The regulation of OXPHOS by extramitochondrial calcium

Despite extensive research, the regulation of mitochondrial function is still not understood completely. Ample evidence shows that cytosolic Ca²⁺ has a strategic task in co-ordinating the cellular work load and the regeneration of ATP by mitochondria. Currently, the paradigmatic view is that Ca_cyt²⁺ taken up by the Ca²⁺ uniporter activates the matrix enzymes pyruvate dehydrogenase, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and isocitrate dehydrogenase. However, we have recently found that Ca²⁺ regulates the glutamate-dependent state 3 respiration by the supply of glutamate to mitochondria via aralar, a mitochondrial glutamate/aspartate carrier. Since this activation is not affected by ruthenium red, glutamate transport into mitochondria is controlled exclusively by extramitochondrial Ca²⁺. Therefore, this discovery shows that besides intramitochondrial also extramitochondrial Ca²⁺ regulates oxidative phosphorylation. This new mechanism acts as a mitochondrial “gas pedal”, supplying the OXPHOS with substrate on demand. These results are in line with recent findings of Satrustegui and Palmieri showing that aralar as part of the malate–aspartate shuttle is involved in the Ca²⁺-dependent transport of reducing hydrogen equivalents (from NADH) into mitochondria. This review summarises results and evidence as well as hypothetical interpretations of data supporting the view that at the surface of mitochondria different regulatory Ca²⁺-binding sites exist and can contribute to cellular energy homeostasis. Moreover, on the basis of our own data, we propose that these surface Ca²⁺-binding sites may act as targets for neurotoxic proteins such as mutated huntingtin and others. The binding of these proteins to Ca²⁺-binding sites can impair the regulation by Ca²⁺, causing energetic depression and neurodegeneration.     

Impaired regulation of brain mitochondria by extramitochondrial Ca2+ in transgenic Huntington disease rats

Huntington disease (HD) is characterized by polyglutamine expansions of huntingtin (htt), but the underlying pathomechanisms have remained unclear. We studied brain mitochondria of transgenic HD rats with 51 glutamine repeats (htt(51Q)), modeling the adult form of HD. Ca(free)(2+) up to 2 mum activated state 3 respiration of wild type mitochondria with glutamate/malate or pyruvate/malate as substrates. Ca(free)(2+) above 2 mum inhibited respiration via cyclosporin A-dependent permeability transition (PT). Ruthenium red, an inhibitor of the mitochondrial Ca(2+) uniporter, did not affect the Ca(2+)-dependent activation of respiration but reduced Ca(2+)-induced inhibition. Thus, Ca(2+) activation was mediated exclusively by extramitochondrial Ca(2+), whereas inhibition was promoted also by intramitochondrial Ca(2+). In contrast, htt(51Q) mitochondria showed a deficient state 3 respiration, a lower sensitivity to Ca(2+) activation, and a higher susceptibility to Ca(2+)-dependent inhibition. Furthermore htt(51Q) mitochondria exhibited a diminished membrane potential stability in response to Ca(2+), lower capacities and rates of Ca(2+) accumulation, and a decreased Ca(2+) threshold for PT in a substrate-independent but cyclosporin A-sensitive manner. Compared with wild type, Ca(2+)-induced inhibition of respiration of htt(51Q) mitochondria was less sensitive to ruthenium red, indicating the involvement of extramitochondrial Ca(2+). In conclusion, we demonstrate a novel mechanism of mitochondrial regulation by extramitochondrial Ca(2+). We suggest that specific regulatory Ca(2+) binding sites on the mitochondrial surface, e.g. the glutamate/aspartate carrier (aralar), mediate this regulation. Interactions between htt(51Q) and distinct targets such as aralar and/or the PT pore may underlie mitochondrial dysregulation leading to energetic depression, cell death, and tissue atrophy in HD.     

Fusion of the Endoplasmic Reticulum and Mitochondrial Outer Membrane in Rats Brown Adipose Tissue: Activation of Thermogenesis by Ca2+

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) mitochondria thermogenesis is regulated by uncoupling protein 1 (UCP 1), GDP and fatty acids. In this report, we observed fusion of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane with the mitochondrial outer membrane of rats BAT. Ca²⁺-ATPase (SERCA 1) was identified by immunoelectron microscopy in both ER and mitochondria. This finding led us to test the Ca²⁺ effect in BAT mitochondria thermogenesis. We found that Ca²⁺ increased the rate of respiration and heat production measured with a microcalorimeter both in coupled and uncoupled mitochondria, but had no effect on the rate of ATP synthesis. The Ca²⁺ concentration needed for half-maximal activation varied between 0.08 and 0.11 µM. The activation of respiration was less pronounced than that of heat production. Heat production and ATP synthesis were inhibited by rotenone and KCN.Liver mitochondria have no UCP1 and during respiration synthesize a large amount of ATP, produce little heat, GDP had no effect on mitochondria coupling, Ca²⁺ strongly inhibited ATP synthesis and had little or no effect on the small amount of heat released. These finding indicate that Ca²⁺ activation of thermogenesis may be a specific feature of BAT mitochondria not found in other mitochondria such as liver.     

Mitochondrial Regulation of Store-operated Calcium Signaling in T Lymphocytes

Mitochondria act as potent buffers of intracellular Ca²⁺ in many cells, but a more active role in modulating the generation of Ca²⁺ signals is not well established. We have investigated the ability of mitochondria to modulate store-operated or “capacitative” Ca²⁺ entry in Jurkat leukemic T cells and human T lymphocytes using fluorescence imaging techniques. Depletion of the ER Ca²⁺ store with thapsigargin (TG) activates Ca²⁺ release-activated Ca²⁺ (CRAC) channels in T cells, and the ensuing influx of Ca²⁺ loads a TG- insensitive intracellular store that by several criteria appears to be mitochondria. Loading of this store is prevented by carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone or by antimycin A1 + oligomycin, agents that are known to inhibit mitochondrial Ca²⁺ import by dissipating the mitochondrial membrane potential. Conversely, intracellular Na⁺ depletion, which inhibits Na⁺-dependent Ca²⁺ export from mitochondria, enhances store loading. In addition, we find that rhod-2 labels mitochondria in T cells, and it reports changes in Ca²⁺ levels that are consistent with its localization in the TG-insensitive store. Ca²⁺ uptake by the mitochondrial store is sensitive (threshold is <400 nM cytosolic Ca²⁺), rapid (detectable within 8 s), and does not readily saturate. The rate of mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake is sensitive to extracellular [Ca²⁺], indicating that mitochondria sense Ca²⁺ gradients near CRAC channels. Remarkably, mitochondrial uncouplers or Na⁺ depletion prevent the ability of T cells to maintain a high rate of capacitative Ca²⁺ entry over prolonged periods of >10 min. Under these conditions, the rate of Ca²⁺ influx in single cells undergoes abrupt transitions from a high influx to a low influx state. These results demonstrate that mitochondria not only buffer the Ca²⁺ that enters T cells via store-operated Ca²⁺ channels, but also play an active role in modulating the rate of capacitative Ca²⁺ entry.     

Citrin and aralar1 are Ca(2+)-stimulated aspartate/glutamate transporters in mitochondria

The mitochondrial aspartate/glutamate carrier catalyzes an important step in both the urea cycle and the aspartate/malate NADH shuttle. Citrin and aralar1 are homologous proteins belonging to the mitochondrial carrier family with EF-hand Ca(2+)-binding motifs in their N-terminal domains. Both proteins and their C-terminal domains were overexpressed in Escherichia coli, reconstituted into liposomes and shown to catalyze the electrogenic exchange of aspartate for glutamate and a H(+). Overexpression of the carriers in transfected human cells increased the activity of the malate/aspartate NADH shuttle. These results demonstrate that citrin and aralar1 are isoforms of the hitherto unidentified aspartate/glutamate carrier and explain why mutations in citrin cause type II citrullinemia in humans. The activity of citrin and aralar1 as aspartate/glutamate exchangers was stimulated by Ca(2+) on the external side of the inner mitochondrial membrane, where the Ca(2+)-binding domains of these proteins are localized. These results show that the aspartate/glutamate carrier is regulated by Ca(2+) through a mechanism independent of Ca(2+) entry into mitochondria, and suggest a novel mechanism of Ca(2+) regulation of the aspartate/malate shuttle.     

Mitochondrial Participation in the Intracellular Ca2+ Network

Calcium can activate mitochondrial metabolism, and the possibility that mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake and extrusion modulate free cytosolic [Ca²⁺] (Ca_c) now has renewed interest. We use whole-cell and perforated patch clamp methods together with rapid local perfusion to introduce probes and inhibitors to rat chromaffin cells, to evoke Ca²⁺ entry, and to monitor Ca²⁺-activated currents that report near-surface [Ca²⁺]. We show that rapid recovery from elevations of Ca_c requires both the mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uniporter and the mitochondrial energization that drives Ca²⁺ uptake through it. Applying imaging and single-cell photometric methods, we find that the probe rhod-2 selectively localizes to mitochondria and uses its responses to quantify mitochondrial free [Ca²⁺] (Ca_m). The indicated resting Ca_m of 100–200 nM is similar to the resting Ca_c reported by the probes indo-1 and Calcium Green, or its dextran conjugate in the cytoplasm. Simultaneous monitoring of Ca_m and Ca_c at high temporal resolution shows that, although Ca_m increases less than Ca_c, mitochondrial sequestration of Ca²⁺ is fast and has high capacity. We find that mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake limits the rise and underlies the rapid decay of Ca_c excursions produced by Ca²⁺ entry or by mobilization of reticular stores. We also find that subsequent export of Ca²⁺ from mitochondria, seen as declining Ca_m, prolongs complete Ca_c recovery and that suppressing export of Ca²⁺, by inhibition of the mitochondrial Na⁺/ Ca²⁺ exchanger, reversibly hastens final recovery of Ca_c. We conclude that mitochondria are active participants in cellular Ca²⁺ signaling, whose unique role is determined by their ability to rapidly accumulate and then release large quantities of Ca²⁺.     

Physical fitness and mitochondrial respiratory capacity in horse skeletal muscle

Background

Within the animal kingdom, horses are among the most powerful aerobic athletic mammals. Determination of muscle respiratory capacity and control improves our knowledge of mitochondrial physiology in horses and high aerobic performance in general.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We applied high-resolution respirometry and multiple substrate-uncoupler-inhibitor titration protocols to study mitochondrial physiology in small (1.0–2.5 mg) permeabilized muscle fibres sampled from triceps brachii of healthy horses.Oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) capacity (pmol O₂•s⁻¹•mg⁻¹ wet weight) with combined Complex I and II (CI+II) substrate supply (malate+glutamate+succinate) increased from 77±18 in overweight horses to 103±18, 122±15, and 129±12 in untrained, trained and competitive horses (N = 3, 8, 16, and 5, respectively). Similar to human muscle mitochondria, equine OXPHOS capacity was limited by the phosphorylation system to 0.85±0.10 (N = 32) of electron transfer capacity, independent of fitness level. In 15 trained horses, OXPHOS capacity increased from 119±12 to 134±37 when pyruvate was included in the CI+II substrate cocktail. Relative to this maximum OXPHOS capacity, Complex I (CI)-linked OXPHOS capacities were only 50% with glutamate+malate, 64% with pyruvate+malate, and 68% with pyruvate+malate+glutamate, and ∼78% with CII-linked succinate+rotenone. OXPHOS capacity with glutamate+malate increased with fitness relative to CI+II-supported ETS capacity from a flux control ratio of 0.38 to 0.40, 0.41 and 0.46 in overweight to competitive horses, whereas the CII/CI+II substrate control ratio remained constant at 0.70. Therefore, the apparent deficit of the CI- over CII-linked pathway capacity was reduced with physical fitness.

Conclusions/Significance

The scope of mitochondrial density-dependent OXPHOS capacity and the density-independent (qualitative) increase of CI-linked respiratory capacity with increased fitness open up new perspectives of integrative and comparative mitochondrial respiratory physiology.     

Mitochondrial Contribution to the Anoxic Ca2+ Signal in Maize Suspension-Cultured Cells

Anoxia induces a rapid elevation of the cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_cyt) in maize (Zea mays L.) cells, which is caused by the release of the ion from intracellular stores. This anoxic Ca²⁺ release is important for gene activation and survival in O₂-deprived maize seedlings and cells. In this study we examined the contribution of mitochondrial Ca²⁺ to the anoxic [Ca²⁺]_cyt elevation in maize cells. Imaging of intramitochondrial Ca²⁺ levels showed that a majority of mitochondria released their Ca²⁺ in response to anoxia and took up Ca²⁺ upon reoxygenation. We also investigated whether the mitochondrial Ca²⁺ release contributed to the increase in [Ca²⁺]_cyt under anoxia. Analysis of the spatial association between anoxic [Ca²⁺]_cyt changes and the distribution of mitochondrial and other intracellular Ca²⁺ stores revealed that the largest [Ca²⁺]_cyt increases occurred close to mitochondria and away from the tonoplast. In addition, carbonylcyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenyl hydrazone treatment depolarized mitochondria and caused a mild elevation of [Ca²⁺]_cyt under aerobic conditions but prevented a [Ca²⁺]_cyt increase in response to a subsequent anoxic pulse. These results suggest that mitochondria play an important role in the anoxic elevation of [Ca²⁺]_cyt and participate in the signaling of O₂ deprivation.     

Mitochondrial Ca2+ Overload Underlies Aβ Oligomers Neurotoxicity Providing an Unexpected Mechanism of Neuroprotection by NSAIDs

Dysregulation of intracellular Ca²⁺ homeostasis may underlie amyloid β peptide (Aβ) toxicity in Alzheimer''s Disease (AD) but the mechanism is unknown. In search for this mechanism we found that Aβ_1–42 oligomers, the assembly state correlating best with cognitive decline in AD, but not Aβ fibrils, induce a massive entry of Ca²⁺ in neurons and promote mitochondrial Ca²⁺ overload as shown by bioluminescence imaging of targeted aequorin in individual neurons. Aβ oligomers induce also mitochondrial permeability transition, cytochrome c release, apoptosis and cell death. Mitochondrial depolarization prevents mitochondrial Ca²⁺ overload, cytochrome c release and cell death. In addition, we found that a series of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including salicylate, sulindac sulfide, indomethacin, ibuprofen and R-flurbiprofen depolarize mitochondria and inhibit mitochondrial Ca²⁺ overload, cytochrome c release and cell death induced by Aβ oligomers. Our results indicate that i) mitochondrial Ca²⁺ overload underlies the neurotoxicity induced by Aβ oligomers and ii) inhibition of mitochondrial Ca²⁺ overload provides a novel mechanism of neuroprotection by NSAIDs against Aβ oligomers and AD.     

Defective sarcoplasmic reticulum–mitochondria calcium exchange in aged mouse myocardium

Mitochondrial alterations are critically involved in increased vulnerability to disease during aging. We investigated the contribution of mitochondria–sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) communication in cardiomyocyte functional alterations during aging. Heart function (echocardiography) and ATP/phosphocreatine (NMR spectroscopy) were preserved in hearts from old mice (>20 months) with respect to young mice (5–6 months). Mitochondrial membrane potential and resting O₂ consumption were similar in mitochondria from young and old hearts. However, maximal ADP-stimulated O₂ consumption was specifically reduced in interfibrillar mitochondria from aged hearts. Second generation proteomics disclosed an increased mitochondrial protein oxidation in advanced age. Because energy production and oxidative status are regulated by mitochondrial Ca²⁺, we investigated the effect of age on mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake. Although no age-dependent differences were found in Ca²⁺ uptake kinetics in isolated mitochondria, mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake secondary to SR Ca²⁺ release was significantly reduced in cardiomyocytes from old hearts, and this effect was associated with decreased NAD(P)H regeneration and increased mitochondrial ROS upon increased contractile activity. Immunofluorescence and proximity ligation assay identified the defective communication between mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel and SR ryanodine receptor (RyR) in cardiomyocytes from aged hearts associated with altered Ca²⁺ handling. Age-dependent alterations in SR Ca²⁺ transfer to mitochondria and in Ca²⁺ handling could be reproduced in cardiomyoctes from young hearts after interorganelle disruption with colchicine, at concentrations that had no effect in aged cardiomyocytes or isolated mitochondria. Thus, defective SR–mitochondria communication underlies inefficient interorganelle Ca²⁺ exchange that contributes to energy demand/supply mistmach and oxidative stress in the aged heart.Age is the main independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.¹ It increases heart vulnerability to cardiac diseases as well as the severity of their clinical manifestations, and reduces the efficacy of cardioprotective interventions.² At the cellular level, some of the structural and functional age-dependent changes resemble those of failing cardiac myocytes.^{3, 4} Specifically, disturbed Ca²⁺ homeostasis and excitation–contraction coupling,⁵ as well as deficient mitochondrial energetics⁶ and excessive ROS production,⁷ have been consistently reported in senescent cardiomyocytes. These subcellular alterations likely contribute to the reduced adaptive capacity to stress (exercise, β-adrenergic stimulation) and increased vulnerability to disease of the aged hearts.In cardiac cells, electrochemical coupling and metabolic adaptations are based upon the coordination between sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and mitochondria tightly interconnected forming an interface to support local ionic exchange and signal transduction in a beat-to-beat basis.⁸ This privileged interorganelle communication facilitates mitochondrial ATP transport for SR Ca²⁺ cycling and ensures energy replenishment by reciprocal Ca²⁺ and ADP exchange. Ca²⁺ is taken up by mitochondria using a low-affinity uniporter whose activity is driven by the elevated Ca²⁺ concentration in the microenvironment present around ryanodine receptors (RyR).⁹ Indeed, the kinetics of mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake is more dependent on the concentration of Ca²⁺ at the SR–mitochondria contact points than on bulk cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration.⁸ Mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake allows energy supply–demand matching through the activation of Krebs cycle dehydrogenases and electron transport chain activity, and at the same time it regulates the regeneration of Krebs-coupled antioxidative defenses (NAD(P)H).¹⁰Defective SR–mitochondria cross talk has been causally linked to the abnormal mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake in failing hearts and may underlie their increased oxidative stress.¹¹ Also, in diabetic cardiomyopathy, intracellular Ca²⁺ overload and depletion of energy stores appear to develop as a consequence of sequential SR–mitochondria dysfunction.¹² Atrial fibrillation has been associated with an increased fusion of mitochondria and a subsequent increased colocalization of giant mitochondria with SR, a subcellular remodeling process that contributes to the perpetuation of the arrhythmia.¹³ Because mitochondria are highly dynamic structures, some molecular links have been proposed to provide a stable physical interorganelle bridge^{14, 15} while others appear to facilitate direct tunneling of Ca²⁺ and other signaling mediators.¹⁶ In the present study, we hypothesized that aging may negatively impact on mitochondria–SR communication by mechanisms involving defective Ca²⁺ transmission, and we identified reduced physical interaction between RyR and mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) as the main responsible of this effect.     

Reduced IRE1α mediates apoptotic cell death by disrupting calcium homeostasis via the InsP3 receptor

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is not only a home for folding and posttranslational modifications of secretory proteins but also a reservoir for intracellular Ca²⁺. Perturbation of ER homeostasis contributes to the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer''s and Parkinson diseases. One key regulator that underlies cell survival and Ca²⁺ homeostasis during ER stress responses is inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α). Despite extensive studies on this ER membrane-associated protein, little is known about the molecular mechanisms by which excessive ER stress triggers cell death and Ca²⁺ dysregulation via the IRE1α-dependent signaling pathway. In this study, we show that inactivation of IRE1α by RNA interference increases cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration in SH-SY5Y cells, leading to cell death. This dysregulation is caused by an accelerated ER-to-cytosolic efflux of Ca²⁺ through the InsP3 receptor (InsP3R). The Ca²⁺ efflux in IRE1α-deficient cells correlates with dissociation of the Ca²⁺-binding InsP3R inhibitor CIB1 and increased complex formation of CIB1 with the pro-apoptotic kinase ASK1, which otherwise remains inactivated in the IRE1α–TRAF2–ASK1 complex. The increased cytosolic concentration of Ca²⁺ induces mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), in particular superoxide, resulting in severe mitochondrial abnormalities, such as fragmentation and depolarization of membrane potential. These Ca²⁺ dysregulation-induced mitochondrial abnormalities and cell death in IRE1α-deficient cells can be blocked by depleting ROS or inhibiting Ca²⁺ influx into the mitochondria. These results demonstrate the importance of IRE1α in Ca²⁺ homeostasis and cell survival during ER stress and reveal a previously unknown Ca²⁺-mediated cell death signaling between the IRE1α–InsP3R pathway in the ER and the redox-dependent apoptotic pathway in the mitochondrion.     

Identification of PTEN at the ER and MAMs and its regulation of Ca2+ signaling and apoptosis in a protein phosphatase-dependent manner

The tumor suppressor activity of PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10) is thought to be largely attributable to its lipid phosphatase activity. PTEN dephosphorylates the lipid second messenger phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate to directly antagonize the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt pathway and prevent the activating phosphorylation of Akt. PTEN has also other proposed mechanisms of action, including a poorly characterized protein phosphatase activity, protein–protein interactions, as well as emerging functions in different compartment of the cells such as nucleus and mitochondria. We show here that a fraction of PTEN protein localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs), signaling domains involved in calcium (²⁺) transfer from the ER to mitochondria and apoptosis induction. We demonstrate that PTEN silencing impairs ER Ca²⁺ release, lowers cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca²⁺ transients and decreases cellular sensitivity to Ca²⁺-mediated apoptotic stimulation. Specific targeting of PTEN to the ER is sufficient to enhance ER-to-mitochondria Ca²⁺ transfer and sensitivity to apoptosis. PTEN localization at the ER is further increased during Ca²⁺-dependent apoptosis induction. Importantly, PTEN interacts with the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) and this correlates with the reduction in their phosphorylation and increased Ca²⁺ release. We propose that ER-localized PTEN regulates Ca²⁺ release from the ER in a protein phosphatase-dependent manner that counteracts Akt-mediated reduction in Ca²⁺ release via IP3Rs. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms and the extent of PTEN tumor-suppressive functions, highlighting new potential strategies for therapeutic intervention.     

The mitochondrial aspartate/glutamate carrier isoform 1 gene expression is regulated by CREB in neuronal cells

The aspartate/glutamate carrier isoform 1 is an essential mitochondrial transporter that exchanges intramitochondrial aspartate and cytosolic glutamate across the inner mitochondrial membrane. It is expressed in brain, heart and muscle and is involved in important biological processes, including myelination. However, the signals that regulate the expression of this transporter are still largely unknown. In this study we first identify a CREB binding site within the aspartate/glutamate carrier gene promoter that acts as a strong enhancer element in neuronal SH-SY5Y cells. This element is regulated by active, phosphorylated CREB protein and by signal pathways that modify the activity of CREB itself and, most noticeably, by intracellular Ca²⁺ levels. Specifically, aspartate/glutamate carrier gene expression is induced via CREB by forskolin while it is inhibited by the PKA inhibitor, H89. Furthermore, the CREB-induced activation of gene expression is increased by thapsigargin, which enhances cytosolic Ca²⁺, while it is inhibited by BAPTA-AM that reduces cytosolic Ca²⁺ or by STO-609, which inhibits CaMK-IV phosphorylation. We further show that CREB-dependent regulation of aspartate/glutamate carrier gene expression occurs in neuronal cells in response to pathological (inflammation) and physiological (differentiation) conditions. Since this carrier is necessary for neuronal functions and is involved in myelinogenesis, our results highlight that targeting of CREB activity and Ca²⁺ might be therapeutically exploited to increase aspartate/glutamate carrier gene expression in neurodegenerative diseases.     

The Regulation of Reactive Oxygen Species Production during Programmed Cell Death

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are thought to be involved in many forms of programmed cell death. The role of ROS in cell death caused by oxidative glutamate toxicity was studied in an immortalized mouse hippocampal cell line (HT22). The causal relationship between ROS production and glutathione (GSH) levels, gene expression, caspase activity, and cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration was examined. An initial 5–10-fold increase in ROS after glutamate addition is temporally correlated with GSH depletion. This early increase is followed by an explosive burst of ROS production to 200–400-fold above control values. The source of this burst is the mitochondrial electron transport chain, while only 5–10% of the maximum ROS production is caused by GSH depletion. Macromolecular synthesis inhibitors as well as Ac-YVAD-cmk, an interleukin 1β–converting enzyme protease inhibitor, block the late burst of ROS production and protect HT22 cells from glutamate toxicity when added early in the death program. Inhibition of intracellular Ca²⁺ cycling and the influx of extracellular Ca²⁺ also blocks maximum ROS production and protects the cells. The conclusion is that GSH depletion is not sufficient to cause the maximal mitochondrial ROS production, and that there is an early requirement for protease activation, changes in gene expression, and a late requirement for Ca²⁺ mobilization.     

Glucagon Regulation of Oxidative Phosphorylation Requires an Increase in Matrix Adenine Nucleotide Content through Ca2+ Activation of the Mitochondrial ATP-Mg/Pi Carrier SCaMC-3

It has been known for a long time that mitochondria isolated from hepatocytes treated with glucagon or Ca²⁺-mobilizing agents such as phenylephrine show an increase in their adenine nucleotide (AdN) content, respiratory activity, and calcium retention capacity (CRC). Here, we have studied the role of SCaMC-3/slc25a23, the mitochondrial ATP-Mg/P_i carrier present in adult mouse liver, in the control of mitochondrial AdN levels and respiration in response to Ca²⁺ signals as a candidate target of glucagon actions. With the use of SCaMC-3 knock-out (KO) mice, we have found that the carrier is responsible for the accumulation of AdNs in liver mitochondria in a strictly Ca²⁺-dependent way with an S_0.5 for Ca²⁺ activation of 3.3 ± 0.9 μm. Accumulation of matrix AdNs allows a SCaMC-3-dependent increase in CRC. In addition, SCaMC-3-dependent accumulation of AdNs is required to acquire a fully active state 3 respiration in AdN-depleted liver mitochondria, although further accumulation of AdNs is not followed by increases in respiration. Moreover, glucagon addition to isolated hepatocytes increases oligomycin-sensitive oxygen consumption and maximal respiratory rates in cells derived from wild type, but not SCaMC-3-KO mice and glucagon administration in vivo results in an increase in AdN content, state 3 respiration and CRC in liver mitochondria in wild type but not in SCaMC-3-KO mice. These results show that SCaMC-3 is required for the increase in oxidative phosphorylation observed in liver mitochondria in response to glucagon and Ca²⁺-mobilizing agents, possibly by allowing a Ca²⁺-dependent accumulation of mitochondrial AdNs and matrix Ca²⁺, events permissive for other glucagon actions.     

CGP37157, an inhibitor of the mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchanger,protects neurons from excitotoxicity by blocking voltage-gated Ca2+ channels

Inhibition of the mitochondrial Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger (NCLX) by {"type":"entrez-protein","attrs":{"text":"CGP37157","term_id":"875406365","term_text":"CGP37157"}}CGP37157 is protective in models of neuronal injury that involve disruption of intracellular Ca²⁺ homeostasis. However, the Ca²⁺ signaling pathways and stores underlying neuroprotection by that inhibitor are not well defined. In the present study, we analyzed how intracellular Ca²⁺ levels are modulated by {"type":"entrez-protein","attrs":{"text":"CGP37157","term_id":"875406365","term_text":"CGP37157"}}CGP37157 (10 μM) during NMDA insults in primary cultures of rat cortical neurons. We initially assessed the presence of NCLX in mitochondria of cultured neurons by immunolabeling, and subsequently, we analyzed the effects of {"type":"entrez-protein","attrs":{"text":"CGP37157","term_id":"875406365","term_text":"CGP37157"}}CGP37157 on neuronal Ca²⁺ homeostasis using cameleon-based mitochondrial Ca²⁺ and cytosolic Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_i) live imaging. We observed that NCLX-driven mitochondrial Ca²⁺ exchange occurs in cortical neurons under basal conditions as {"type":"entrez-protein","attrs":{"text":"CGP37157","term_id":"875406365","term_text":"CGP37157"}}CGP37157 induced a decrease in [Ca²]_i concomitant with a Ca²⁺ accumulation inside the mitochondria. In turn, {"type":"entrez-protein","attrs":{"text":"CGP37157","term_id":"875406365","term_text":"CGP37157"}}CGP37157 also inhibited mitochondrial Ca²⁺ efflux after the stimulation of acetylcholine receptors. In contrast, {"type":"entrez-protein","attrs":{"text":"CGP37157","term_id":"875406365","term_text":"CGP37157"}}CGP37157 strongly prevented depolarization-induced [Ca²⁺]_i increase by blocking voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels (VGCCs), whereas it did not induce depletion of ER Ca²⁺ stores. Moreover, mitochondrial Ca²⁺ overload was reduced as a consequence of diminished Ca²⁺ entry through VGCCs. The decrease in cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca²⁺ overload by {"type":"entrez-protein","attrs":{"text":"CGP37157","term_id":"875406365","term_text":"CGP37157"}}CGP37157 resulted in a reduction of excitotoxic mitochondrial damage, characterized here by a reduction in mitochondrial membrane depolarization, oxidative stress and calpain activation. In summary, our results provide evidence that during excitotoxicity {"type":"entrez-protein","attrs":{"text":"CGP37157","term_id":"875406365","term_text":"CGP37157"}}CGP37157 modulates cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca²⁺ dynamics that leads to attenuation of NMDA-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal cell death by blocking VGCCs.     

Control of glutamate oxidation in brain and liver mitochondrial systems

1. Glutamate oxidation in brain and liver mitochondrial systems proceeds mainly through transamination with oxaloacetate followed by oxidation of the α-oxoglutarate formed. Both in the presence and absence of dinitrophenol in liver mitochondria this pathway accounted for almost 80% of the uptake of glutamate. In brain preparations the transamination pathway accounted for about 90% of the glutamate uptake. 2. The oxidation of [1-¹⁴C]- and [5-¹⁴C]-glutamate in brain preparations is compatible with utilization through the tricarboxylic acid cycle, either after the formation of α-oxoglutarate or after decarboxylation to form γ-aminobutyrate. There is no indication of γ-decarboxylation of glutamate. 3. The high respiratory control ratio obtained with glutamate as substrate in brain mitochondrial preparations is due to the low respiration rate in the absence of ADP: this results from the low rate of formation of oxaloacetate under these conditions. When oxaloacetate is made available by the addition of malate or of NAD⁺, the respiration rate is increased to the level obtained with other substrates. 4. When the transamination pathway of glutamate oxidation was blocked with malonate, the uptake of glutamate was inhibited in the presence of ADP or ADP plus dinitrophenol by about 70 and 80% respectively in brain mitochondrial systems, whereas the inhibition was only about 50% in dinitrophenol-stimulated liver preparations. In unstimulated liver mitochondria in the presence of malonate there was a sixfold increase in the oxidation of glutamate by the glutamate-dehydrogenase pathway. Thus the operating activity of glutamate dehydrogenase is much less than the `free' (non-latent) activity. 5. The following explanation is put forward for the control of glutamate metabolism in liver and brain mitochondrial preparations. The oxidation of glutamate by either pathway yields α-oxoglutarate, which is further metabolized. Since aspartate aminotransferase is present in great excess compared with the respiration rate, the oxaloacetate formed is continuously removed by the transamination reaction. Thus α-oxoglutarate is formed independently of glutamate dehydrogenation, and the question is how the dehydrogenation of glutamate is influenced by the continuous formation of α-oxoglutarate. The results indicate that a competition takes place between the α-oxoglutarate-dehydrogenase complex and glutamate dehydrogenase, probably for NAD⁺, resulting in preferential oxidation of α-oxoglutarate.     

The contribution of mitochondrial calcium ion exchange to relaxation of tension in cardiac muscle

The possible contribution of mitochondrial Ca²⁺ accumulation and release to contractile phenomena has been investigated. Two intracellular fractions of Ca²⁺ sequestration can be identified in cardiac myocytes, one ascribed to mitochondria. Two modes of Ca²⁺ transport exist within the mitochondrial fraction, one dependent upon mitochondrial respiration and the other upon extramitochondrial [Na⁺]. Experiments with trabeculae show that under appropriate conditions, the rate of relaxation and the amount of tension developed is dependent on these two modes of Ca²⁺ transport. A model is presented quantifying the contribution of the mitochondria to relaxation.     

Oxidation of cardiolipin is involved in functional impairment and disintegration of liver mitochondria by hypoxia/reoxygenation in the presence of increased Ca2+ concentrations

The aim of this study was to investigate the interrelationship between the mitochondrial phospholipid cardiolipin (CL), mitochondrial respiration and morphology in dependence on hypoxia/reoxygenation and Ca²⁺. Therefore, we subjected rat liver mitochondria to hypoxia/reoxygenation at different extramitochondrial Ca²⁺ concentrations and analysed mitochondrial respiration, morphology, CL content, the composition of molecular CL species, oxidation of CL and two mono-lyso-CL species. Hypoxia/reoxygenation in the presence of elevated extramitochondrial Ca²⁺ concentration caused dramatic impairment of mitochondrial respiration and morphology. Concomitantly, increased amounts of oxidised CL were detected in the incubation medium after the treatment. Hypoxia/reoxygenation alone caused degradation of CL. The treatments had no effect on the composition of molecular CL species. Our data support the hypothesis that CL oxidation and CL degradation are involved in mitochondrial injury caused by hypoxia/reoxygenation and Ca²⁺. Our results further suggest that prevention of CL oxidation by modification of CL composition may support the beneficial action of antioxidants during hypoxia/reoxygenation in the presence of elevated Ca²⁺ concentrations.     

Characteristics of glutamate dehydrogenase in mitochondria prepared from corn shoots

The amination of α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) by NADH-glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) obtained from Sephadex G-75 treated crude extracts from shoots of 5-day-old seedlings was stimulated by the addition of Ca²⁺. The NADH-GDH purified 161-fold with ammonium sulfate, DEAE-Toyopearl, and Sephadex G-200 was also activated by Ca²⁺ in the presence of 160 micromolar NADH. However, with 10 micromolar NADH, Ca²⁺ had no effect on the NADH-GDH activity. The deamination reaction (NAD-GDH) was not influenced by the addition of Ca²⁺.

About 25% of the NADH-GDH activity was solubilized from purified mitochondria after a simple osmotic shock treatment, whereas the remaining 75% of the activity was associated with the mitochondrial membrane fraction. When the lysed mitochondria, mitochondrial matrix, or mitochondrial membrane fraction was used as the source of NADH-GDH, Ca²⁺ had little effect on its activity. The mitochondrial fraction contained about 155 nanomoles Ca per milligram of mitochondrial protein, suggesting that the NADH-GDH in the mitochondria is already in an activated form with regard Ca²⁺. In a simulated in vitro system using concentrations of 6.4 millimolar NAD, 0.21 millimolar NADH, 5 millimolar α-KG, and 5 millimolar glutamate thought to occur in the mitochondria, together with 1 millimolar Ca²⁺, 10 and 50 millimolar NH₄⁺, and purified enzyme, the equilibrium of GDH was in the direction of glutamate formation.