypertrophic or dilated cardiomyopathy. This review focuses on the regulation of PKCs and PKNs in different pathological heart conditions and on the influences that PKC/PKN activation has on several physiological processes. In addition, we discuss mechanisms by which PKCs and the closely related PKNs are activated and turned-off in hearts, how they regulate cardiac specific downstream targets and pathways, and how their inhibition by small molecules is explored as new therapeutic target to treat cardiomyopathies and heart failure.

Protein kinase Cε targets respiratory chain and mitochondrial membrane potential but not F0 F1 -ATPase in renal cells injured by oxidant

We have previously shown that protein kinase Cε (PKCε) is involved in mitochondrial dysfunction in renal proximal tubular cells (RPTC). This study examined mitochondrial targets of active PKCε in RPTC injured by the model oxidant tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP). TBHP exposure augmented the levels of phosphorylated (active) PKCε in mitochondria, which suggested translocation of PKCε to mitochondria after oxidant exposure. Oxidant injury decreased state 3 respiration, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, ATP content, and complex I activity. Further, TBHP exposure increased ΔΨm and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and induced mitochondrial fragmentation and RPTC death. PKCε activation by overexpressing constitutively active PKCε exacerbated decreases in state 3 respiration, complex I activity, ATP content, and augmented RPTC death. In contrast, inhibition of PKCε by overexpressing dnPKCε mutant restored state 3 respiration, respiratory control ratio, complex I activity, ΔΨm , and ATP production and content, but did not prevent decreases in F0 F1 -ATPase activity. Inhibition of PKCε prevented oxidant-induced production of ROS and mitochondrial fragmentation, and reduced RPTC death. We conclude that activation of PKCε mediates: (a) oxidant-induced changes in ΔΨm , decreases in mitochondrial respiration, complex I activity, and ATP content; (b) mitochondrial fragmentation; and (c) RPTC death. In contrast, oxidant-induced inhibition of F0 F1 -ATPase activity is not mediated by PKCε. These results show that, in contrast to the protective effects of PKCε in the heart, PKCε activation is detrimental to mitochondrial function and viability in RPTC and mediates oxidant-induced injury.

Protein kinase C and cardiac dysfunction: a review

Heart failure (HF) is a physiological state in which cardiac output is insufficient to meet the needs of the body. It is a clinical syndrome characterized by impaired ability of the left ventricle to either fill or eject blood efficiently. HF is a disease of multiple aetiologies leading to progressive cardiac dysfunction and it is the leading cause of deaths in both developed and developing countries. HF is responsible for about 73,000 deaths in the UK each year. In the USA, HF affects 5.8 million people and 550,000 new cases are diagnosed annually. Cardiac remodelling (CD), which plays an important role in pathogenesis of HF, is viewed as stress response to an index event such as myocardial ischaemia or imposition of mechanical load leading to a series of structural and functional changes in the viable myocardium. Protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes are a family of serine/threonine kinases. PKC is a central enzyme in the regulation of growth, hypertrophy, and mediators of signal transduction pathways. In response to circulating hormones, activation of PKC triggers a multitude of intracellular events influencing multiple physiological processes in the heart, including heart rate, contraction, and relaxation. Recent research implicates PKC activation in the pathophysiology of a number of cardiovascular disease states. Few reports are available that examine PKC in normal and diseased human hearts. This review describes the structure, functions, and distribution of PKCs in the healthy and diseased heart with emphasis on the human heart and, also importantly, their regulation in heart failure.

Cardioprotective Regimen of Adaptation to Chronic Hypoxia Diversely Alters Myocardial Gene Expression in SHR and SHR-mtBN Conplastic Rat Strains

Adaptation to continuous normobaric hypoxia (CNH) protects the heart against acute ischemia/reperfusion injury. Recently, we have demonstrated the infarct size-limiting effect of CNH also in hearts of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and in conplastic SHR-mt^BN strain characterized by the selective replacement of the mitochondrial genome of SHR with that of more ischemia-resistant Brown Norway rats. Importantly, cardioprotective effect of CNH was more pronounced in SHR-mt^BN than in SHR. Thus, here we aimed to identify candidate genes which may contribute to this difference between the strains. Rats were adapted to CNH (FiO₂ 0.1) for 3 weeks or kept at room air as normoxic controls. Screening of 45 transcripts was performed in left ventricles using Biomark Chip. Significant differences between the groups were analyzed by univariate analysis (ANOVA) and the genes contributing to the differences between the strains unmasked by CNH were identified by multivariate analyses (PCA, SOM). ANOVA with Bonferroni correction revealed that transcripts differently affected by CNH in SHR and SHR-mt^BN belong predominantly to lipid metabolism and antioxidant defense. PCA divided four experimental groups into two main clusters corresponding to chronically hypoxic and normoxic groups, and differences between the strains were more pronounced after CNH. Subsequently, the following 14 candidate transcripts were selected by PCA, and confirmed by SOM analyses, that can contribute to the strain differences in cardioprotective phenotype afforded by CNH: Alkaline ceramidase 2 (Acer2), Fatty acid translocase (Cd36), Aconitase 1 (Aco1), Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (Pparg), Hemoxygenase 2 (Hmox2), Phospholipase A2 group IIA (Ppla2g2a), Dynamin-related protein (Drp), Protein kinase C epsilon (Pkce), Hexokinase 2 (Hk2), Sphingomyelin synthase 2 (Sgms2), Caspase 3 (Casp3), Mitofussin 1 (Mfn1), Phospholipase A2 group V (Pla2g5), and Catalase (Cat). Our data suggest that the stronger cardioprotective phenotype of conplastic SHR-mt^BN strain afforded by CNH is associated with either preventing the drop or increasing the expression of transcripts related to energy metabolism, antioxidant response and mitochondrial dynamics.

Role of Cardiolipin in Mitochondrial Signaling Pathways

The phospholipid cardiolipin (CL) is an essential constituent of mitochondrial membranes and plays a role in many mitochondrial processes, including respiration and energy conversion. Pathological changes in CL amount or species composition can have deleterious consequences for mitochondrial function and trigger the production of reactive oxygen species. Signaling networks monitor mitochondrial function and trigger an adequate cellular response. Here, we summarize the role of CL in cellular signaling pathways and focus on tissues with high-energy demand, like the heart. CL itself was recently identified as a precursor for the formation of lipid mediators. We highlight the concept of CL as a signaling platform. CL is exposed to the outer mitochondrial membrane upon mitochondrial stress and CL domains serve as a binding site in many cellular signaling events. During mitophagy, CL interacts with essential players of mitophagy like Beclin 1 and recruits the autophagic machinery by its interaction with LC3. Apoptotic signaling pathways require CL as a binding platform to recruit apoptotic factors such as tBid, Bax, caspase-8. CL required for the activation of the inflammasome and plays a role in inflammatory signaling. As changes in CL species composition has been observed in many diseases, the signaling pathways described here may play a general role in pathology.

Molecular Bases of Brain Preconditioning

Preconditioning of the brain induces tolerance to the damaging effects of ischemia and prevents cell death in ischemic penumbra. The development of this phenomenon is mediated by mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (KATP+) channels and nitric oxide signaling (NO). The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamics of molecular changes in mitochondria after ischemic preconditioning (IP) and the effect of pharmacological preconditioning (PhP) with the KATP+-channels opener diazoxide on NO levels after ischemic stroke in rats. Immunofluorescence-histochemistry and laser-confocal microscopy were applied to evaluate the cortical expression of electron transport chain enzymes, mitochondrial KATP+-channels, neuronal and inducible NO-synthases, as well as the dynamics of nitrosylation and nitration of proteins in rats during the early and delayed phases of IP. NO cerebral content was studied with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy using spin trapping. We found that 24 h after IP in rats, there is a two-fold decrease in expression of mitochondrial KATP+-channels (p = 0.012) in nervous tissue, a comparable increase in expression of cytochrome c oxidase (p = 0.008), and a decrease in intensity of protein S-nitrosylation and nitration (p = 0.0004 and p = 0.001, respectively). PhP led to a 56% reduction of free NO concentration 72 h after ischemic stroke simulation (p = 0.002). We attribute this result to the restructuring of tissue energy metabolism, namely the provision of increased catalytic sites to mitochondria and the increased elimination of NO, which prevents a decrease in cell sensitivity to oxygen during subsequent periods of severe ischemia.

Selective replacement of mitochondrial DNA increases the cardioprotective effect of chronic continuous hypoxia in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Mitochondria play an essential role in improved cardiac ischaemic tolerance conferred by adaptation to chronic hypoxia. In the present study, we analysed the effects of continuous normobaric hypoxia (CNH) on mitochondrial functions, including the sensitivity of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) to opening, and infarct size (IS) in hearts of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and the conplastic SHR-mt^BN strain, characterized by the selective replacement of the mitochondrial genome of SHR with that of the more ischaemia-resistant brown Norway (BN) strain. Rats were adapted to CNH (10% O₂, 3 weeks) or kept at room air as normoxic controls. In the left ventricular mitochondria, respiration and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity were measured using an Oxygraph-2k and the sensitivity of MPTP opening was assessed spectrophotometrically as Ca²⁺-induced swelling. Myocardial infarction was analysed in anaesthetized open-chest rats subjected to 20 min of coronary artery occlusion and 3 h of reperfusion. The IS reached 68±3.0% and 65±5% of the area at risk in normoxic SHR and SHR-mt^BN strains, respectively. CNH significantly decreased myocardial infarction to 46±3% in SHR. In hypoxic SHR-mt^BN strain, IS reached 33±2% and was significantly smaller compared with hypoxic SHR. Mitochondria isolated from hypoxic hearts of both strains had increased detergent-stimulated COX activity and were less sensitive to MPTP opening. The maximum swelling rate was significantly lower in hypoxic SHR-mt^BN strain compared with hypoxic SHR, and positively correlated with myocardial infarction in all experimental groups. In conclusion, the mitochondrial genome of SHR modulates the IS-limiting effect of adaptation to CNH by affecting mitochondrial energetics and MPTP sensitivity to opening.

Mitochondrial PKC-ε deficiency promotes I/R-mediated myocardial injury via GSK3β-dependent mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening

Mitochondrial fission is critically involved in cardiomyocyte apoptosis, which has been considered as one of the leading causes of ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R)‐induced myocardial injury. In our previous works, we demonstrate that aldehyde dehydrogenase‐2 (ALDH2) deficiency aggravates cardiomyocyte apoptosis and cardiac dysfunction. The aim of this study was to elucidate whether ALDH2 deficiency promotes mitochondrial injury and cardiomyocyte death in response to I/R stress and the underlying mechanism. I/R injury was induced by aortic cross‐clamping for 45 min. followed by unclamping for 24 hrs in ALDH2 knockout (ALDH2^−/−) and wild‐type (WT) mice. Then myocardial infarct size, cell apoptosis and cardiac function were examined. The protein kinase C (PKC) isoform expressions and their mitochondrial translocation, the activity of dynamin‐related protein 1 (Drp1), caspase9 and caspase3 were determined by Western blot. The effects of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) or PKC‐δ shRNA treatment on glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β) activity and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening were also detected. The results showed that ALDH2^−/− mice exhibited increased myocardial infarct size and cardiomyocyte apoptosis, enhanced levels of cleaved caspase9, caspase3 and phosphorylated Drp1. Mitochondrial PKC‐ε translocation was lower in ALDH2^−/− mice than in WT mice, and PKC‐δ was the opposite. Further data showed that mitochondrial PKC isoform ratio was regulated by cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, which could be reversed by NAC pre‐treatment under I/R injury. In addition, PKC‐ε inhibition caused activation of caspase9, caspase3 and Drp1Ser⁶¹⁶ in response to I/R stress. Importantly, expression of phosphorylated GSK‐3β (inactive form) was lower in ALDH2^−/− mice than in WT mice, and both were increased by NAC pre‐treatment. I/R‐induced mitochondrial translocation of GSK‐3β was inhibited by PKC‐δ shRNA or NAC pre‐treatment. In addition, mitochondrial membrane potential (∆Ψ_m) was reduced in ALDH2^−/− mice after I/R, which was partly reversed by the GSK‐3β inhibitor (SB216763) or PKC‐δ shRNA. Collectively, our data provide the evidence that abnormal PKC‐ε/PKC‐δ ratio promotes the activation of Drp1 signalling, caspase cascades and GSK‐3β‐dependent mPTP opening, which results in mitochondrial injury‐triggered cardiomyocyte apoptosis and myocardial dysfuction in ALDH2^−/− mice following I/R stress.

New Frontiers in Myocardial Protection: A Systems Biology Approach

Myocardial ischemic injury and cardioprotection are characterized by a cascade of molecular changes, which includes gene expression, protein expression, protein localization, interactions, and posttranslational modifications (PTMs). A systems biology approach allows the study of these genes and proteins on a large scale; the omics technologies have led to new discoveries that further enhance our understanding of these molecular events. The complexity of the prosurvival signaling networks in cardiac cells is increasingly recognized; they afford beneficial effects on the integrity and functionality of a common effector, the mitochondrion. Mitochondrial proteome undergoes dynamic modifications in the course of ischemic injury; depending on the degree of injury, a variety of functional clusters are being affected including the changes in their protein properties (eg, PTMs), which consequently impact their function. The mitochondrial proteome appears to have inherent molecular machinery that initiates a versatile prosurvival mode, resisting environmental challenges. The molecular features in these mitochondrial pathways enabling adaptations involve distinct phosphorylation sites, S-nitrosylation cysteine residues, and other important amino acid domains subjected to PTMs. They become critical players in the determination of cell death and survival. Cardioprotective protein kinases, such as protein kinase C∊, can activate these PTMs, and provide a unique therapeutic platform for the use of small peptide regulators. Combining genomics and metabolomics discovery with that of proteomics information allows biological insights into cardioprotection at an integrated systems level. The current review discusses the systems biology concepts of myocardial ischemic injury and cardioprotection, as well as outlines the interrelationships of proteomics, genomics, and metabolomics in the quest to comprehend the prosurvival cell-signaling networks.

Coordinated activation of mitochondrial respiration and exocytosis mediated by PKC signaling in pancreatic β cells

Mitochondria play a central role in pancreatic β-cell nutrient sensing by coupling their metabolism to plasma membrane excitability and insulin granule exocytosis. Whether non-nutrient secretagogues stimulate mitochondria as part of the molecular mechanism to promote insulin secretion is not known. Here, we show that PKC signaling, which is employed by many non-nutrient secretagogues, augments mitochondrial respiration in INS-1E (rat insulinoma cell line clone 1E) and human pancreatic β cells. The phorbol ester, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, accelerates mitochondrial respiration at both resting and stimulatory glucose concentrations. A range of inhibitors of novel PKC isoforms prevent phorbol ester-induced respiration. Respiratory response was blocked by oligomycin that demonstrated PKC-dependent acceleration of mitochondrial ATP synthesis. Enhanced respiration was observed even when glycolysis was bypassed or fatty acid transport was blocked, which suggested that PKC regulates mitochondrial processes rather than upstream catabolic fluxes. A phosphoproteome study of phorbol ester-stimulated INS-1E cells maintained under resting (2.5 mM) glucose revealed a large number of phosphorylation sites that were altered during short-term activation of PKC signaling. The data set was enriched for proteins that are involved in gene expression, cytoskeleton remodeling, secretory vesicle transport, and exocytosis. Interactome analysis identified PKC, C-Raf, and ERK1/2 as the central phosphointeraction cluster. Prevention of ERK1/2 signaling by using a MEK1 inhibitor caused a marked decreased in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced mitochondrial respiration. ERK1/2 signaling module therefore links PKC activation to downstream mitochondrial activation. We conclude that non-nutrient secretagogues act, in part, via PKC and downstream ERK1/2 signaling to stimulate mitochondrial energy production to compensate for energy expenditure that is linked to β-cell activation.-Santo-Domingo, J., Chareyron, I., Dayon, L., Galindo, A. N., Cominetti, O., Giménez, M. P. G., De Marchi, U., Canto, C., Kussmann, M., Wiederkehr, A. Coordinated activation of mitochondrial respiration and exocytosis mediated by PKC signaling in pancreatic β cells.

Deletion of protein kinase C-ε attenuates mitochondrial dysfunction and ameliorates ischemic renal injury

Previously, we documented that activation of protein kinase C-ε (PKC-ε) mediates mitochondrial dysfunction in cultured renal proximal tubule cells (RPTC). This study tested whether deletion of PKC-ε decreases dysfunction of renal cortical mitochondria and improves kidney function after renal ischemia. PKC-ε levels in mitochondria of ischemic kidneys increased 24 h after ischemia. Complex I- and complex II-coupled state 3 respirations were reduced 44 and 27%, respectively, in wild-type (WT) but unchanged and increased in PKC-ε-deficient (KO) mice after ischemia. Respiratory control ratio coupled to glutamate/malate oxidation decreased 50% in WT but not in KO mice. Activities of complexes I, III, and IV were decreased 59, 89, and 61%, respectively, in WT but not in KO ischemic kidneys. Proteomics revealed increases in levels of ATP synthase (α-subunit), complexes I and III, cytochrome oxidase, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, and thioredoxin-dependent peroxide reductase after ischemia in KO but not in WT animals. PKC-ε deletion prevented ischemia-induced increases in oxidant production. Plasma creatinine levels increased 12-fold in WT and 3-fold in KO ischemic mice. PKC-ε deletion reduced tubular necrosis, brush border loss, and distal segment damage in ischemic kidneys. PKC-ε activation in hypoxic RPTC in primary culture exacerbated, whereas PKC-ε inhibition reduced, decreases in: 1) complex I- and complex II-coupled state 3 respirations and 2) activities of complexes I, III, and IV. We conclude that PKC-ε activation mediates 1) dysfunction of complexes I and III of the respiratory chain, 2) oxidant production, 3) morphological damage to the kidney, and 4) decreases in renal functions after ischemia.

δPKC interaction with the d subunit of F1Fo ATP synthase impairs energetics and exacerbates ischemia/reperfusion injury in isolated rat hearts

Previously, we demonstrated protection against hypoxic injury in neonatal cardiac myocytes and reduced release of cardiac troponin I from perfused rat hearts by a novel peptide inhibitor [NH2-YGRKKRRQRRRMLATRALSLIGKRAISTSVCAGRKLALKTIDWVSFDYKDDDDK-] of the delta protein kinase C (δPKC) interaction with the "d" subunit of mitochondrial F1Fo ATP synthase (dF1Fo). This peptide was developed in our laboratory and contains: an HIV-Tat protein transduction domain; a mitochondrial targeting motif; the δPKC-dF1Fo inhibitor sequence; and a FLAG epitope. In the present study the δPKC-dF1Fo inhibitor attenuated co-immunoprecipitation of δPKC with dF1Fo, improved recovery of contractility, diminished levels of tissue t-carbonyls and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), and reduced 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride-monitored infarct size following simulated global ischemia/reperfusion (IR) exposures. Perfusion of hearts with this peptide prior to IR enhanced ATP levels 2.1-fold, improved ADP (state 3)- and FCCP (maximal)-stimulated respiration in mitochondrial oxygen consumption assays, and attenuated Ca(++)-induced mitochondrial swelling following ischemic injury. Mitochondrial membrane potential (assessed by JC-1) was also improved 1.6-fold by the inhibitor in hearts subsequently exposed to IR injury. Brief IR exposures did not cause mitochondrial loss of cytochrome c in the presence or absence of the inhibitor. Additionally, the inhibitor did not modify accumulation of the autophagy marker LC3II after brief IR injury. Our results support the potential for this first-in-class peptide as a translational agent for combating cardiac IR injury.

Translational Regulation of the Mitochondrial Genome Following Redistribution of Mitochondrial MicroRNA in the Diabetic Heart

BACKGROUND

Cardiomyocytes are rich in mitochondria which are situated in spatially distinct subcellular regions, including those under the plasma membrane, subsarcolemmal mitochondria, and those between the myofibrils, interfibrillar mitochondria. We previously observed subpopulation-specific differences in mitochondrial proteomes following diabetic insult. The objective of this study was to determine whether mitochondrial genome-encoded proteins are regulated by microRNAs inside the mitochondrion and whether subcellular spatial location or diabetes mellitus influences the dynamics.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using microarray technology coupled with cross-linking immunoprecipitation and next generation sequencing, we identified a pool of mitochondrial microRNAs, termed mitomiRs, that are redistributed in spatially distinct mitochondrial subpopulations in an inverse manner following diabetic insult. Redistributed mitomiRs displayed distinct interactions with the mitochondrial genome requiring specific stoichiometric associations with RNA-induced silencing complex constituents argonaute-2 (Ago2) and fragile X mental retardation-related protein 1 (FXR1) for translational regulation. In the presence of Ago2 and FXR1, redistribution of mitomiR-378 to the interfibrillar mitochondria following diabetic insult led to downregulation of mitochondrially encoded F0 component ATP6. Next generation sequencing analyses identified specific transcriptome and mitomiR sequences associated with ATP6 regulation. Overexpression of mitomiR-378 in HL-1 cells resulted in its accumulation in the mitochondrion and downregulation of functional ATP6 protein, whereas antagomir blockade restored functional ATP6 protein and cardiac pump function.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose mitomiRs can translationally regulate mitochondrially encoded proteins in spatially distinct mitochondrial subpopulations during diabetes mellitus. The results reveal the requirement of RNA-induced silencing complex constituents in the mitochondrion for functional mitomiR translational regulation and provide a connecting link between diabetic insult and ATP synthase function.

Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species at the heart of the matter: new therapeutic approaches for cardiovascular diseases

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in a variety of age-related diseases, including multiple cardiovascular disorders. However, translation of ROS scavengers (antioxidants) into the clinic has not been successful. These antioxidants grossly reduce total levels of cellular ROS including ROS that participate in physiological signaling. In this review, we challenge the traditional antioxidant therapeutic approach that targets ROS directly with novel approaches that improve mitochondrial functions to more effectively treat cardiovascular diseases.

The subunit composition and function of mammalian cytochrome c oxidase

Cytochrome c oxidase (COX) from mammals and birds is composed of 13 subunits. The three catalytic subunits I-III are encoded by mitochondrial DNA, the ten nuclear-coded subunits (IV, Va, Vb, VIa, VIb, VIc, VIIa, VIIb, VIIc, VIII) by nuclear DNA. The nuclear-coded subunits are essentially involved in the regulation of oxygen consumption and proton translocation by COX, since their removal or modification changes the activity and their mutation causes mitochondrial diseases. Respiration, the basis for ATP synthesis in mitochondria, is differently regulated in organs and species by expression of tissue-, developmental-, and species-specific isoforms for COX subunits IV, VIa, VIb, VIIa, VIIb, and VIII, but the holoenzyme in mammals is always composed of 13 subunits. Various proteins and enzymes were shown, e.g., by co-immunoprecipitation, to bind to specific COX subunits and modify its activity, but these interactions are reversible, in contrast to the tightly bound 13 subunits. In addition, the formation of supercomplexes with other oxidative phosphorylation complexes has been shown to be largely variable. The regulatory complexity of COX is increased by protein phosphorylation. Up to now 18 phosphorylation sites have been identified under in vivo conditions in mammals. However, only for a few phosphorylation sites and four nuclear-coded subunits could a specific function be identified. Research on the signaling pathways leading to specific COX phosphorylations remains a great challenge for understanding the regulation of respiration and ATP synthesis in mammalian organisms. This article reviews the function of the individual COX subunits and their isoforms, as well as proteins and small molecules interacting and regulating the enzyme.

Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Effects of (-)-Epicatechin and Other Polyphenols in Cancer, Inflammation, Diabetes, and Neurodegeneration

With recent insight into the mechanisms involved in diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, and diabetes, more efficient modes of treatment are now being assessed. Traditional medicine including the use of natural products is widely practiced around the world, assuming that certain natural products contain the healing properties that may in fact have a preventative role in many of the diseases plaguing the human population. This paper reviews the biological effects of a group of natural compounds called polyphenols, including apigenin, epigallocatechin gallate, genistein, and (-)-epicatechin, with a focus on the latter. (-)-Epicatechin has several unique features responsible for a variety of its effects. One of these is its ability to interact with and neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cell. (-)-Epicatechin also modulates cell signaling including the MAP kinase pathway, which is involved in cell proliferation. Mutations in this pathway are often associated with malignancies, and the use of (-)-epicatechin holds promise as a preventative agent and as an adjunct for chemotherapy and radiation therapy to improve outcome. This paper discusses the potential of some phenolic compounds to maintain, protect, and possibly reinstate health.

Involvement of PKCε in Cardioprotection Induced by Adaptation to Chronic Continuous Hypoxia

Continuous normobaric hypoxia (CNH) renders the heart more tolerant to acute ischemia/reperfusion injury. Protein kinase C (PKC) is an important component of the protective signaling pathway, but the contribution of individual PKC isoforms under different hypoxic conditions is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of PKCε after the adaptation to CNH and to clarify its role in increased cardiac ischemic tolerance with the use of PKCε inhibitory peptide KP-1633. Adult male Wistar rats were exposed to CNH (10 % O2, 3 weeks) or kept under normoxic conditions. The protein level of PKCε and its phosphorylated form was analyzed by Western blot in homogenate, cytosolic and particulate fractions; the expression of PKCε mRNA was measured by RT-PCR. The effect of KP-1633 on cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release was analyzed after 25-min metabolic inhibition followed by 30-min re-energization in freshly isolated left ventricular myocytes. Adaptation to CNH increased myocardial PKCε at protein and mRNA levels. The application of KP-1633 blunted the hypoxia-induced salutary effects on cell viability and LDH release, while control peptide KP-1723 had no effect. This study indicates that PKCε is involved in the cardioprotective mechanism induced by CNH.

An inhibitor of the δPKC interaction with the d subunit of F1Fo ATP synthase reduces cardiac troponin I release from ischemic rat hearts: utility of a novel ammonium sulfate precipitation technique

We have previously reported protection against hypoxic injury by a cell-permeable, mitochondrially-targeted δPKC-d subunit of F1Fo ATPase (dF1Fo) interaction inhibitor [NH2-YGRKKRRQRRRMLA TRALSLIGKRAISTSVCAGRKLALKTIDWVSFDYKDDDDK-COOH] in neonatal cardiac myo-cytes. In the present work we demonstrate the partitioning of this peptide to the inner membrane and matrix of mitochondria when it is perfused into isolated rat hearts. We also used ammonium sulfate ((NH4)2SO4) and chloroform/methanol precipitation of heart effluents to demonstrate reduced card-iac troponin I (cTnI) release from ischemic rat hearts perfused with this inhibitor. 50% (NH4)2SO4 saturation of perfusates collected from Langendorff rat heart preparations optimally precipitated cTnI, allowing its detection in Western blots. In hearts receiving 20 min of ischemia followed by 30, or 60 min of reperfusion, the Mean±S.E. (n=5) percentage of maximal cTnI release was 30 ± 7 and 60 ± 17, respectively, with additional cTnI release occurring after 150 min of reperfusion. Perfusion of hearts with the δPKC-dF1Fo interaction inhibitor, prior to 20 min of ischemia and 60-150 min of reperfusion, reduced cTnI release by 80%. Additionally, we found that when soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI), was added to rat heart effluents, it could also be precipitated using (NH4)2SO4 and detected in western blots. This provided a convenient method for normalizing protein recoveries between groups. Our results support the further development of the δPKC-dF1Fo inhibitor as a potential therapeutic for combating cardiac ischemic injury. In addition, we have developed an improved method for the detection of cTnI release from perfused rat hearts.

Selective activation of protein kinase C∊ in mitochondria is neuroprotective in vitro and reduces focal ischemic brain injury in mice

Activation of protein kinase C∊ (PKC∊) confers protection against neuronal ischemia/reperfusion. Activation of PKC∊ leads to its translocation to multiple intracellular sites, so a mitochondria-selective PKC∊ activator was used to test the importance of mitochondrial activation to the neuroprotective effect of PKC∊. PKC∊ can regulate key cytoprotective mitochondrial functions, including electron transport chain activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial permeability transition, and detoxification of reactive aldehydes. We tested the ability of mitochondria-selective activation of PKC∊ to protect primary brain cell cultures or mice subjected to ischemic stroke. Pretreatment with either general PKC∊ activator peptide, TAT-Ψ∊RACK, or mitochondrial-selective PKC∊ activator, TAT-Ψ∊HSP90, reduced cell death induced by simulated ischemia/reperfusion in neurons, astrocytes, and mixed neuronal cultures. The protective effects of both TAT-Ψ∊RACK and TAT-Ψ∊HSP90 were blocked by the PKC∊ antagonist ∊V1-2 , indicating that protection requires PKC∊ interaction with its anchoring protein, TAT-∊RACK. Further supporting a mitochondrial mechanism for PKC∊, neuroprotection by TAT-Ψ∊HSP90 was associated with a marked delay in mitochondrial membrane depolarization and significantly attenuated ROS generation during ischemia. Importantly, TAT-Ψ∊HSP90 reduced infarct size and reduced neurological deficit in C57/BL6 mice subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion and 24 hr of reperfusion. Thus selective activation of mitochondrial PKC∊ preserves mitochondrial function in vitro and improves outcome in vivo, suggesting potential therapeutic value clinically when brain ischemia is anticipated, including neurosurgery and cardiac surgery.

Oral contraceptives and nicotine synergistically exacerbate cerebral ischemic injury in the female brain

Oral contraceptives (OC) and smoking-derived nicotine (N) are known to synergistically increase the risk and severity of cerebral ischemia in women. Although it has been known for some time that long-term use of OC and nicotine will have an increased risk of peripheral thrombus formation, little is known about how the combination of OC and nicotine increases severity of brain ischemia. Recent laboratory studies simulating the conditions of nicotine exposure produced by cigarette smoking and OC regimen of women in female rats confirms that the severity of ischemic hippocampal damage is far greater in female rats simultaneously exposed to OC than to nicotine alone. These studies also demonstrated that the concurrent exposure of OC and nicotine reduces endogenous 17β-estradiol levels and inhibits estrogen signaling in the brain of female rats. The endogenous 17β-estradiol plays a key role in cerebrovascular protection in women during their pre-menopausal life and loss of circulating estrogen at reproductive senescence increases both the incidence and severity of cerebrovascular diseases. Therefore, OC and nicotine induced severe post-ischemic damage might be a consequence of lack of estrogen signaling in the brain. In the present review we highlight possible mechanisms by which OC and nicotine inhibits estrogen signaling that could be responsible for severe ischemic damage in females.

Phosphorylation of mammalian cytochrome c and cytochrome c oxidase in the regulation of cell destiny: respiration, apoptosis, and human disease

The mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) system not only generates the vast majority of cellular energy, but is also involved in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and apoptosis. Cytochrome c (Cytc) and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) represent the terminal step of the electron transport chain (ETC), the proposed rate-limiting reaction in mammals. Cytc and COX show unique regulatory features including allosteric regulation, isoform expression, and regulation through cell signaling pathways. This chapter focuses on the latter and discusses all mapped phosphorylation sites based on the crystal structures of COX and Cytc. Several signaling pathways have been identified that target COX including protein kinase A and C, receptor tyrosine kinase, and inflammatory signaling. In addition, four phosphorylation sites have been mapped on Cytc with potentially large implications due to its multiple functions including apoptosis, a pathway that is overactive in stressed cells but inactive in cancer. The role of COX and Cytc phosphorylation is reviewed in a human disease context, including cancer, inflammation, sepsis, asthma, and ischemia/reperfusion injury as seen in myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke.

Novel mitochondrial targets for neuroprotection

Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to the pathophysiology of acute neurologic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Bioenergetic failure is the primary cause of acute neuronal necrosis, and involves excitotoxicity-associated mitochondrial Ca(2+) overload, resulting in opening of the inner membrane permeability transition pore and inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondrial energy metabolism is also very sensitive to inhibition by reactive O(2) and nitrogen species, which modify many mitochondrial proteins, lipids, and DNA/RNA, thus impairing energy transduction and exacerbating free radical production. Oxidative stress and Ca(2+)-activated calpain protease activities also promote apoptosis and other forms of programmed cell death, primarily through modification of proteins and lipids present at the outer membrane, causing release of proapoptotic mitochondrial proteins, which initiate caspase-dependent and caspase-independent forms of cell death. This review focuses on three classifications of mitochondrial targets for neuroprotection. The first is mitochondrial quality control, maintained by the dynamic processes of mitochondrial fission and fusion and autophagy of abnormal mitochondria. The second includes targets amenable to ischemic preconditioning, e.g., electron transport chain components, ion channels, uncoupling proteins, and mitochondrial biogenesis. The third includes mitochondrial proteins and other molecules that defend against oxidative stress. Each class of targets exhibits excellent potential for translation to clinical neuroprotection.

Two protein kinase C isoforms, δ and ε, regulate energy homeostasis in mitochondria by transmitting opposing signals to the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex

Energy production in mitochondria is a multistep process that requires coordination of several subsystems. While reversible phosphorylation is emerging as the principal tool, it is still unclear how this signal network senses the workloads of processes as different as fuel procurement, catabolism in the Krebs cycle, and stepwise oxidation of reducing equivalents in the electron transfer chain. We previously proposed that mitochondria use oxidized cytochrome c in concert with retinol to activate protein kinase Cδ, thereby linking a prominent kinase network to the redox balance of the ETC. Here, we show that activation of PKCε in mitochondria also requires retinol as a cofactor, implying a redox-mechanism. Whereas activated PKCδ transmits a stimulatory signal to the pyruvate dehdyrogenase complex (PDHC), PKCε opposes this signal and inhibits the PDHC. Our results suggest that the balance between PKCδ and ε is of paramount importance not only for flux of fuel entering the Krebs cycle but for overall energy homeostasis. We observed that the synthetic retinoid fenretinide substituted for the retinol cofactor function but, on chronic use, distorted this signal balance, leading to predominance of PKCε over PKCδ. The suppression of the PDHC might explain the proapoptotic effect of fenretinide on tumor cells, as well as the diminished adiposity observed in experimental animals and humans. Furthermore, a disturbed balance between PKCδ and PKCε might underlie the injury inflicted on the ischemic myocardium during reperfusion. dehydrogenase complex.

Early long-term L-T3 replacement rescues mitochondria and prevents ischemic cardiac remodelling in rats

3,5,3′-Levo-triiodothyronine (L-T3) is essential for DNA transcription, mitochondrial biogenesis and respiration, but its circulating levels rapidly decrease after myocardial infarction (MI). The main aim of our study was to test whether an early and sustained normalization of L-T3 serum levels after MI exerts myocardial protective effects through a mitochondrial preservation. Seventy-two hours after MI induced by anterior interventricular artery ligation, rats were infused with synthetic L-T3 (1.2 μg/kg/day) or saline over 4 weeks. Compared to saline, L-T3 infusion restored FT3 serum levels at euthyroid state (3.0 ± 0.2 versus 4.2 ± 0.3 pg/ml), improved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (39.5 ± 2.5 versus 65.5 ± 6.9%), preserved LV end-systolic wall thickening in the peri-infarct zone (6.34 ± 3.1 versus 33.7 ± 6.21%) and reduced LV infarct-scar size by approximately 50% (all P < 0.05). Moreover, L-T3 significantly increased angiogenesis and cell survival and enhanced the expression of nuclear-encoded transcription factors involved in these processes. Finally, L-T3 significantly increased the expression of factors involved in mitochondrial DNA transcription and biogenesis, such as hypoxic inducible factor-1α, mitochondrial transcription factor A and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ coactivator-1α, in the LV peri-infarct zone. To further explore mechanisms of L-T3 protective effects, we exposed isolated neonatal cardiomyocytes to H₂O₂ and found that L-T3 rescued mitochondrial biogenesis and function and protected against cell death via a mitoKATP dependent pathway. Early and sustained physiological restoration of circulating L-T3 levels after MI halves infarct scar size and prevents the progression towards heart failure. This beneficial effect is likely due to enhanced capillary formation and mitochondrial protection.

Evaluation of basic mitochondrial functions using rat tissue homogenates

The primary attempt in diagnostic and experimental studies of numerous pathological states associated with mitochondrial dysfunction is a precise evaluation of changes in function, content and structure of mitochondrial OXPHOS system. The analysis of rat heart, liver, brain and kidney by oxygraphy, enzyme activities, membrane potential, and BN/SDS-PAGE western blotting demonstrated that tissue homogenates can substitute for isolated mitochondria, providing comparable qualitative mitochondrial parameters. The use of homogenate avoids the loss of the majority of mitochondria during their isolation. Only 50-100mg of the tissue is required for the complex OXPHOS analysis, i.e. five times less as compared with isolated mitochondria.

Protein kinase C-epsilon activation induces mitochondrial dysfunction and fragmentation in renal proximal tubules

PKC-ε activation mediates protection from ischemia-reperfusion injury in the myocardium. Mitochondria are a subcellular target of these protective mechanisms of PKC-ε. Previously, we have shown that PKC-ε activation is involved in mitochondrial dysfunction in oxidant-injured renal proximal tubular cells (RPTC; Nowak G, Bakajsova D, Clifton GL Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 286: F307-F316, 2004). The goal of this study was to examine the role of PKC-ε activation in mitochondrial dysfunction and to identify mitochondrial targets of PKC-ε in RPTC. The constitutively active and inactive mutants of PKC-ε were overexpressed in primary cultures of RPTC using the adenoviral technique. Increases in active PKC-ε levels were accompanied by PKC-ε translocation to mitochondria. Sustained PKC-ε activation resulted in decreases in state 3 respiration, electron transport rate, ATP production, ATP content, and activities of complexes I and IV and F(0)F(1)-ATPase. Furthermore, PKC-ε activation increased mitochondrial membrane potential and oxidant production and induced mitochondrial fragmentation and RPTC death. Accumulation of the dynamin-related protein in mitochondria preceded mitochondrial fragmentation. Antioxidants blocked PKC-ε-induced increases in the oxidant production but did not prevent mitochondrial fragmentation and cell death. The inactive PKC-ε mutant had no effect on mitochondrial functions, morphology, oxidant production, and RPTC viability. We conclude that active PKC-ε targets complexes I and IV and F(0)F(1)-ATPase in RPTC. PKC-ε activation mediates mitochondrial dysfunction, hyperpolarization, and fragmentation. It also induces oxidant generation and cell death, but oxidative stress is not the mechanism of RPTC death. These results show that in contrast to protective effects of PKC-ε activation in cardiomyocytes, sustained PKC-ε activation is detrimental to mitochondrial function and viability in RPTC.

Nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins and their role in cardioprotection

During myocardial ischemia/reperfusion, mitochondria are both a source and a target of injury. In cardioprotective maneuvers such as ischemic and pharmacological pre- and postconditioning mitochondria have a decisive role. Since about 99% of the mitochondrial proteins are encoded in the nucleus, deleterious and protective mitochondrial effects most likely comprise the import of cytosolic proteins. The present review therefore discusses the role of mitochondria in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury and protection from it, focusing on some cytosolic proteins, which are translocated into mitochondria before, during, or following ischemia/reperfusion. Both morphological and functional alterations are discussed at the level of the heart, the cardiomyocyte and/or the mitochondrion itself. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Mitochondria and Cardioprotection.

Redox control of protein kinase C: cell- and disease-specific aspects

Hormones, growth factors, electrical stimulation, and cell-cell interactions regulate numerous cellular processes by altering the levels of second messengers, thus influencing biochemical reactions inside the cells. The Protein Kinase C family (PKCs) is a group of serine/threonine kinases that are dependent on calcium (Ca(2+)), diacylglycerol, and phospholipids. Signaling pathways that induce variations on the levels of PKC activators have been implicated in the regulation of diverse cellular functions and, in turn, PKCs are key regulators of a plethora of cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, and tumorigenesis. Importantly, PKCs contain regions, both in the N-terminal regulatory domain and in the C-terminal catalytic domain, that are susceptible to redox modifications. In several pathophysiological conditions when the balance between oxidants, antioxidants, and alkylants is compromised, cells undergo redox stress. PKCs are cell-signaling proteins that are particularly sensitive to redox stress because modification of their redox-sensitive regions interferes with their activity and, thus, with their biological effects. In this review, we summarize the involvement of PKCs in health and disease and the importance of redox signaling in the regulation of this family of kinases.

Evidence for an ATP-sensitive K+ channel in mitoplasts isolated from Trypanosoma cruzi and Crithidia fasciculata

Mammalian mitochondria, as well as rat, plant and Caenorhabditis elegans mitochondria, possess an ATP-sensitive K+ channel (mitoK(ATP)) that has been pharmacologically characterised. Opening of mitoK(ATP) and the subsequent K+ entry into the matrix was shown to have three effects on mitochondria physiology: (i) an increase in matrix volume (swelling), (ii) an acceleration of respiration, and (iii) an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. These effects on mitochondria bioenergetics have been shown to be part of distinct intracellular signalling pathways, to protect against cell death and to modulate gene transcription. To date, such a channel or its activity has not been described in trypanosomatids. In the present study, we show pharmacological evidence for the presence of a mitoK(ATP) in trypanosomatids. Cells were incubated in a hypotonic medium followed by mild detergent exposure to isolate mitoplasts from Trypanosoma cruzi and Crithidia fasciculata. Mitoplasts swelled when incubated in KCl medium due to respiration-driven K+ entry into the matrix. Swelling was sensitive to the presence of ATP when the mitoplast suspension was incubated in K+ -containing, but not in K+ -free, medium. The ATP inhibition of swelling was reversed by the mitoK(ATP) agonist diazoxide and the diazoxide-induced swelling was inhibited by the mitoK(ATP) blockers 5-hydroxydecanoate (5HD) or glibenclamide. Similar to mammalian and rat mitochondria, trypanosomatid mitoK(ATP) activity was modulated by the general protein kinase C (PKC) agonist phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and antagonist chelerythrine. As expected, the potassium ionophore valinomycin could also reverse the ATP-inhibited state but this reversal was not sensitive to 5HD or glibenclamide. Dose response curves for ATP, diazoxide and 5HD are presented. These results provide strong evidence for the presence of an ATP-sensitive K+ in trypanosomatid mitochondria.

Modulation of the protein kinase Cdelta interaction with the "d" subunit of F1F0-ATP synthase in neonatal cardiac myocytes: development of cell-permeable, mitochondrially targeted inhibitor and facilitator peptides

The F(1)F(0)-ATP synthase provides approximately 90% of cardiac ATP, yet little is known regarding its regulation under normal or pathological conditions. Previously, we demonstrated that protein kinase Cdelta (PKCdelta) inhibits F(1)F(0) activity via an interaction with the "d" subunit of F(1)F(0)-ATP synthase (dF(1)F(0)) in neonatal cardiac myocytes (NCMs) (Nguyen, T., Ogbi, M., and Johnson, J. A. (2008) J. Biol. Chem. 283, 29831-29840). We have now identified a dF(1)F(0)-derived peptide (NH(2)-(2)AGRKLALKTIDWVSF(16)-COOH) that inhibits PKCdelta binding to dF(1)F(0) in overlay assays. We have also identified a second dF(1)F(0)-derived peptide (NH(2)-(111)RVREYEKQLEKIKNMI(126)-COOH) that facilitates PKCdelta binding to dF(1)F(0). Incubation of NCMs with versions of these peptides containing HIV-Tat protein transduction and mammalian mitochondrial targeting sequences resulted in their delivery into mitochondria. Preincubation of NCMs, with 10 nm extracellular concentrations of the mitochondrially targeted PKCdelta-dF(1)F(0) interaction inhibitor, decreased 100 nm 4beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (4beta-PMA)-induced co-immunoprecipitation of PKCdelta with dF(1)F(0) by 50 +/- 15% and abolished the 30 nm 4beta-PMA-induced inhibition of F(1)F(0)-ATPase activity. A scrambled sequence (inactive) peptide, which contained HIV-Tat and mitochondrial targeting sequences, was without effect. In contrast, the cell-permeable, mitochondrially targeted PKCdelta-dF(1)F(0) facilitator peptide by itself induced the PKCdelta-dF(1)F(0) co-immunoprecipitation and inhibited F(1)F(0)-ATPase activity. In in vitro PKC add-back experiments, the PKCdelta-F(1)F(0) inhibitor blocked PKCdelta-mediated inhibition of F(1)F(0)-ATPase activity, whereas the facilitator induced inhibition. We have developed the first cell-permeable, mitochondrially targeted modulators of the PKCdelta-dF(1)F(0) interaction in NCMs. These novel peptides will improve our understanding of cardiac F(1)F(0) regulation and may have potential as therapeutics to attenuate cardiac injury.

Multiple PKCε-dependent mechanisms mediating mechanical hyperalgesia

We have recently implicated mitochondrial mechanisms in models of neuropathic and inflammatory pain, in some of which a role of protein kinase Cepsilon (PKCepsilon) has also been implicated. Since mitochondria contain several proteins that are targets of PKCepsilon, we evaluated the role of mitochondrial mechanisms in mechanical hyperalgesia induced by proinflammatory cytokines that induce PKCepsilon-dependent nociceptor sensitization, and by a direct activator of PKCepsilon (psiepsilonRACK), in the rat. Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2))-induced hyperalgesia is short lived in naïve rats, while it is prolonged in psiepsilonRACK pre-treated rats, a phenomenon referred to as priming. Inhibitors of two closely related mitochondrial functions, electron transport (complexes I-V) and oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species), attenuated mechanical hyperalgesia induced by intradermal injection of psiepsilonRACK. In marked contrast, in a PKCepsilon-dependent form of mechanical hyperalgesia induced by prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), inhibitors of mitochondrial function failed to attenuate hyperalgesia. These studies support the suggestion that at least two downstream signaling pathways can mediate the hyperalgesia induced by activating PKCepsilon.

Regulated production of free radicals by the mitochondrial electron transport chain: Cardiac ischemic preconditioning

Excessive production of free radicals by mitochondria is associated with, and likely contributes to, the progression of numerous pathological conditions. Nevertheless, the production of free radicals by the mitochondria may have important biological functions under normal or stressed conditions by activating or modulating redox-sensitive cellular signaling pathways. This raises the intriguing possibility that regulated mitochondrial free radical production occurs via mechanisms that are distinct from pathologies associated with oxidative damage. Indeed, the capacity of mitochondria to produce free radicals in a limited manner may play a role in ischemic preconditioning, the phenomenon whereby short bouts of ischemia protect from subsequent prolonged ischemia and reperfusion. Ischemic preconditioning can thus serve as an important model system for defining regulatory mechanisms that allow for transient, signal-inducing, production of free radicals by mitochondria. Defining how these mechanism(s) occur will provide insight into therapeutic approaches that minimize oxidative damage without altering normal cellular redox biology. The aim of this review is to present and discuss evidence for the regulated production of superoxide by the electron transport chain within the ischemic preconditioning paradigm of redox regulation.

Cardioprotection leads to novel changes in the mitochondrial proteome

It is proposed that ischemic preconditioning (PC) initiates signaling that converges on mitochondria and results in cardioprotection. The outcome of this signaling on mitochondrial enzyme complexes is yet to be understood. We therefore used proteomic methods to test the hypothesis that PC and pharmacological preconditioning similarly alter mitochondrial signaling complexes. Langendorff-perfused murine hearts were treated with the specific GSK-3 inhibitor AR-A014418 (GSK Inhib VIII) for 10 min or subjected to four cycles of 5-min ischemia-reperfusion (PC) before 20-min global ischemia and 120-min reperfusion. PC and GSK Inhib VIII both improved recovery of postischemic left ventricular developed pressure, decreased infarct size, and reduced lactate production during ischemia compared with their time-matched controls. We used proteomics to examine mitochondrial protein levels/posttranslational modifications that were common between PC and GSK Inhib VIII. Levels of cytochrome-c oxidase subunits Va and VIb, ATP synthase-coupling factor 6, and cytochrome b-c1 complex subunit 6 were increased while cytochrome c was decreased with PC and GSK Inhib VIII. Furthermore, the amount of cytochrome-c oxidase subunit VIb was found to be increased in PC and GSK Inhib VIII mitochondrial supercomplexes, which are comprised of complexes I, III, and IV. This result would suggest that changes in complex subunits associated with cardioprotection may affect supercomplex composition. Thus the ability of PC and GSK inhibition to alter the expression levels of electron transport complexes will have important implications for mitochondrial function.

Reciprocal regulation between M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor and protein kinase C-epsilon in ventricular myocytes during myocardial ischemia in rats

We have studied the association between M(3) muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (M(3)-mAChR) and protein kinase C-epsilon (PKC-epsilon) during ischemic myocardial injury using Western blot analysis and immunoprecipitation technique. Myocardial ischemia (MI) induced PKC-epsilon translocation from cytosolic to membrane fractions. This translocation participated in the phosphorylation of M(3)-mAChR in membrane fractions, which could be abolished by the inhibitor of PKC, chelerythrine chloride. On the other hand, M(3)-mAChR could also regulate the expression of PKC-epsilon in ischemic myocardium. Choline (choline chloride, an M(3) receptor agonist, administered at 15 min before occlusion) strengthened the association between PKC-epsilon and M(3)-mAChR. However, blockade of M(3)-mAChR by 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide (an M(3) receptor antagonist, administered at 20 min before occlusion) completely inhibited the effect of choline on the expression of PKC-epsilon. We conclude that the translocation of PKC-epsilon is required for the phosphorylation of M(3)-mAChR; moreover, increased PKC-epsilon activity is associated with M(3)-mAChR during MI. This reciprocal regulation is likely to play a role in heart signal transduction during ischemia between ventricular myocytes.