1
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Assalve G, Lunetti P, Zara V, Ferramosca A. Ctp1 and Yhm2: Two Mitochondrial Citrate Transporters to Support Metabolic Flexibility of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1870. [PMID: 38339147 PMCID: PMC10855732 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Differently from higher eukaryotic cells, in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae there are two mitochondrial carrier proteins involved in the transport of citrate: Ctp1 and Yhm2. Very little is known about the physiological role of these proteins. Wild-type and mutant yeast strains deleted in CTP1 and YHM2 were grown in media supplemented with a fermentable (glucose) or a nonfermentable (ethanol) carbon source. To assess changes in Ctp1 and Yhm2 mRNA expression levels, real-time PCR was performed after total RNA extraction. In the wild-type strain, the metabolic switch from the exponential to the stationary phase is associated with an increase in the expression level of the two citrate transporters. In addition, the results obtained in the mutant strains suggest that the presence of a single citrate transporter can partially compensate for the absence of the other. Ctp1 and Yhm2 differently contribute to fermentative and respiratory metabolism. Moreover, the two mitochondrial carriers represent a link between the Krebs cycle and the glyoxylate cycle, which play a key role in the metabolic adaptation strategies of S. cerevisiae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziana Assalve
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (G.A.); (P.L.); (V.Z.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Paola Lunetti
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (G.A.); (P.L.); (V.Z.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Zara
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (G.A.); (P.L.); (V.Z.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ferramosca
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (G.A.); (P.L.); (V.Z.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
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2
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Wang YY, Liu H, Li SJ, Feng B, Huang YQ, Liu SB, Yang YL. Ucp4 Knockdown of Cerebellar Purkinje Cells Induces Bradykinesia. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:1119-1139. [PMID: 37688710 PMCID: PMC10861399 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03607-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Although uncoupling protein 4 (UCP4) is the most abundant protein reported in the brain, the biological function of UCP4 in cerebellum and pathological outcome of UCP4 deficiency in cerebellum remain obscure. To evaluate the role of Ucp4 in the cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs), we generated the conditional knockdown of Ucp4 in PCs (Pcp2cre;Ucp4fl/fl mice) by breeding Ucp4fl/fl mice with Pcp2cre mice. Series results by Western blot, immunofluorescent staining, and triple RNAscope in situ hybridization confirmed the specific ablation of Ucp4 in PCs in Pcp2cre;Ucp4fl/fl mice, but did not affect the expression of Ucp2, the analog of Ucp4. Combined behavioral tests showed that Pcp2cre;Ucp4fl/fl mice displayed a characteristic bradykinesia in the spontaneous movements. The electromyogram recordings detection excluded the possibility of hypotonia in Pcp2cre;Ucp4fl/fl mice. And the electrical patch clamp recordings showed the altered properties of PCs in Pcp2cre;Ucp4fl/fl mice. Moreover, transmission electron microscope (TEM) results showed the increased mitochondrial circularity in PCs; ROS probe imaging showed the increased ROS generation in molecular layer; and finally, microplate reader assay showed the significant changes of mitochondrial functions, including ROS, ATP, and MMP in the isolated cerebellum tissue. The results suggested that the specific knockdown of mitochondrial protein Ucp4 could damage PCs possibly by attacking their mitochondrial function. The present study is the first to report a close relationship between UCP4 deletion with PCs impairment, and suggests the importance of UCP4 in the substantial support of mitochondrial function homeostasis in bradykinesia. UCP4 might be a therapeutic target for the cerebellar-related movement disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Yun Wang
- National Teaching Demonstration Center, School of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, 710032, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, School of Stomatology, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, China.
| | - Hui Liu
- National Teaching Demonstration Center, School of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, 710032, China
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Medical School of Yan'an University, Yan'an, China
| | - Shu-Jiao Li
- National Teaching Demonstration Center, School of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Ban Feng
- National Teaching Demonstration Center, School of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, 710032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease & Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Dental Material and Advanced Manufacture, Department of Pharmacy, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, China
| | - Yun-Qiang Huang
- National Teaching Demonstration Center, School of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Shui-Bing Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Yan-Ling Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, 710032, China.
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3
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De Leonardis F, Ahmed A, Vozza A, Capobianco L, Riley CL, Barile SN, Di Molfetta D, Tiziani S, DiGiovanni J, Palmieri L, Dolce V, Fiermonte G. Human mitochondrial uncoupling protein 3 functions as a metabolite transporter. FEBS Lett 2024; 598:338-346. [PMID: 38058167 PMCID: PMC10922436 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Since its discovery, a major debate about mitochondrial uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) has been whether its metabolic actions result primarily from mitochondrial inner membrane proton transport, a process that decreases respiratory efficiency and ATP synthesis. However, UCP3 expression and activity are induced by conditions that would seem at odds with inefficient 'uncoupled' respiration, including fasting and exercise. Here, we demonstrate that the bacterially expressed human UCP3, reconstituted into liposomes, catalyses a strict exchange of aspartate, malate, sulphate and phosphate. The R282Q mutation abolishes the transport activity of the protein. Although the substrate specificity and inhibitor sensitivity of UCP3 display similarity with that of its close homolog UCP2, the two proteins significantly differ in their transport mode and kinetic constants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco De Leonardis
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Amer Ahmed
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Angelo Vozza
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Loredana Capobianco
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Christopher L. Riley
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Simona Nicole Barile
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Daria Di Molfetta
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Stefano Tiziani
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - John DiGiovanni
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX. USA
| | - Luigi Palmieri
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Vincenza Dolce
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fiermonte
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
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4
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Curcio R, Frattaruolo L, Marra F, Pesole G, Vozza A, Cappello AR, Fiorillo M, Lauria G, Ahmed A, Fiermonte G, Capobianco L, Dolce V. Two functionally different mitochondrial phosphate carriers support Drosophila melanogaster OXPHOS throughout distinct developmental stages. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119615. [PMID: 37898376 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rosita Curcio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Luca Frattaruolo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Federica Marra
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Graziano Pesole
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Angelo Vozza
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Cappello
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Marco Fiorillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Graziantonio Lauria
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Amer Ahmed
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fiermonte
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Loredana Capobianco
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Vincenza Dolce
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy.
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5
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Kreiter J, Tyschuk T, Pohl EE. Uncoupling Protein 3 Catalyzes the Exchange of C4 Metabolites Similar to UCP2. Biomolecules 2023; 14:21. [PMID: 38254621 PMCID: PMC10813146 DOI: 10.3390/biom14010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) belongs to the mitochondrial carrier protein superfamily SLC25 and is abundant in brown adipose tissue (BAT), the heart, and muscles. The expression of UCP3 in tissues mainly dependent on fatty acid oxidation suggests its involvement in cellular metabolism and has drawn attention to its possible transport function beyond the transport of protons in the presence of fatty acids. Based on the high homology between UCP2 and UCP3, we hypothesized that UCP3 transports C4 metabolites similar to UCP2. To test this, we measured the transport of substrates against phosphate (32Pi) in proteoliposomes reconstituted with recombinant murine UCP3 (mUCP3). We found that mUCP3 mainly transports aspartate and sulfate but also malate, malonate, oxaloacetate, and succinate. The transport rates calculated from the exchange of 32Pi against extraliposomal aspartate and sulfate were 23.9 ± 5.8 and 17.5 ± 5.1 µmol/min/mg, respectively. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we revealed that mutation of R84 resulted in impaired aspartate/phosphate exchange, demonstrating its critical role in substrate transport. The difference in substrate preference between mUCP2 and mUCP3 may be explained by their different tissue expression patterns and biological functions in these tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elena E. Pohl
- Institute of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Biophysics, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (J.K.); (T.T.)
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6
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Iaconisi GN, Lunetti P, Gallo N, Cappello AR, Fiermonte G, Dolce V, Capobianco L. Hyaluronic Acid: A Powerful Biomolecule with Wide-Ranging Applications-A Comprehensive Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10296. [PMID: 37373443 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan widely distributed in the human body, especially in body fluids and the extracellular matrix of tissues. It plays a crucial role not only in maintaining tissue hydration but also in cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and the inflammatory response. HA has demonstrated its efficacy as a powerful bioactive molecule not only for skin antiaging but also in atherosclerosis, cancer, and other pathological conditions. Due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, and non-immunogenicity, several HA-based biomedical products have been developed. There is an increasing focus on optimizing HA production processes to achieve high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective products. This review discusses HA's structure, properties, and production through microbial fermentation. Furthermore, it highlights the bioactive applications of HA in emerging sectors of biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Natalia Iaconisi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Paola Lunetti
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Nunzia Gallo
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Cappello
- Department of Pharmacy, Health, and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fiermonte
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Vincenza Dolce
- Department of Pharmacy, Health, and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Loredana Capobianco
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
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7
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Gorgoglione R, Seccia R, Ahmed A, Vozza A, Capobianco L, Lodi A, Marra F, Paradies E, Palmieri L, Coppola V, Dolce V, Fiermonte G. Generation of a Yeast Cell Model Potentially Useful to Identify the Mammalian Mitochondrial N-Acetylglutamate Transporter. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050808. [PMID: 37238678 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The human mitochondrial carrier family (MCF) consists of 53 members. Approximately one-fifth of them are still orphans of a function. Most mitochondrial transporters have been functionally characterized by reconstituting the bacterially expressed protein into liposomes and transport assays with radiolabeled compounds. The efficacy of this experimental approach is constrained to the commercial availability of the radiolabeled substrate to be used in the transport assays. A striking example is that of N-acetylglutamate (NAG), an essential regulator of the carbamoyl synthetase I activity and the entire urea cycle. Mammals cannot modulate mitochondrial NAG synthesis but can regulate the levels of NAG in the matrix by exporting it to the cytosol, where it is degraded. The mitochondrial NAG transporter is still unknown. Here, we report the generation of a yeast cell model suitable for identifying the putative mammalian mitochondrial NAG transporter. In yeast, the arginine biosynthesis starts in the mitochondria from NAG which is converted to ornithine that, once transported into cytosol, is metabolized to arginine. The deletion of ARG8 makes yeast cells unable to grow in the absence of arginine since they cannot synthetize ornithine but can still produce NAG. To make yeast cells dependent on a mitochondrial NAG exporter, we moved most of the yeast mitochondrial biosynthetic pathway to the cytosol by expressing four E. coli enzymes, argB-E, able to convert cytosolic NAG to ornithine. Although argB-E rescued the arginine auxotrophy of arg8∆ strain very poorly, the expression of the bacterial NAG synthase (argA), which would mimic the function of a putative NAG transporter increasing the cytosolic levels of NAG, fully rescued the growth defect of arg8∆ strain in the absence of arginine, demonstrating the potential suitability of the model generated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruggiero Gorgoglione
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Roberta Seccia
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Amer Ahmed
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Angelo Vozza
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Loredana Capobianco
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Alessia Lodi
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Dell Pediatric Research Institute, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, USA
| | - Federica Marra
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Eleonora Paradies
- CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Luigi Palmieri
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Coppola
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Vincenza Dolce
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fiermonte
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
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8
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Rosenberg N, Reva M, Binda F, Restivo L, Depierre P, Puyal J, Briquet M, Bernardinelli Y, Rocher AB, Markram H, Chatton JY. Overexpression of UCP4 in astrocytic mitochondria prevents multilevel dysfunctions in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Glia 2023; 71:957-973. [PMID: 36537556 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide. It represents one of the greatest medical challenges as no pharmacologic treatments are available to prevent disease progression. Astrocytes play crucial functions within neuronal circuits by providing metabolic and functional support, regulating interstitial solute composition, and modulating synaptic transmission. In addition to these physiological functions, growing evidence points to an essential role of astrocytes in neurodegenerative diseases like AD. Early-stage AD is associated with hypometabolism and oxidative stress. Contrary to neurons that are vulnerable to oxidative stress, astrocytes are particularly resistant to mitochondrial dysfunction and are therefore more resilient cells. In our study, we leveraged astrocytic mitochondrial uncoupling and examined neuronal function in the 3xTg AD mouse model. We overexpressed the mitochondrial uncoupling protein 4 (UCP4), which has been shown to improve neuronal survival in vitro. We found that this treatment efficiently prevented alterations of hippocampal metabolite levels observed in AD mice, along with hippocampal atrophy and reduction of basal dendrite arborization of subicular neurons. This approach also averted aberrant neuronal excitability observed in AD subicular neurons and preserved episodic-like memory in AD mice assessed in a spatial recognition task. These findings show that targeting astrocytes and their mitochondria is an effective strategy to prevent the decline of neurons facing AD-related stress at the early stages of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Rosenberg
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Maria Reva
- Blue Brain Project (BBP), École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Binda
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Leonardo Restivo
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pauline Depierre
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julien Puyal
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marc Briquet
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Anne-Bérengère Rocher
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Henry Markram
- Blue Brain Project (BBP), École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Yves Chatton
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Cellular Imaging Facility, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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9
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A Picrocrocin-Enriched Fraction from a Saffron Extract Affects Lipid Homeostasis in HepG2 Cells through a Non-Statin-like Mode. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043060. [PMID: 36834472 PMCID: PMC9965904 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Dyslipidemia is a lipid metabolism disorder associated with the loss of the physiological homeostasis that ensures safe levels of lipids in the organism. This metabolic disorder can trigger pathological conditions such as atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. In this regard, statins currently represent the main pharmacological therapy, but their contraindications and side effects limit their use. This is stimulating the search for new therapeutic strategies. In this work, we investigated in HepG2 cells the hypolipidemic potential of a picrocrocin-enriched fraction, analyzed by high-resolution 1H NMR and obtained from a saffron extract, the stigmas of Crocus sativus L., a precious spice that has already displayed interesting biological properties. Spectrophotometric assays, as well as expression level of the main enzymes involved in lipid metabolism, have highlighted the interesting hypolipidemic effects of this natural compound; they seem to be exerted through a non-statin-like mechanism. Overall, this work provides new insights into the metabolic effects of picrocrocin, thus confirming the biological potential of saffron and paving the way for in vivo studies that could validate this spice or its phytocomplexes as useful adjuvants in balancing blood lipid homeostasis.
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10
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Lauria G, Curcio R, Lunetti P, Tiziani S, Coppola V, Dolce V, Fiermonte G, Ahmed A. Role of Mitochondrial Transporters on Metabolic Rewiring of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: A Comprehensive Review. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:411. [PMID: 36672360 PMCID: PMC9857038 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is among the deadliest cancers worldwide and commonly presents as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of PDAC. Glucose and glutamine metabolism are extensively rewired in order to fulfil both energetic and synthetic demands of this aggressive tumour and maintain favorable redox homeostasis. The mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC), the glutamine carrier (SLC1A5_Var), the glutamate carrier (GC), the aspartate/glutamate carrier (AGC), and the uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) have all been shown to influence PDAC cell growth and progression. The expression of MPC is downregulated in PDAC and its overexpression reduces cell growth rate, whereas the other four transporters are usually overexpressed and the loss of one or more of them renders PDAC cells unable to grow and proliferate by altering the levels of crucial metabolites such as aspartate. The aim of this review is to comprehensively evaluate the current experimental evidence about the function of these carriers in PDAC metabolic rewiring. Dissecting the precise role of these transporters in the context of the tumour microenvironment is necessary for targeted drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziantonio Lauria
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Rosita Curcio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Paola Lunetti
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Stefano Tiziani
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, USA
- Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, LiveSTRONG Cancer Institutes, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, USA
| | - Vincenzo Coppola
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Vincenza Dolce
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fiermonte
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Amer Ahmed
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
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11
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Citrate Regulates the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mitochondrial GDP/GTP Carrier (Ggc1p) by Triggering Unidirectional Transport of GTP. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8080795. [PMID: 36012783 PMCID: PMC9410265 DOI: 10.3390/jof8080795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The yeast mitochondrial transport of GTP and GDP is mediated by Ggc1p, a member of the mitochondrial carrier family. The physiological role of Ggc1p in S. cerevisiae is probably to transport GTP into mitochondria in exchange for GDP generated in the matrix. ggc1Δ cells exhibit lower levels of GTP and increased levels of GDP in mitochondria, are unable to grow on nonfermentable substrates and lose mtDNA. Because in yeast, succinyl-CoA ligase produces ATP instead of GTP, and the mitochondrial nucleoside diphosphate kinase is localized in the intermembrane space, Ggc1p is the only supplier of mitochondrial GTP required for the maturation of proteins containing Fe-S clusters, such as aconitase [4Fe-4S] and ferredoxin [2Fe-2S]. In this work, it was demonstrated that citrate is a regulator of purified and reconstituted Ggc1p by trans-activating unidirectional transport of GTP across the proteoliposomal membrane. It was also shown that the binding site of Ggc1p for citrate is different from the binding site for the substrate GTP. It is proposed that the citrate-induced GTP uniport (CIGU) mediated by Ggc1p is involved in the homeostasis of the guanine nucleotide pool in the mitochondrial matrix.
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Mendez-Romero O, Ricardez-García C, Castañeda-Tamez P, Chiquete-Félix N, Uribe-Carvajal S. Thriving in Oxygen While Preventing ROS Overproduction: No Two Systems Are Created Equal. Front Physiol 2022; 13:874321. [PMID: 35444563 PMCID: PMC9013945 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.874321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
From 2.5 to 2.0 billion years ago, atmospheric oxygen concentration [O2] rose thousands of times, leading to the first mass extinction. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) produced by the non-catalyzed partial reduction of O2 were highly toxic eliminating many species. Survivors developed different strategies to cope with ROS toxicity. At the same time, using O2 as the final acceptor in respiratory chains increased ATP production manifold. Thus, both O2 and ROS were strong drivers of evolution, as species optimized aerobic metabolism while developing ROS-neutralizing mechanisms. The first line of defense is preventing ROS overproduction and two mechanisms were developed in parallel: 1) Physiological uncoupling systems (PUS), which increase the rate of electron fluxes in respiratory systems. 2) Avoidance of excess [O2]. However, it seems that as avoidance efficiency improved, PUSs became less efficient. PUS includes branched respiratory chains and proton sinks, which may be proton specific, the mitochondrial uncoupling proteins (UCPs) or unspecific, the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP). High [O2] avoidance also involved different strategies: 1) Cell association, as in biofilms or in multi-cellularity allowed gas-permeable organisms (oxyconformers) from bacterial to arthropods to exclude O2. 2) Motility, to migrate from hypoxic niches. 3) Oxyregulator organisms: as early as in fish, and O2-impermeable epithelium excluded all gases and only exact amounts entered through specialized respiratory systems. Here we follow the parallel evolution of PUS and O2-avoidance, PUS became less critical and lost efficiency. In regard, to proton sinks, there is fewer evidence on their evolution, although UCPs have indeed drifted in function while in some species it is not clear whether PTPs exist.
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