Localization of mRNAs coding for mitochondrial proteins in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Targeted mRNA localization is a likely determinant of localized protein synthesis. To investigate whether mRNAs encoding mitochondrial proteins (mMPs) localize to mitochondria and, thus, might confer localized protein synthesis and import, we visualized endogenously expressed mMPs in vivo for the first time. We determined the localization of 24 yeast mMPs encoding proteins of the mitochondrial matrix, outer and inner membrane, and intermembrane space and found that many mMPs colocalize with mitochondria in vivo. This supports earlier cell fractionation and microarray-based studies that proposed mMP association with the mitochondrial fraction. Interestingly, a number of mMPs showed a dependency on the mitochondrial Puf3 RNA-binding protein, as well as nonessential proteins of the translocase of the outer membrane (TOM) complex import machinery, for normal colocalization with mitochondria. We examined the specific determinants of ATP2 and OXA1 mRNA localization and found a mutual dependency on the 3' UTR, Puf3, Tom7, and Tom70, but not Tom20, for localization. Tom6 may facilitate the localization of specific mRNAs as OXA1, but not ATP2, mRNA was mislocalized in tom6Δ cells. Interestingly, a substantial fraction of OXA1 and ATP2 RNA granules colocalized with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and a deletion in MDM10, which mediates mitochondria-ER tethering, resulted in a significant loss of OXA1 mRNA localization with ER. Finally, neither ATP2 nor OXA1 mRNA targeting was affected by a block in translation initiation, indicating that translation may not be essential for mRNA anchoring. Thus, endogenously expressed mRNAs are targeted to the mitochondria in vivo, and multiple factors contribute to mMP localization.     

mRNA localization to the mitochondrial surface allows the efficient translocation inside the organelle of a nuclear recoded ATP6 protein

As previously established in yeast, two sequences within mRNAs are responsible for their specific localization to the mitochondrial surface-the region coding for the mitochondrial targeting sequence and the 3'UTR. This phenomenon is conserved in human cells. Therefore, we decided to use mRNA localization as a tool to address to mitochondria, a protein that is not normally imported. For this purpose, we associated a nuclear recoded ATP6 gene with the mitochondrial targeting sequence and the 3'UTR of the nuclear SOD2 gene, which mRNA exclusively localizes to the mitochondrial surface in HeLa cells. The ATP6 gene is naturally located into the organelle and encodes a highly hydrophobic protein of the respiratory chain complex V. In this study, we demonstrated that hybrid ATP6 mRNAs, as the endogenous SOD2 mRNA, localize to the mitochondrial surface in human cells. Remarkably, fusion proteins localize to mitochondria in vivo. Indeed, ATP6 precursors synthesized in the cytoplasm were imported into mitochondria in a highly efficient way, especially when both the MTS and the 3'UTR of the SOD2 gene were associated with the re-engineered ATP6 gene. Hence, these data indicate that mRNA targeting to the mitochondrial surface represents an attractive strategy for allowing the mitochondrial import of proteins originally encoded by the mitochondrial genome without any amino acid change in the protein that could interfere with its biologic activity.     

The N‐Terminal Sequences of Four Major Hydrogenosomal Proteins Are Not Essential for Import into Hydrogenosomes of Trichomonas vaginalis

The human pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis harbors hydrogenosomes, organelles of mitochondrial origin that generate ATP through hydrogen‐producing fermentations. They contain neither genome nor translation machinery, but approximately 500 proteins that are imported from the cytosol. In contrast to well‐studied organelles like Saccharomyces mitochondria, very little is known about how proteins are transported across the two membranes enclosing the hydrogenosomal matrix. Recent studies indicate that—in addition to N‐terminal transit peptides—internal targeting signals might be more common in hydrogenosomes than in mitochondria. To further characterize the extent to which N‐terminal and internal motifs mediate hydrogenosomal protein targeting, we transfected Trichomonas with 24 hemagglutinin (HA) tag fusion constructs, encompassing 13 different hydrogenosomal and cytosolic proteins of the parasite. Hydrogenosomal targeting of these proteins was analyzed by subcellular fractionation and independently by immunofluorescent localization. The investigated proteins include some of the most abundant hydrogenosomal proteins, such as pyruvate ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO), which possesses an amino‐terminal targeting signal that is processed on import into hydrogenosomes, but is shown here not to be required for import into hydrogenosomes. Our results demonstrate that the deletion of N‐terminal signals of hydrogenosomal precursors generally has little, if any, influence upon import into hydrogenosomes. Although the necessary and sufficient signals for hydrogenosomal import recognition appear complex, targeting to the organelle is still highly specific, as demonstrated by the finding that six HA‐tagged glycolytic enzymes, highly expressed under the same promoter as other constructs studied here, localized exclusively to the cytosol and did not associate with hydrogenosomes.     

Identification and characterization of the mitochondrial targeting sequence and mechanism in human citrate synthase

Citrate synthase (CS), the first and rate‐limiting enzyme of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, plays a decisive role in regulating energy generation of mitochondrial respiration. Most mitochondrial proteins are synthesized in the cytoplasm as preproteins with an amino (N)‐terminal mitochondrial targeting sequence (MTS) that directs mitochondria‐specific sorting of the preprotein. However, the MTS and targeting mechanism of the human CS protein are not fully characterized. The human CS gene is a single nuclear gene which transcribes into two mRNA variants, isoform a (CSa) and b (CSb), by alternative splicing of exon 2. CSa encodes 466 amino acids, including a putative N‐terminal MTS, while CSb expresses 400 residues with a shorter N terminus, lacking the MTS. Our results indicated that CSa is localized in the mitochondria and the N‐terminal 27 amino acids, including a well‐conserved RXY ↓ (S/A) motif (the RHAS sequence), can efficiently target the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) into the mitochondria. Furthermore, site‐directed mutagenesis analysis of the conserved basic amino acids and serine/threonine residues revealed that the R9 residue is essential but all serine/threonine residues are dispensable in the mitochondrial targeting function. Moreover, RNA interference (RNAi)‐mediated gene silencing of the preprotein import receptors, including TOM20, TOM22, and TOM70, showed that all three preprotein import receptors are required for transporting CSa into the mitochondria. In conclusion, we have experimentally identified the mitochondrial targeting sequence of human CSa and elucidated its targeting mechanism. These results provide an important basis for the study of mitochondrial dysfunction due to aberrant CSa trafficking. J. Cell. Biochem. 107: 1002–1015, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

A genome‐scale analysis of mRNAs targeting to plant mitochondria: upstream AUGs in 5' untranslated regions reduce mitochondrial association

Intracellular sorting of mRNAs is an essential process for regulating gene expression and protein localization. Most mitochondrial proteins are nuclear‐encoded and imported into the mitochondria through post‐translational or co‐translational processes. In the latter case, mRNAs are found to be enriched in the vicinity of mitochondria. A genome‐scale analysis of mRNAs associated with mitochondria has been performed to determine plant cytosolic mRNAs targeted to the mitochondrial surface. Many messengers encoding mitochondrial proteins were found associated with mitochondria. These mRNAs correspond to particular functions and complexes, such as respiration or mitoribosomes, which indicates a coordinated control of mRNA localization within metabolic pathways. In addition, upstream AUGs in 5' untranslated regions (UTRs), which modulate the translation efficiency of downstream sequences, were found to negatively affect the association of mRNAs with mitochondria. A mutational approach coupled with in vivo mRNA visualization confirmed this observation. Moreover, this technique allowed the identification of 3'‐UTRs as another essential element for mRNA localization at the mitochondrial surface. Therefore, this work offers new insights into the mechanism, function and regulation of the association of cytosolic mRNAs with plant mitochondria.     

N‐terminal region of Mannheimia haemolytica leukotoxin serves as a mitochondrial targeting signal in mammalian cells

Mannheimia haemolytica leukotoxin (LktA) is a member of the RTX toxin family that specifically kills ruminant leukocytes. Previous studies have shown that LktA induces apoptosis in susceptible cells via a caspase‐9‐dependent pathway that involves binding of LktA to mitochondria. In this study, using the bioinformatics tool MitoProt II we identified an N‐terminal amino acid sequence of LktA that represents a mitochondrial targeting signal (MTS). We show that expression of this sequence, as a GFP fusion protein within mammalian cells, directs GFP to mitochondria. By immunoprecipitation we demonstrate that LktA interacts with the Tom22 and Tom40 components of the translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane (TOM), which suggests that import of this toxin into mitochondria involves a classical import pathway for endogenous proteins. We also analysed the amino acid sequences of other RTX toxins and found a MTS in the N‐terminal region of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae ApxII and enterohaemorrhagicEscherichia coli EhxA, but not in A. pleuropneumoniae ApxI, ApxIII, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans LtxA or the haemolysin (HlyA) from uropathogenic strains of E. coli. These findings provide a new evidence for the importance of the N‐terminal region in addressing certain RTX toxins to mitochondria.     

Discovery of a mRNA mitochondrial localization element in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by nonhomologous random recombination and in vivo selection

In budding yeast, over 100 nuclear-encoded mRNAs are localized to the mitochondria. The determinants of mRNA localization to the mitochondria are not well understood, and protein factors involved in this process have not yet been identified. To reveal the sequence determinants for mitochondrial localization in a comprehensive and unbiased manner, we generated highly diversified libraries of 3′ UTR regions from a known mitochondrially localized mRNA by nonhomologous random recombination (NRR) and subjected the resulting sequences to an in vivo selection that links cell survival to mitochondrial mRNA localization. When applied to the yeast ATP2 mRNA, this approach rapidly identified a 50-nt consensus motif, designated Min2, as well as two Min2-homologous regions naturally present downstream of the ATP2 stop codon, which are sufficient when appended to the 3′ end of various reporter mRNAs to induce mitochondrial localization. Site-directed mutagenesis of Min2 revealed primary and secondary structure elements that contribute to localization activity. In addition, the Min2 motif may facilitate the identification of proteins involved in this mode of establishing cellular asymmetry.     

Tom20 Mediates Localization of mRNAs to Mitochondria in a Translation-Dependent Manner

mRNAs encoding mitochondrial proteins are enriched in the vicinity of mitochondria, presumably to facilitate protein transport. A possible mechanism for enrichment may involve interaction of the translocase of the mitochondrial outer membrane (TOM) complex with the precursor protein while it is translated, thereby leading to association of polysomal mRNAs with mitochondria. To test this hypothesis, we isolated mitochondrial fractions from yeast cells lacking the major import receptor, Tom20, and compared their mRNA repertoire to that of wild-type cells by DNA microarrays. Most mRNAs encoding mitochondrial proteins were less associated with mitochondria, yet the extent of decrease varied among genes. Analysis of several mRNAs revealed that optimal association of Tom20 target mRNAs requires both translating ribosomes and features within the encoded mitochondrial targeting signal. Recently, Puf3p was implicated in the association of mRNAs with mitochondria through interaction with untranslated regions. We therefore constructed a tom20Δ puf3Δ double-knockout strain, which demonstrated growth defects under conditions where fully functional mitochondria are required. Mislocalization effects for few tested mRNAs appeared stronger in the double knockout than in the tom20Δ strain. Taken together, our data reveal a large-scale mRNA association mode that involves interaction of Tom20p with the translated mitochondrial targeting sequence and may be assisted by Puf3p.mRNA localization to distinct cellular compartments is important for the efficiency and specificity of the translation process. Synthesis of proteins at their sites of action may decrease the likelihood of ectopic protein expression and facilitate assembly of large multiprotein complexes. Two general modes for mRNA localization are known. The first, which is common for endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated mRNAs, necessitates translation of a short region of the protein (the signal peptide). The signal is recognized by the signal recognition particle as it emerges from the ribosome exit tunnel, and the complex that includes the mRNA, ribosome, and signal recognition particle is targeted to the ER (18). As an outcome of this process, mRNAs that encode proteins destined for the ER and the secretory pathway are associated with this compartment (7). The second mode for mRNA localization occurs prior to translation and in many cases prevents initiation of protein synthesis. Sequences or structural elements of the mRNA are bound by RNA-binding proteins, and these interact with transport factors, which direct the mRNA to its destination (5, 35, 42). Genome-wide studies indicate that localization by either mode is a broad phenomenon that encompasses many mRNAs and various cellular destinations (6, 21, 32, 38). Interestingly, we along with others have recently shown that noncoding regions may also be involved in localization of ER-associated mRNAs (1, 26, 38), demonstrating that these two modes are not mutually exclusive.Most of the mitochondrial proteins are encoded in the nucleus and need to be imported into the organelle. Various in vitro and in vivo assays led to the widely accepted notion that import may occur posttranslationally, i.e., after the protein is fully synthesized in the cytosol (33). However, mounting evidence also supports a cotranslational import of proteins into the mitochondria. Specifically, polysomes were shown to be associated with the mitochondrial surface, and these translated a distinct set of proteins (12, 19, 20). Moreover, isolated mitochondria are associated with many different mRNAs that encode mitochondrial proteins (28, 46). Elements from both the coding region (the mitochondrial targeting signal [MTS]) and the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) were shown to be important for targeting of some of these mRNAs (4, 29). One model for localization suggests association of the nascent peptide chain (specifically, the N-terminal MTS) with receptors on the mitochondria, coupled to cotranslational insertion of the protein (24). As an outcome of this cotranslational mechanism, polysomal mRNAs become associated with the mitochondria, analogously to what is observed in the ER. However, experimental support for this hypothesis is currently lacking.Recently, Saint-Georges et al. (41) have shown a role for Puf3p in localization of many mRNAs to the mitochondria of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Puf3p is associated with the mitochondria outer membrane (11), and its role is mediated through interaction with UTRs. This may suggest a translation-independent mode of action. Intriguingly, however, most Puf3 targets appeared to be mislocalized also after treatment with the translation inhibitor cycloheximide (CHX), suggesting that an active translation process is required for their asymmetric localization (41). Moreover, a large number of mRNAs that are not Puf3 targets appeared to be affected from treatments with the translation inhibitors puromycin and cycloheximide (41), further supporting the existence of an additional, translation-dependent mode of mRNA targeting to the mitochondria.The translocase of the mitochondrial outer membrane (TOM complex) is a multiprotein machinery which mediates the import of the vast majority of proteins into the mitochondria (36, 39). Its core protein (Tom40) forms a β-barrel structure and serves as the main component of the import pore. Tom20 is a peripheral component of the TOM complex that functions as a primary receptor for mitochondrial precursor proteins (15). It was hypothesized that protein receptors interact with the incoming polypeptide while it is translated, and this leads to a local increase in mRNA concentration (24). An open question is whether the TOM complex, through Tom20, interacts with polypeptides while they are translated and thereby leads to higher local concentrations of mRNAs near the mitochondria. To address this issue, we analyzed the effects of TOM20 deletion on mRNA association with mitochondrial fractions and the role of the MTS on mRNA localization. We also tested the interactions between Tom20 and Puf3. We found that Tom20 is involved in mitochondrial association of many mRNAs by a process that requires the MTS. Tom20 deletion affects the localization of Puf3p, and a strain with deletions of both Tom20 and Puf3 exhibits a growth defect under conditions that require mitochondrial optimal function.     

In vitro and in vivo studies on the mitochondrial import of CBS1, a translational activator of cytochrome b in yeast

Summary Translation of mitochondrial cytochrome b mRNA in yeast is activated by the product of the nuclear gene CBS1. CBS1 encodes a 27 kDa precursor protein, which is cleaved to a 24 kDa mature protein during the import into isolated mitochondria. The sequences required for mitochondrial import reside in the amino-terminal end of the CBS1 precursor. Deletion of the 76 amino-terminal amino acids renders the protein incompetent for mitochondrial import in vitro and non-functional in vivo. When present on a high copy number plasmid and under the control of a strong yeast promoter, biological function can be restored by this truncated derivative. This observation indicates that the CBS1 protein devoid of mitochondrial targeting sequences can enter mitochondria in vivo, possibly due to a bypass of the mitochondrial import system.     

Isolation of mitochondrial and plastid ftsZ genes and analysis of the organelle targeting sequence in the diatom Chaetoceros neogracile (Diatoms,Bacillariophyceae)

Mitochondria and plastids multiply by division in eukaryotic cells. Recently, the eukaryotic homolog of the bacterial cell division protein FtsZ was identified and shown to play an important role in the organelle division process inside the inner membrane. To explore the evolution of FtsZ proteins, and to accumulate data on the protein import system in mitochondria and plastids of the red algal lineage, one mitochondrial and three plastid ftsZ genes were isolated from the diatom Chaetoceros neogracile, whose plastids were acquired by secondary endosymbiotic uptake of a red alga. Protein import into organelles depends on the N‐terminal organelle targeting sequences. N‐terminal bipartite presequences consisting of an endoplasmic reticulum signal peptide and a plastid transit peptide are required for protein import into diatom plastids. To characterize the organelle targeting peptides of C. neogracile, we observed the localization of each green fluorescent protein‐tagged predicted organelle targeting peptide in cultured tobacco cells and diatom cells. Our data suggested that each targeting sequences functioned both in tobacco cultured cells and diatom cells.     

Mdm38 is a 14-3-3-like receptor and associates with the protein synthesis machinery at the inner mitochondrial membrane

Mitochondrial ribosomes synthesize core subunits of the inner membrane respiratory chain complexes. In mitochondria, translation is regulated by mRNA‐specific activator proteins and occurs on membrane‐associated ribosomes. Mdm38/Letm1 is a conserved membrane receptor for mitochondrial ribosomes and specifically involved in respiratory chain biogenesis. In addition, Mdm38 and its higher eukaryotic homolog Letm1, function as K⁺/H⁺ or Ca²⁺/H⁺ antiporters in the inner membrane. Here, we identify the conserved ribosome‐binding domain (RBD) of Mdm38 and determine the crystal structure at 2.1 Å resolution. Surprisingly, Mdm38^RBD displays a 14‐3‐3‐like fold despite any similarity to 14‐3‐3‐proteins at the primary sequence level and thus represents the first 14‐3‐3‐like protein in mitochondria. The 14‐3‐3‐like domain is critical for respiratory chain assembly through regulation of Cox1 and Cytb translation. We show that this function can be spatially separated from the ion transport activity of the membrane integrated portion of Mdm38. On the basis of the phenotypes observed for mdm38Δ as compared to Mdm38 lacking the RBD, we suggest a model that combining ion transport and translational regulation into one molecule allows for direct coupling of ion flux across the inner membrane, and serves as a signal for the translation of mitochondrial membrane proteins via its direct association with the protein synthesis machinery.     

Trypanosome Alternative Oxidase Possesses both an N-Terminal and Internal Mitochondrial Targeting Signal

Recognition of mitochondrial targeting signals (MTS) by receptor translocases of outer and inner membranes of mitochondria is one of the prerequisites for import of nucleus-encoded proteins into this organelle. The MTS for a majority of trypanosomatid mitochondrial proteins have not been well defined. Here we analyzed the targeting signal for trypanosome alternative oxidase (TAO), which functions as the sole terminal oxidase in the infective form of Trypanosoma brucei. Deleting the first 10 of 24 amino acids predicted to be the classical N-terminal MTS of TAO did not affect its import into mitochondria in vitro. Furthermore, ectopically expressed TAO was targeted to mitochondria in both forms of the parasite even after deletion of first 40 amino acid residues. However, deletion of more than 20 amino acid residues from the N terminus reduced the efficiency of import. These data suggest that besides an N-terminal MTS, TAO possesses an internal mitochondrial targeting signal. In addition, both the N-terminal MTS and the mature TAO protein were able to target a cytosolic protein, dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), to a T. brucei mitochondrion. Further analysis identified a cryptic internal MTS of TAO, located within amino acid residues 115 to 146, which was fully capable of targeting DHFR to mitochondria. The internal signal was more efficient than the N-terminal MTS for import of this heterologous protein. Together, these results show that TAO possesses a cleavable N-terminal MTS as well as an internal MTS and that these signals act together for efficient import of TAO into mitochondria.     

NOA1, a Novel ClpXP Substrate,Takes an Unexpected Nuclear Detour Prior to Mitochondrial Import

The mitochondrial matrix GTPase NOA1 is a nuclear encoded protein, essential for mitochondrial protein synthesis, oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production. Here, we demonstrate that newly translated NOA1 protein is imported into the nucleus, where it localizes to the nucleolus and interacts with UBF1 before nuclear export and import into mitochondria. Mutation of the nuclear localization signal (NLS) prevented both nuclear and mitochondrial import while deletion of the N-terminal mitochondrial targeting sequence (MTS) or the C-terminal RNA binding domain of NOA1 impaired mitochondrial import. Absence of the MTS resulted in accumulation of NOA1 in the nucleus and increased caspase-dependent apoptosis. We also found that export of NOA1 from the nucleus requires a leptomycin-B sensitive, Crm1-dependent nuclear export signal (NES). Finally, we show that NOA1 is a new substrate of the mitochondrial matrix protease complex ClpXP. Our results uncovered an unexpected, mandatory detour of NOA1 through the nucleolus before uptake into mitochondria. We propose that nucleo-mitochondrial translocation of proteins is more widespread than previously anticipated providing additional means to control protein bioavailability as well as cellular communication between both compartments.     

Transport of adenine nucleotides in the mitochondria of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Interactions between the ADP/ATP carriers and the ATP-Mg/Pi carrier

The ADP/ATP and ATP-Mg/Pi carriers are widespread among eukaryotes and constitute two systems to transport adenine nucleotides in mitochondria. ADP/ATP carriers carry out an electrogenic exchange of ADP for ATP essential for oxidative phosphorylation, whereas ATP-Mg/Pi carriers perform an electroneutral exchange of ATP-Mg for phosphate and are able to modulate the net content of adenine nucleotides in mitochondria. The functional interplay between both carriers has been shown to modulate viability in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The simultaneous absence of both carriers is lethal. In the light of the new evidence we suggest that, in addition to exchange of cytosolic ADP for mitochondrial ATP, the specific function of the ADP/ATP carriers required for respiration, both transporters have a second function, which is the import of cytosolic ATP in mitochondria. The participation of these carriers in the generation of mitochondrial membrane potential is discussed. Both are necessary for the function of the mitochondrial protein import and assembly systems, which are the only essential mitochondrial functions in S. cerevisiae.     

The nuclear genes Mtfr1 and Dufd1 regulate mitochondrial dynamic and cellular respiration

Dufd1 (DUF729 domain containing 1) is related to Mtfr1 (mitochondrial fission regulator 1), a gene involved in the regulation of antioxidant activity in the mouse testis. The present study was undertaken to better understand their role in regulating mitochondrial architecture and function in the mouse. We show that Dufd1 is expressed as a 2 kb mRNA and has a more specific tissue pattern compared to Mtfr1, with highest level of expression in testes, lower level in spleen, and negligible levels in other organs and/or tissues. In the male gonad, Dufd1 mRNA expression increases during postnatal development, similarly to Mtfr1. In situ hybridization and real‐time PCR analyses show that Dufd1 is expressed in the seminiferous tubules by middle‐late pachytene spermatocytes and spermatids. In transfected cells, the Dufd1‐tagged protein is located in mitochondria, associated with the tips of mitochondrial tubules and to tubules constrictions, and induces mitochondrial fission although with a lesser efficiency than Mtfr1. We also found that both endogenous Dufd1 and Mtfr1 proteins are associated with membrane‐enriched subcellular fractions, including mitochondria. Inhibition of Mtfr1 and/or Dufd1 expression, in a testicular germ cells line, severely impairs O₂ consumption and indicates that both genes are required for mitochondrial respiration. Accordingly, analysis of testes mitochondria from Mtfr1‐deficient mice reveals severely reduced O₂ consumption and ATP synthesis compared to wt animals. These data show that, in murine testis, Dufd1 and Mtfr1 have redundant functions related to mitochondrial physiology and represent genes with a potential role in testicular function. J. Cell. Physiol. 225: 767–776, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Deficiency of TPPP2, a factor linked to oligoasthenozoospermia,causes subfertility in male mice

Oligoasthenozoospermia is a major cause of male infertility; however, its etiology and pathogenesis are unclear and may be associated with specific gene abnormalities. This study focused on Tppp2 (tubulin polymerization promoting protein family member 2), whose encoded protein localizes in elongating spermatids at stages IV‐VIII of the seminiferous epithelial cycle in testis and in mature sperm in the epididymis. In human and mouse sperm, in vitro inhibition of TPPP2 caused significantly decreased motility and ATP content. Studies on Tppp2 knockout (KO) mice demonstrated that deletion of TPPP2 resulted in male subfertility with a significantly decreased sperm count and motility. In Tppp2^?/? mice, increased irregular mitochondria lacking lamellar cristae, abnormal expression of electron transfer chain molecules, lower ATP levels, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and increased apoptotic index were observed in sperm, which could be the potential causes for its oligoasthenozoospermia phenotype. Moreover, we identified a potential TPPP2‐interactive protein, eEf1b (eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 beta), which plays an important role in protein translation extension. Thus, TPPP2 is probably a potential pathogenic factor in oligoasthenozoospermia. Deficiency of TPPP2 might affect the translation of specific proteins, altering the structure and function of sperm mitochondria, and resulting in decreased sperm count, motility and fertility.     

A RAD52‐like single‐stranded DNA binding protein affects mitochondrial DNA repair by recombination

The plant mitochondrial DNA‐binding protein ODB1 was identified from a mitochondrial extract after DNA‐affinity purification. ODB1 (organellar DNA‐binding protein 1) co‐purified with WHY2, a mitochondrial member of the WHIRLY family of plant‐specific proteins involved in the repair of organellar DNA. The Arabidopsis thaliana ODB1 gene is identical to RAD52‐1, which encodes a protein functioning in homologous recombination in the nucleus but additionally localizing to mitochondria. We confirmed the mitochondrial localization of ODB1 by in vitro and in vivo import assays, as well as by immunodetection on Arabidopsis subcellular fractions. In mitochondria, WHY2 and ODB1 were found in large nucleo‐protein complexes. Both proteins co‐immunoprecipitated in a DNA‐dependent manner. In vitro assays confirmed DNA binding by ODB1 and showed that the protein has higher affinity for single‐stranded than for double‐stranded DNA. ODB1 showed no sequence specificity in vitro. In vivo, DNA co‐immunoprecipitation indicated that ODB1 binds sequences throughout the mitochondrial genome. ODB1 promoted annealing of complementary DNA sequences, suggesting a RAD52‐like function as a recombination mediator. Arabidopsis odb1 mutants were morphologically indistinguishable from the wild‐type, but following DNA damage by genotoxic stress, they showed reduced mitochondrial homologous recombination activity. Under the same conditions, the odb1 mutants showed an increase in illegitimate repair bypasses generated by microhomology‐mediated recombination. These observations identify ODB1 as a further component of homologous recombination‐dependent DNA repair in plant mitochondria.