The mitochondrion in cell death control: certainties and incognita

Apoptosis research has recently experienced a change from a paradigm in which the nucleus determined the apoptotic process to a paradigm in which caspases and, more recently, mitochondria constitute the center of death control. Mitochondria undergo major changes in membrane integrity before classical signs of cell death become manifest. These changes concern both the inner and the outer mitochondrial membranes, leading to the dissipation of the inner transmembrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)) and/or the release of intermembrane proteins through the outer membrane. An ever-increasing number of endogenous, viral, or xenogeneic effectors directly act on mitochondria to trigger permeabilization. At least in some cases, this is achieved by a direct action on the permeability transition pore complex (PTPC), a multiprotein ensemble containing proteins from both mitochondrial membranes, which interact with pro- and antiapoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family. At present, it is elusive whether opening of the PTPC is the only physiological mechanism leading to mitochondrial membrane permeabilization. Proteins released from mitochondria during apoptosis include caspases (mainly caspases 2, 3, and 9), caspase activators (cytochrome c, hsp 10), as well as a caspase-independent death effector, AIF (apoptosis inducing factor). The functional hierarchy among these proteins and their actual impact on the decision between death and life is elusive.     

Mitochondrial membrane permeabilization by HIV-1 Vpr

The mitochondrion is a privileged target for apoptosis-modulatory proteins of viral origin. Thus, viral protein R (Vpr) can target mitochondria and induce apoptosis via a specific interaction with the permeability transition pore complex (PTPC). Vpr cooperates with the adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) to form large conductance channels and to trigger all the hallmarks of mitochondrial membrane permeabilization (MMP). The Vpr/ANT interaction is direct, since it is abolished by the addition of a peptide corresponding to the Vpr binding site of ANT, ADP, ATP, or by Bcl-2. Accordingly, Vpr modulates MMP through direct structural and functional interactions with PTPC proteins.     

Mass spectrometric identification of proteins released from mitochondria undergoing permeability transition

Mitochondrial membrane permeabilization is a rate-limiting step of cell death. This process is, at least in part, mediated by opening of the permeability transition pore complex (PTPC) Several soluble proteins from the mitochondrial intermembrane space and matrix are involved in the activation of catabolic hydrolases including caspases and nucleases. We therefore investigated the composition of a mixture of proteins released from purified mitochondria upon PTPC opening. This mixture was subjected to a novel proteomics/mass spectrometric approach designed to identify a maximum of peptides. Peptides from a total of 79 known proteins or genes were identified. In addition, 21 matches with expressed sequence tags (EST) were obtained. Among the known proteins, several may have indirect or direct pro-apoptotic properties. Thus endozepine, a ligand of the peripheral benzodiazepin receptor (whose occupation may facilitate mitochondrial membrane permeabilization), was found among the released proteins. Several proteins involved in protein import were also released, namely the so-called X-linked deafness dystonia protein (DDP) and the glucose regulated protein 75 (grb75), meaning that protein import may become irreversibly disrupted in mitochondria of apoptotic cells. In addition, a number of catabolic enzymes are detected: arginase 1 (which degrades arginine), sulfite oxidase (which degrades sulfur amino acids), and epoxide hydrolase. Although the functional impact of each of these proteins on apoptosis remains elusive, the present data bank of mitochondrial proteins released upon PTPC opening should help further elucidation of the death process.     

Is mPTP the gatekeeper for necrosis, apoptosis, or both?

Permeabilization of the mitochondrial membranes is a crucial step in apoptosis and necrosis. This phenomenon allows the release of mitochondrial death factors, which trigger or facilitate different signaling cascades ultimately causing the execution of the cell. The mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) has long been known as one of the main regulators of mitochondria during cell death. mPTP opening can lead to matrix swelling, subsequent rupture of the outer membrane, and a nonspecific release of intermembrane space proteins into the cytosol. While mPTP was purportedly associated with early apoptosis, recent observations suggest that mitochondrial permeabilization mediated by mPTP is generally more closely linked to events of late apoptosis and necrosis. Mechanisms of mitochondrial membrane permeabilization during cell death, involving three different mitochondrial channels, have been postulated. These include the mPTP in the inner membrane, and the mitochondrial apoptosis-induced channel (MAC) and voltage-dependent anion-selective channel (VDAC) in the outer membrane. New developments on mPTP structure and function, and the involvement of mPTP, MAC, and VDAC in permeabilization of mitochondrial membranes during cell death are explored. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Mitochondria: the deadly organelle.     

Mitochondria in cell death: novel targets for neuroprotection and cardioprotection

Post-mitotic neurons and heart muscle cells undergo apoptotic cell death in a variety of acute and chronic degenerative diseases. The intrinsic pathway of apoptosis involves the permeabilization of mitochondrial membranes, which leads to the release of protease and nuclease activators, and to bioenergetic failure. Mitochondrial permeabilization is induced by a variety of pathologically relevant second messengers, including reactive oxygen species, calcium, stress kinases and pro-apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family. Several pharmacological agents act on mitochondria to prevent the permeabilization of their membranes, thereby inhibiting apoptosis. Such agents include inhibitors of the permeability transition pore complex (in particular ligands of cyclophilin D), openers of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive or Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels, and proteins from the Bcl-2 family engineered to cross the plasma membrane. In addition, manipulations that modulate the expression or activity of mitochondrial uncoupling proteins can prevent the death of post-mitotic cells. Such agents hold promise for use in clinical neuroprotection and cardioprotection.     

The pro-apoptotic proteins, Bid and Bax, cause a limited permeabilization of the mitochondrial outer membrane that is enhanced by cytosol

During apoptosis, an important pathway leading to caspase activation involves the release of cytochrome c from the intermembrane space of mitochondria. Using a cell-free system based on Xenopus egg extracts, we examined changes in the outer mitochondrial membrane accompanying cytochrome c efflux. The pro-apoptotic proteins, Bid and Bax, as well as factors present in Xenopus egg cytosol, each induced cytochrome c release when incubated with isolated mitochondria. These factors caused a permeabilization of the outer membrane that allowed the corelease of multiple intermembrane space proteins: cytochrome c, adenylate kinase and sulfite oxidase. The efflux process is thus nonspecific. None of the cytochrome c-releasing factors caused detectable mitochondrial swelling, arguing that matrix swelling is not required for outer membrane permeability in this system. Bid and Bax caused complete release of cytochrome c but only a limited permeabilization of the outer membrane, as measured by the accessibility of inner membrane-associated respiratory complexes III and IV to exogenously added cytochrome c. However, outer membrane permeability was strikingly increased by a macromolecular cytosolic factor, termed PEF (permeability enhancing factor). We hypothesize that PEF activity could help determine whether cells can recover from mitochondrial cytochrome c release.     

Mitochondrial membrane permeabilization: the sine qua non for cell death

Mitochondria are essential for maintaining cell life but they also play a role in regulating cell death, which occurs when their membranes become permeabilized. Mitochondria possess two distinct membrane systems including an outer membrane in close communication with the cytosol and an inner membrane involved in energy transduction. Outer membrane permeabilization is regulated by Bcl-2 family proteins, which control the release of proteins from the mitochondrial intermembrane space; these proteins then activate apoptosis. Inner membrane permeabilization is regulated by the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT), which is activated by calcium and oxidative stress and leads to bioenergetic failure and necrosis. The purpose of this review is to discuss the biochemical mechanisms regulating mitochondrial membrane permeabilization; this is crucial to our understanding of the role of cell death in diseases such as cancer and the neurodegenerative diseases.     

Reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide regulate mitochondria-dependent apoptosis and autophagy in evodiamine-treated human cervix carcinoma HeLa cells

The redox environment of the cell is currently thought to be extremely important to control either apoptosis or autophagy. This study reported that reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) generations were induced by evodiamine time-dependently; while they acted in synergy to trigger mitochondria-dependent apoptosis by induction of mitochondrial membrane permeabilization (MMP) through increasing the Bax/Bcl-2 or Bcl-x(L) ratio. Autophagy was also stimulated by evodiamine, as demonstrated by the positive autophagosome-specific dye monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining as well as the expressions of autophagy-related proteins, Beclin 1 and LC3. Pre-treatment with 3-MA, the specific inhibitor for autophagy, dose-dependently decreased cell viability, indicating a survival function of autophagy. Importantly, autophagy was found to be promoted or inhibited by ROS/NO in response to the severity of oxidative stress. These findings could help shed light on the complex regulation of intracellular redox status on the balance of autophagy and apoptosis in anti-cancer therapies.     

Mitochondria as sensors of sphingolipids

Much of the action in the mammalian apoptotic program takes place at the mitochondrial level. Physicochemical characteristics and integrity of mitochondrial membranes may play a crucial role in the recruitment and multimerization of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members, opening of the permeability transition pore complex (PTPC) and the release of mitochondrial components which trigger the 'intrinsic' pathways of cellular apoptosis and activate executioner caspases. Recent evidence has accumulated pointing toward the mitochondrial membranes as the key targets for lipid and glycolipid mediators of stress-induced apoptosis. Mitochondrial membranes may thus act as 'sensors' of cellular stress by quantitating the local accumulation of specific lipids and glycolipids. Acute accumulation of ceramides, directly or indirectly, profoundly affects mitochondrial functions. GD3 ganglioside, a glycolipid which is actively synthesized and transiently accumulates in the early stages of apoptosis, relocates to the mitochondrial membranes causing the opening of the PTPC and the release of apoptogenic factors. Mitochondrial membranes appear to represent a common destination where protein and glycolipid mediators of stress converge and where crucial decisions about cellular adaptation or apoptotic cell death are taken.     

Multiple pathways of cytochrome c release from mitochondria in apoptosis

Release of cytochrome c from mitochondria is a key initiative step in the apoptotic process, although the mechanisms regulating permeabilization of the outer mitochondrial membrane and the release of intermembrane space proteins remain controversial. Here, we discuss possible scenarios of the outer membrane permeabilization. The mechanisms by which the intermembrane space proteins are released from mitochondria depend presumably on cell type and on the nature of the apoptotic stimulus. The variety of mechanisms that can lead to outer membrane permeabilization might explain diversities in the response of mitochondria to numerous apoptotic stimuli in different types of cells.     

Influenza virus PB1-F2 protein induces cell death through mitochondrial ANT3 and VDAC1

The influenza virus PB1-F2 is an 87-amino acid mitochondrial protein that previously has been shown to induce cell death, although the mechanism of apoptosis induction has remained unclear. In the process of characterizing its mechanism of action we found that the viral PB1-F2 protein sensitizes cells to apoptotic stimuli such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, as demonstrated by increased cleavage of caspase 3 substrates in PB1-F2-expressing cells. Moreover, treatment of purified mouse liver mitochondria with recombinant PB1-F2 protein resulted in cytochrome c release, loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential, and enhancement of tBid-induced mitochondrial permeabilization, suggesting a possible mechanism for the observed cellular sensitization to apoptosis. Using glutathione-S-transferase pulldowns with subsequent mass spectrometric analysis, we identified the mitochondrial interactors of the PB1-F2 protein and showed that the viral protein uniquely interacts with the inner mitochondrial membrane adenine nucleotide translocator 3 and the outer mitochondrial membrane voltage-dependent anion channel 1, both of which are implicated in the mitochondrial permeability transition during apoptosis. Consistent with this interaction, blockers of the permeability transition pore complex (PTPC) inhibited PB1-F2-induced mitochondrial permeabilization. Based on our findings, we propose a model whereby the proapoptotic PB1-F2 protein acts through the mitochondrial PTPC and may play a role in the down-regulation of the host immune response to infection.     

Modulation of mitochondrial apoptosis by PI3K inhibitors

Most anticancer therapies exert their action by triggering programmed cell death (apoptosis) in cancer cells. The mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis is initiated by mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization, leading to the release of apoptogenic factors such as cytochrome c or Smac from the mitochondrial intermembrane space into the cytosol. Mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization is tightly controlled, for example by pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 family. Recent evidence indicates that inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway by small-molecule PI3K inhibitors primes cancer cells to mitochondrial apoptosis by tipping the balance towards pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins, resulting in increased mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization. Thus, mitochondrial apoptotic events play an important role in PI3K inhibitor-mediated sensitization for apoptosis.     

Permeabilization of the mitochondrial inner membrane during apoptosis: impact of the adenine nucleotide translocator

Mitochondrial membrane permeabilization can be a rate limiting step of apoptotic as well as necrotic cell death. Permeabilization of the outer mitochondrial membrane (OM) and/or inner membrane (IM) is, at least in part, mediated by the permeability transition pore complex (PTPC). The PTPC is formed in the IM/OM contact site and contains the two most abundant IM and OM proteins, adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT, in the IM) and voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC, in the OM), the matrix protein cyclophilin D, which can interact with ANT, as well as apoptosis-regulatory proteins from the Bax/Bcl-2 family. Here we discuss that ANT has two opposite functions. On the one hand, ANT is a vital, specific antiporter which accounts for the exchange of ATP and ADP on IM. On the other hand, ANT can form a non-specific pore, as this has been shown by electrophysiological characterization of purified ANT reconstituted into synthetic lipid bilayers or by measuring the permeabilization of proteoliposomes containing ANT. Pore formation by ANT is induced by a variety of different agents (e.g. Ca(2+), atractyloside, thiol oxidation, the pro-apoptotic HIV-1 protein Vpr, etc.) and is enhanced by Bax and inhibited by Bcl-2, as well as by ADP. In isolated mitochondria, pore formation by ANT leads to an increase in IM permeability to solutes up to 1500 Da, swelling of the mitochondrial matrix, and OM permeabilization, presumably due to physical rupture of OM. Although alternative mechanisms of mitochondrial membrane permeabilization may exist, ANT emerges as a major player in the regulation of cell death. Cell Death and Differentiation (2000) 7, 1146 - 1154     

Reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide regulate mitochondria-dependent apoptosis and autophagy in evodiamine-treated human cervix carcinoma HeLa cells

The redox environment of the cell is currently thought to be extremely important to control either apoptosis or autophagy. This study reported that reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) generations were induced by evodiamine time-dependently; while they acted in synergy to trigger mitochondria-dependent apoptosis by induction of mitochondrial membrane permeabilization (MMP) through increasing the Bax/Bcl-2 or Bcl-x_L ratio. Autophagy was also stimulated by evodiamine, as demonstrated by the positive autophagosome-specific dye monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining as well as the expressions of autophagy-related proteins, Beclin 1 and LC3. Pre-treatment with 3-MA, the specific inhibitor for autophagy, dose-dependently decreased cell viability, indicating a survival function of autophagy. Importantly, autophagy was found to be promoted or inhibited by ROS/NO in response to the severity of oxidative stress. These findings could help shed light on the complex regulation of intracellular redox status on the balance of autophagy and apoptosis in anti-cancer therapies.     

Mitochondria,the killer organelles and their weapons

Apoptosis is a cell-autonomous mode of death that is activated to eradicate superfluous, damaged, mutated, or aged cells. In addition to their role as the cell's powerhouse, mitochondria play a central role in the control of apoptosis. Thus, numerous pro-apoptotic molecules act on mitochondria and provoke the permeabilization of mitochondrial membranes. Soluble proteins contained in the mitochondrial intermembrane space are released through the outer membrane and participate in the organized destruction of the cell. Several among these lethal proteins can activate caspases, a class of cysteine proteases specifically activated in apoptosis, whereas others act in a caspase-independent fashion, by acting as nucleases (e.g., endonuclease G), nuclease activators (e.g., apoptosis-inducing factor), or serine proteases (e.g., Omi/HtrA2). In addition, mitochondria can generate reactive oxygen species, following uncoupling and/or inhibition of the respiratory chain. The diversity of mitochondrial factors participating in apoptosis emphasizes the central role of these organelles in apoptosis control and unravels novel mechanisms of cell death execution.     

线粒体通透性增高过程中新的参与者

 应激时,线粒体通透性增高可导致位于线粒体膜间的致凋亡因子释放入细胞质,胱天蛋白酶 (caspase)激活,以及细胞死亡.但线粒体通透性增高的确切机制尚不清楚.许多研究表明,线粒体通透性增高过程需要Bcl-2家族蛋白中促凋亡Bax亚家族蛋白,主要是Bax和Bak的激活;该家族中其它蛋白可对Bax和Bak进行调节.但最近的研究表明,其它非Bcl-2家庭蛋白的蛋白质包括抑制因子和激活因子,也可对线粒体通透性增高过程进行调节.此外,应激时线粒体脂质重新分布,对于线粒体膜通透性增高过程也起重要作用.     

A tale of two mitochondrial channels,MAC and PTP,in apoptosis

The crucial step in the intrinsic, or mitochondrial, apoptotic pathway is permeabilization of the mitochondrial outer membrane. Permeabilization triggers release of apoptogenic factors, such as cytochrome c, from the mitochondrial intermembrane space into the cytosol where these factors ensure propagation of the apoptotic cascade and execution of cell death. However, the mechanism(s) underlying permeabilization of the outer membrane remain controversial. Two mechanisms, involving opening of two different mitochondrial channels, have been proposed to be responsible for the permeabilization; the permeability transition pore (PTP) in the inner membrane and the mitochondrial apoptosis-induced channel (MAC) in the outer membrane. Opening of PTP would lead to matrix swelling, subsequent rupture of the outer membrane, and an unspecific release of intermembrane proteins into the cytosol. However, many believe PTP opening is a consequence of apoptosis and this channel is thought to principally play a role in necrosis, not apoptosis. Activation of MAC is exquisitely regulated by Bcl-2 family proteins, which are the sentinels of apoptosis. MAC provides specific pores in the outer membrane for the passage of intermembrane proteins, in particular cytochrome c, to the cytosol. The electrophysiological characteristics of MAC are very similar to Bax channels and depletion of Bax significantly diminishes MAC activity, suggesting that Bax is an essential constituent of MAC in some systems. The characteristics of various mitochondrial channels and Bax are compared. The involvement of MAC and PTP activities in apoptosis of disease and their pharmacology are discussed.     

Bax/Bak-dependent,Drp1-independent Targeting of X-linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein (XIAP) into Inner Mitochondrial Compartments Counteracts Smac/DIABLO-dependent Effector Caspase Activation

Efficient apoptosis requires Bax/Bak-mediated mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP), which releases death-promoting proteins cytochrome c and Smac to the cytosol, which activate apoptosis and inhibit X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) suppression of executioner caspases, respectively. We recently identified that in response to Bcl-2 homology domain 3 (BH3)-only proteins and mitochondrial depolarization, XIAP can permeabilize and enter mitochondria. Consequently, XIAP E3 ligase activity recruits endolysosomes into mitochondria, resulting in Smac degradation. Here, we explored mitochondrial XIAP action within the intrinsic apoptosis signaling pathway. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that mitochondrial XIAP entry requires Bax or Bak and is antagonized by pro-survival Bcl-2 proteins. Moreover, intramitochondrial Smac degradation by XIAP occurs independently of Drp1-regulated cytochrome c release. Importantly, mitochondrial XIAP actions are activated cell-intrinsically by typical apoptosis inducers TNF and staurosporine, and XIAP overexpression reduces the lag time between the administration of an apoptotic stimuli and the onset of mitochondrial permeabilization. To elucidate the role of mitochondrial XIAP action during apoptosis, we integrated our findings within a mathematical model of intrinsic apoptosis signaling. Simulations suggest that moderate increases of XIAP, combined with mitochondrial XIAP preconditioning, would reduce MOMP signaling. To test this scenario, we pre-activated XIAP at mitochondria via mitochondrial depolarization or by artificially targeting XIAP to the intermembrane space. Both approaches resulted in suppression of TNF-mediated caspase activation. Taken together, we propose that XIAP enters mitochondria through a novel mode of mitochondrial permeabilization and through Smac degradation can compete with canonical MOMP to act as an anti-apoptotic tuning mechanism, reducing the mitochondrial contribution to the cellular apoptosis capacity.     

Caspase-mediated Bak activation and cytochrome c release during intrinsic apoptotic cell death in Jurkat cells

Mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization and the release of intermembrane space proteins, such as cytochrome c, are early events during intrinsic (mitochondria-mediated) apoptotic signaling. Although this process is generally accepted to require the activation of Bak or Bax, the underlying mechanism responsible for their activation during true intrinsic apoptosis is not well understood. In the current study, we investigated the molecular requirements necessary for Bak activation using distinct clones of Bax-deficient Jurkat T-lymphocytes in which the intrinsic pathway had been inhibited. Cells stably overexpressing Bcl-2/Bcl-x(L) or stably depleted of Apaf-1 were equally resistant to apoptosis induced by the DNA-damaging anticancer drug etoposide as determined by phosphatidylserine externalization and caspase activation. Strikingly, characterization of mitochondrial apoptotic events in all three drug-resistant cell lines revealed that, without exception, resistance to apoptosis was associated with an absence of Bak activation, cytochrome c release, and mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Furthermore, we found that etoposide-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial events were inhibited in cells stably overexpressing either full-length X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) or the BIR1/BIR2 domains of XIAP. Combined, our findings suggest that caspase-mediated positive amplification of initial mitochondrial changes can determine the threshold for irreversible activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway.