Characterization of mammalian neurofilament subunits by circular dichroism

Critical steps in the disassembly and reassembly of neurofilaments, the intermediate filaments of neurons, have been investigated. Bovine neurofilament subunits (Mr 210 000, 160 000 and 70 000) were purified by urea-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and renatured by dialysis against several non-denaturing buffers. The quality of the protein renaturation was measured by circular dichroism. The spectra of renatured neurofilament subunits were interpreted in terms of secondary structure and this showed that the solubilization of proteins in guanidine-HCl buffers is more suitable than in urea buffer for a good recovery of a filamentous structure. Furthermore, it is shown that (i) the three neurofilament subunits exhibit specific CD spectra, with shapes reminiscent of those obtained for the alpha/beta class of proteins and that (ii) there is good correlation between CD spectra, the state of renaturation and the ability of the proteins to assemble into filamentous structures. We conclude that CD studies of neurofilament proteins should help in understanding the numerous variables affecting the disassembly and reassembly of neurofilaments.     

Assembly of the iron-sulfur protein into the cytochrome b-c1, complex of yeast mitochondria.

The assembly of the iron-sulfur protein into the cytochrome bc1 complex after import and processing of the precursor form into mitochondria in vitro was investigated by immunoprecipitation of the radiolabeled iron-sulfur protein from detergent-solubilized mitochondria with specific antisera. After import in vitro, the labeled mature form of the iron-sulfur protein was immunoprecipitated by antisera against both the iron-sulfur protein and the entire bc1 complex from mitochondria solubilized with either Triton X-100 or dodecyl maltoside. After sodium dodecyl sulfate solubilization of mitochondria, however, the antiserum against the iron-sulfur protein, but not that against the bc1 complex, immunoprecipitated the radiolabeled iron-sulfur protein. These results suggest that in mitochondria the mature form of the iron-sulfur protein is assembled with other subunits of the bc1 complex that are recognized by the antiserum against the bc1 complex. By contrast, the intermediate and precursor forms of the iron-sulfur protein that accumulated in the matrix when proteolytic processing was blocked with EDTA and o-phenanthroline were not efficiently assembled into the bc1 complex. The import and processing of the iron-sulfur protein also occurred in mitochondria lacking either cytochrome b (W-267) or the iron-sulfur protein (JPJ1). The mature form of the iron-sulfur protein was immunoprecipitated by antisera against the bc1 complex or core protein I after import in vitro into these mitochondria, suggesting that the mature form is associated with other subunits of the bc1 complex in these strains.     

14-3-3 proteins form a guidance complex with chloroplast precursor proteins in plants

Transit sequences of chloroplast-destined precursor proteins are phosphorylated on a serine or threonine residue. The amino acid motif around the phosphorylation site is related to the phosphopeptide binding motif for 14-3-3 proteins. Plant 14-3-3 proteins interact specifically with wheat germ lysate-synthesized chloroplast precursor proteins and require an intact phosphorylation motif within the transit sequence. Chloroplast precursor proteins do not interact with 14-3-3 when synthesized in the heterologous reticulocyte lysate. In contrast, a precursor protein destined for plant mitochondria was found to be associated with 14-3-3 proteins present in the reticulocyte lysate but not with 14-3-3 from wheat germ lysate. This indicates an unrecognized selectivity of 14-3-3 proteins for precursors from mitochondria and plastids in plants in comparison to fungi and animals. The heterooligomeric complex has an apparent size of 200 kD. In addition to the precursor protein, it contains 14-3-3 (probably as a dimer) and a heat shock protein Hsp70 isoform. Dissociation of the precursor complex requires ATP. Protein import experiments of precursor from the oligomeric complex into intact pea chloroplasts reveal three- to fourfold higher translocation rates compared with the free precursor, which is not complexed. We conclude that the 14-3-3-Hsp70-precursor protein complex is a bona fide intermediate in the in vivo protein import pathway in plants.     

Immunochemical Characterization of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex in Rat Brain

Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHC) in rat brain was studied immunochemically, using antibodies against the bovine kidney PDHC, by immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, inhibition of enzyme activity, and enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). The immunoblots showed that the antibodies bound strongly to the alpha peptide of the pyruvate dehydrogenase (E1) component, and to the dihydrolipoyl transacetylase (E2) and the dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase (E3) components of PDHC. A similar immunoblotting pattern was observed in all eight brain regions examined. On immunoblotting of the subcellular fractions, these PDHC peptides were observed in mitochondria and synaptosomes but not in the postmitochondrial supernatants. This agrees with other evidence that brain PDHC is localized in the mitochondria. These results, together with those from sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the immunoprecipitin, also showed that the alpha E1, beta E1, and E3 peptides of rat brain PDHC are very similar in sizes to those of the bovine kidney PDHC, being 42, 36, and 58 kD, respectively. The size of the E2 peptide, 66 kD, is different from that of bovine kidney E2, 73 kD. The relative abundance of PDHC protein in nonsynaptic mitochondria was compared by enzyme activity titration and ELISA. Both methods demonstrated that the amount of PDHC antigen in the mitochondria from cerebral cortex is greater than that in the olfactory bulb mitochondria. This is consistent with the results of the activity measurement. The ELISA also showed that the PDHCs in both mitochondrial populations are antigenically similar.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Intramitochondrial filamentous bodies in the thick limb of henle of the rat kidney

"Intramitochondrial filamentous bodies" (IMFB) were occasionally found within the matrix of some mitochondria of the thick limb of Henle of the rat kidney, but not elsewhere in the tubular system. Three types were recognized: type I, an accumulation of filaments 55 A thick; type II, a bundle of parallel filaments having the same thickness as those of type I and regular spacing, 87 A apart, from center to center; and type III, consisting of type II with regular light bands of 280 A periodicity and a helical border of prismatic tubular cristae. In addition to these, electron-opaque masses showing variable and faint substructures were found in the matrix of mitochondria. It is suggested that all these IMFB may originate from mitochondrial cristae and that type II IMFB may be an intermediate developmental form between type I and type III. After uranyl acetate staining, IMFB and the membranes of prismatic tubular cristae showed highly increased electron opacity. The literature has been reviewed for reports of intramitochondrial filamentous inclusions in various types of cells. These inclusions have been classified according to their structural characteristics and the localization in the mitochondria and compared with IMFB reported herein.     

Characterization and Physiological Function of Class I Low-Molecular-Mass,Heat-Shock Protein Complex in Soybean

Examination of an ammonium sulfate-enriched fraction (70-100% saturation) of heat-shock proteins (HSPs) by nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed the presence of a high molecular mass complex (280 kD) in soybean (Glycine max) seedlings. This complex cross-reacted with antibodies raised against soybean class I low-molecular-mass (LMW) HSPs. Dissociation of the complex by denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed the complex to contain at least 15 polypeptides of the 15-to 18-kD class I LMW HSPs that could be detected by staining, radiolabeling, and western blotting. A similar LMW-HSP complex was observed in mung bean (Vigna radiata L.; 295 kD), in pea (Pisum sativum L.; 270 kD), and in rice (Oryza sativa L.; 310 kD). The complex was stable under high salt conditions (250 mM KCI), and the integrity was not affected by 1% Nonidet P-40 and 3 [mu]g/ML RNase treatment. The size of the isolated HSP complex in vitro was conserved to 55[deg]C; however, starting at 37.5[deg]C, it changed to higher molecular forms in the presence of soluble proteins. The isolated HSP complex was able to protect up to 75% of the soluble proteins from heat denaturation in vitro.     

四膜虫中存在角蛋白样成分(简报)

中等纤维是脊椎动物细胞中普遍存在的一种细胞骨架成分,在一些无脊椎动物细胞中也发现有这类成分存在。据报道,枪乌贼的巨     

Characterization of a low molecular weight protein of the ATP synthetase complex from beef heart and rat liver mitochondria with a high affinity monoclonal antibody

A monoclonal antibody raised against beef heart mitochondria elicited a strong reaction on Western Blot with a 16 kD protein in preparations of beef heart mitochondria, ammonia particles, oligomycin sensitive ATPase and Complex V, in addition to showing a lesser affinity for the partially purified 30 kD ADP/ATP carrier. The antibody also reacted with a 17 kD protein in rat liver mitochondria and an enriched membrane vesicle fraction. The N-terminal sequence of the first twenty amino acids of both the beef heart and rat liver proteins contained significant homology. Comparison with results in the literature indicate that the proteins represent the delta subunit of the ATP synthetase complex. Further evidence suggests that the epitope for the antibody may reside at the C-terminal 30-40 amino acid residues of both proteins.     

Physicochemical characterization of the 68 000-dalton protein of bovine neurofilaments

The 68 000-dalton protein from bovine neurofilaments was purified by a combination of chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and on hydroxylapatite in buffers containing 8 M urea. Although the separation of this protein from the other proteins of the neurofilament appeared to be hampered by a mixed association of the several components, a nearly homogeneous product was obtained for study. Sedimentation equilibrium experiments in buffers containing 8 M urea showed the molecule to be a monomer with a molecular weight of 70 600 +/- 2000. Circular dichroic spectra taken under the same conditions gave no evidence of residual alpha-helix. Molecular sieve chromatography in 8 M urea on controlled-pore glass showed that the molecule eluted at an unexpectedly small volume. The small elution volume did not depend significantly on protein concentration and is unlikely to be the result of intermolecular association. Rather, the monomer probably has a conformation more rigid or extended than a classical random coil. When dialyzed into 0.01 M tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane/1 mM ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid/0.1 mM dithioerythritol, pH 8.5, the protein does not assemble into filaments. Sedimentation velocity reveals that under these conditions it consists mainly of a 4.8S molecular species, containing few large particles; sedimentation equilibrium shows that it is composed of oligomers, the smallest present in significant concentration having a molecular weight approximately that of a trimer. Circular dichroism measurements lead to the interpretation that the molecule has refolded in this buffer into a structure that has approximately 55% alpha-helix. Assembly into filamentous particles resembling neurofilaments occurs when the protein is dialyzed against 0.1 M 2-(N-morpholino)ethane-sulfonic acid/0.1% beta-mercaptoethanol/1 mM ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid/0.17 M NaCl, pH 6.5. We suggest that the oligomeric species present in 0.01 M tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane may frequently be present in solubilized preparations of intermediate filaments and may represent an intermediate in the assembly process.     

Identification and characterization of respirasomes in potato mitochondria

Plant mitochondria were previously shown to comprise respiratory supercomplexes containing cytochrome c reductase (complex III) and NADH dehydrogenase (complex I) of I(1)III(2) and I(2)III(4) composition. Here we report the discovery of additional supercomplexes in potato (Solanum tuberosum) mitochondria, which are of lower abundance and include cytochrome c oxidase (complex IV). Highly active mitochondria were isolated from potato tubers and stems, solubilized by digitonin, and subsequently analyzed by Blue-native (BN) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Visualization of supercomplexes by in-gel activity stains for complex IV revealed five novel supercomplexes of 850, 1,200, 1,850, 2,200, and 3,000 kD in potato tuber mitochondria. These supercomplexes have III(2)IV(1), III(2)IV(2), I(1)III(2)IV(1), I(1)III(2)IV(2), and I(1)III(2)IV(4) compositions as shown by two-dimensional BN/sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-PAGE and BN/BN-PAGE in combination with activity stains for cytochrome c oxidase. Potato stem mitochondria include similar supercomplexes, but complex IV is partially present in a smaller version that lacks the Cox6b protein and possibly other subunits. However, in mitochondria from potato tubers and stems, about 90% of complex IV was present in monomeric form. It was suggested that the I(1)III(2)IV(4) supercomplex represents a basic unit for respiration in mammalian mitochondria termed respirasome. Respirasomes also occur in potato mitochondria but were of low concentrations under all conditions applied. We speculate that respirasomes are more abundant under in vivo conditions.     

Molecular features and mitochondrial import pathway of the 14-kilodalton subunit of cytochrome c reductase from potato.

The cytochrome c reductase complexes from fungi and mammals both contain a 14-kD protein (yeast, 14.4 kD; bovine, 13.4 kD) that does not directly participate in electron transfer but possibly is indirectly involved in the function of the complex and has a role in assembly of the multimeric enzyme. A subunit of comparable size was identified for the bc1 complex of higher plants. The 14-kD protein from potato (Solanum tuberosum) was specifically separated from the isolated protein complex in the presence of 6 M urea and is, therefore, assumed to be a peripheral component. Direct sequence analysis of the proteins from potato and wheat (Triticum aestivum) and isolation of corresponding cDNA clones for the subunit from potato revealed clear similarity to the equivalent proteins from yeast and bovine. The wheat 14-kD protein seems to occur in two isoforms. The 14-kD protein from plants is very hydrophilic, has a characteristic charge distribution, and contains no potential membrane-spanning helices. In vitro import of the radiolabeled 14-kD protein from potato into isolated mitochondria depends on the membrane potential across the inner mitochondrial membrane. The protein seems to lack a cleavable mitochondrial presequence, because it is not processed upon translocation. Possible intramolecular regions involved in targeting of the 14-kD protein to plant mitochondria are discussed.     

Mitochondria protection from hypoxia/reoxygenation injury with mitochondria heat shock protein 70 overexpression

The majority of mitochondrial proteins are encoded by nuclear genes and synthesized in the cytosol as preproteins containing a mitochondria import sequence. Preproteins traverse the outer mitochondrial membrane in an unfolded state and then translocate through the inner membrane into the matrix via import machinery that includes mitochondrial heat shock protein 70 (mtHSP70). Neonatal rat cardiac myocytes (NCM) infected with an adenoviral vector expressing mtHSP70 or an empty control (Adv(-)) for 48 h were submitted to 8 h of simulated ischemia (hypoxia) followed by 16 h of reperfusion (reoxygenation). Infection with mtHSP70 virus yielded an increase in mtHSP70 protein in NCM mitochondria compared with Adv(-) (P < 0.05). Cell viability after simulated ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) was decreased in both Adv(-) and mtHSP70 groups, relative to control (P < 0.05), but mtHSP70-infected NCM had enhanced viability after I/R relative to Adv-infected NCM (P < 0.05). Simulated I/R caused an increase in reactive oxygen species generation and lipid peroxidation in Adv-infected NCM (P < 0.05, for both) that was not observed in mtHSP70-infected NCM. Mitochondrial complex III and IV activities were greater in mtHSP70-infected NCM after simulated I/R compared with Adv(-) (P < 0.05 for both). After simulated I/R, ATP content increased in mtHSP70-infected NCM, compared with Adv(-) (P < 0.05). Apoptotic markers were decreased in mtHSP70-infected NCM compared with Adv(-) after simulated I/R (P < 0.05). These results indicate that overexpression of mtHSP70 protects the mitochondria against damage from simulated I/R that may be due to a decrease in reactive oxygen species leading to preservation of mitochondrial complex function activities and ATP formation.     

Analysis of mitochondrial subunit assembly into respiratory chain complexes using Blue Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

The mitochondrial respiratory chain consists of multi-subunit protein complexes embedded in the inner membrane. Although the majority of subunits are encoded by nuclear genes and are imported into mitochondria, 13 subunits in humans are encoded by mitochondrial DNA. The coordinated assembly of subunits encoded from two genomes is a poorly understood process, with assembly pathway defects being a major determinant in mitochondrial disease. In this study, we monitored the assembly of human respiratory complexes using radiolabeled, mitochondrially encoded subunits in conjunction with Blue Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The efficiency of assembly was found to differ markedly between complexes, and intermediate complexes containing newly synthesized mitochondrial DNA-encoded subunits could be observed for complexes I, III, and IV. In particular, we detected human cytochrome b as a monomer and as a component of a novel approximately 120 kDa intermediate complex at early chase times before being totally assembled into mature complex III. Furthermore, we show that this approach is highly suited for the rapid detection of respiratory complex assembly defects in fibroblasts from patients with mitochondrial disease and, thus, has potential diagnostic applications.     

A cell surface receptor complex for collagen type I recognizes the Arg- Gly-Asp sequence

To isolate collagen-binding cell surface proteins, detergent extracts of surface-iodinated MG-63 human osteosarcoma cells were chromatographed on affinity matrices of either type I collagen-Sepharose or Sepharose carrying a collagen-like triple-helical peptide. The peptide was designed to be triple helical and to contain the sequence Arg-Gly-Asp, which has been implicated as the cell attachment site of fibronectin, vitronectin, fibrinogen, and von Willebrand factor, and is also present in type I collagen. Three radioactive polypeptides having apparent molecular masses of 250 kD, 70 kD, and 30 kD were distinguishable in that they showed affinity toward the collagen and collagen-like peptide affinity columns, and could be specifically eluted from these columns with a solution of an Arg-Gly-Asp-containing peptide, Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Thr-Pro. These collagen-binding polypeptides associated with phosphatidylcholine liposomes, and the resulting liposomes bound specifically to type I collagen or the collagen-like peptide but not to fibronectin or vitronectin or heat-denatured collagen. The binding of these liposomes to type I collagen could be inhibited with the peptide Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Thr-Pro and with EDTA, but not with a variant peptide Gly-Arg-Gly-Glu-Ser-Pro. We conclude from these data that these three polypeptides are membrane molecules that behave as a cell surface receptor (or receptor complex) for type I collagen by interacting with it through the Arg-Gly-Asp tripeptide adhesion signal. The lack of binding to denatured collagen suggests that the conformation of the Arg-Gly-Asp sequence is important in the recognition of collagen by the receptor complex.     

HSP_(70)基因表达对高粱育性的影响(英文)

高粱细胞质雄性不育系３１９７Ａ（３Ａ）在常温条件下是不育的（Ｆｉｇｓ．１１＆２）,经热激（４５℃）诱导不同程度地恢复了育性（Ｆｉｇｓ．１３＆４）,为研究其不育机理提供了线索。热激２ｈ后,３Ａ中即可产生一类线粒体热激蛋白（ＨＳＰｓ）。其中,分子量为７０ｋＤ的ＨＳＰ７０含量最高,也最为稳定。不过,３Ａ中ＨＳＰｓ的稳定性弱于保持系３１９７Ｂ（３Ｂ）（Ｆｉｇ．２,Ｐａｎｅｌｓ１～４）。放线菌素Ｄ抑制ＨＳＰｓ的合成,而氯霉素无此作用（Ｆｉｇ．２,Ｐａｎｅｌｓ５＆６）,表明：ＨＳＰｓ是由核基因编码、在细胞质中合成、再跨膜转运到线粒体中的。３Ａ幼穗经热激后,线粒体的总蛋白量猛增了２．７倍（Ｆｉｇ．３）,达到３Ｂ的水平,育性亦变为可育的。Ｆｉｇ．４表明：ＨＳＰ７０反义链ｃＤＮＡ（Ｒ１）能进入到３Ｂ花药细胞中,并与靶ＲＮＡ（ＨＳＣ７０ｍＲＮＡ）结合,而对照、正义链ｃＤＮＡ（Ｄ）链无此反应。由此、再增加一个通用保守序列的反义链ｃＤＮＡ（Ｒ２）、共两个探针（Ｒ１、Ｒ２）,可以检测到：３Ａ在常温下没有能力合成ＨＳＣ７０ｍＲＮＡ（Ｆｉｇ．５）,而在热激条件下,转变为有能力（Ｆｉｇ．６）。启示：３Ａ在热激条件下由不育转变为可育     

Metaxin 1 interacts with metaxin 2, a novel related protein associated with the mammalian mitochondrial outer membrane.

A recently described protein, metaxin 1, serves as a component of a preprotein import complex in the outer membrane of the mammalian mitochondrion. A yeast two-hybrid screen with metaxin 1 as bait has now identified a novel protein, which we have termed metaxin 2, as a metaxin 1-binding protein. Metaxin 2 shares 29% identity with metaxin 1 at the amino acid level, but metaxin 2, unlike metaxin 1, lacks a C-terminal mitochondrial outer membrane signal-anchor domain. Two C. elegans hypothetical proteins, CelZC97.1 and CelF39B2.i, share high sequence similarity with metaxin 2 and metaxin 1, respectively, and likely represent the C. elegans orthologs. Affinity-purified antibodies against metaxin 2 were prepared against the recombinant protein produced in E. coli and were used to analyze the subcellular distribution of metaxin 2. In subcellular fractions of mouse liver, a 29 kD immunoreactive protein, consistent in size with the predicted translation product of metaxin 2 cDNA, was found solely in mitochondria. Alkali extraction of mitochondria indicated that metaxin 2 is peripherally associated with mitochondrial membranes. Metaxin 2 in intact mitochondria was susceptible to digestion with proteinase K, indicating that metaxin 2 is located on the cytosolic face of the mitochondrial outer membrane. Finally, baculoviruses encoding a His6-tagged metaxin 2 and an untagged metaxin 1 lacking its C-terminal transmembrane domain were produced and used separately or in combination to infect Sf21 insect cells. Metaxin 1 bound to a Ni2+-chelate affinity column only in the presence of metaxin 2, indicating that metaxin 1 and metaxin 2 interact when overexpressed in insect cells. These results suggest that metaxin 2 is bound to the cytosolic face of the mitochondrial outer membrane by means of its interaction with membrane-bound metaxin 1, and that this complex may play a role in protein import into mammalian mitochondria.     

Identification and characteristics of concanavalin A-binding neurospecific glycoproteins in human brain and brain tumors

Soluble and membrane-bound neurospecific Con A-binding glycoproteins from human brain and tumours were identified and characterized, using a procedure which included stepwise extraction with low and high ionic strength buffers, buffered. Triton X-100 and sodium deoxycholate followed by ConA-Sepharose column chromatography, SDS-PAAG electrophoresis and immunoblotting. Adsorbed antisera against different types of neurospecific glycoproteins were used. The bulk of neurospecific glycoproteins (11 and 13) were revealed in protein fractions extracted with low ionic strength buffers and Triton X-100. In astrocytomas and glyoblastomas, some neurospecific glycoproteins were absent. Some glycoproteins were found in tumours, but were absent in brain tissue. Soluble, 77 kD glycoprotein, 11 and 16 kD glycoproteins solubilized with high ionic strength buffers and intrinsic membrane-bound 51, 57, 61, 74 and 77 kD glycoproteins can be viewed as stable neurospecific markers in malignant brain tumours.     

Isolation and Characterization of the Central Component of the Phycobilisome Core of Nostoc sp

Freshly isolated allophycocyanin is recovered from linear sucrose gradients made in 0.75 molar potassium phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) in three sizes: 19s, 10.3s, and 5.5s. The largest aggregate is a complex of a 680 nm fluorescing allophycocyanin I in the form (αβ)₃γ, where γ is the 95 kilodalton (kD) polypeptide, and two 660 nanometer fluorescing allophycocyanin II (αβ)₃ molecules; the complex, stabilized in high phosphate concentrations, fluoresces maximally at 675 nanometers. The 10.3s fraction is a hexamer of allophycocyanin of the 660 nanometer fluorescing type, perhaps attached through two polypeptides of 46 kD and 44 kD. The 5.5s component of the allophycocyanin pool is the usual trimeric form of allophycocyanin (αβ)₃. A similar 19s fraction is the major component of allophycocyanin I isolated under optimum conditions in the presence of the protease inhibitor, phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride. This 19s fraction is apparently a central component of the core of the phycobilisome with its 95 kD polypeptide the attachment point of the phycobilisome and membrane. The 95 kD polypeptide has both long wavelength absorption and fluorescence bands which seem to account for the long wavelength fluorescence properties of allophycocyanin I.     

Fatty acid biosynthesis in mitochondria of grasses: malonyl-coenzyme A is generated by a mitochondrial-localized acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase

We present biochemical evidence for the occurrence of a 250-kD multifunctional acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase in barley (Hordeum vulgare) mitochondria. Organelles from 6-d-old barley seedlings were purified by differential centrifugation and Percoll density gradient centrifugation. Upon analysis by two-dimensional Blue-native (BN)/SDS-PAGE, an abundant 250-kD protein can be visualized, which runs at 500 kD on the native gel dimension. A similar 500-kD complex is present in etioplasts from barley. The mitochondrial 250-kD protein is biotinylated as indicated by specific reaction with an antibody directed against biotin. Peptide sequence analysis by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry of the 250-kD proteins from both organellar fractions revealed amino acid sequences that are 100% identical to plastidic acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase from wheat (Triticum aestivum). The 500-kD complex was also detected in wheat mitochondria, but is absent in mitochondrial fractions from Arabidopsis. Specific acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylation activity in barley mitochondria is higher than in etioplasts, suggesting an important role of mitochondria in fatty acid biosynthesis. Functional implications are discussed.