A chemical inhibitor of DRP1 uncouples mitochondrial fission and apoptosis

DRP1, a member of the dynamin family of large GTPases, mediates mitochondrial fission. In a recent issue of Developmental Cell, Cassidy-Stone et al. (2008) identified mdivi-1, a new DRP1 inhibitor that prevents mitochondria division and Bax-mediated mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization during apoptosis.     

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.     

Cytochrome c maintains mitochondrial transmembrane potential and ATP generation after outer mitochondrial membrane permeabilization during the apoptotic process

During apoptosis, cytochrome c is released into the cytosol as the outer membrane of mitochondria becomes permeable, and this acts to trigger caspase activation. The consequences of this release for mitochondrial metabolism are unclear. Using single-cell analysis, we found that when caspase activity is inhibited, mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization causes a rapid depolarization of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, which recovers to original levels over the next 30-60 min and is then maintained. After outer membrane permeabilization, mitochondria can use cytoplasmic cytochrome c to maintain mitochondrial transmembrane potential and ATP production. Furthermore, both cytochrome c release and apoptosis proceed normally in cells in which mitochondria have been uncoupled. These studies demonstrate that cytochrome c release does not affect the integrity of the mitochondrial inner membrane and that, in the absence of caspase activation, mitochondrial functions can be maintained after the release of cytochrome c.     

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.     

Apoptosis-associated mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization assays

Following most cell death signals, pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 members as Bax and Bak are activated and oligomerize into the mitochondria outer membrane, triggering its permeabilization and release into the cytosol of soluble apoptogenic factors such as cytochrome c involved in caspase activation. Thus, in many studies focused on apoptosis, cytochrome c release within cells is frequently examined to assess Bax/Bak activation and mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization. In addition, cytochrome c release can also be investigated in vitro in functional mitochondria that have been isolated from cultured cells, offering a number of advantages. Here, protocols for measuring cytochrome c release from intact cells as well as from isolated mitochondria is detailed. Finally, assays to investigate Bax/Bak activation and olimerization are also presented.     

Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential during staurosporine-induced apoptosis in Jurkat cells

Cytochrome c release from mitochondria is central to apoptosis, but the events leading up to it are disputed. The mitochondrial membrane potential has been reported to decrease, increase or remain unchanged during cytochrome c release. We measured mitochondrial membrane potential in Jurkat cells undergoing apoptosis by the uptake of the radiolabelled lipophilic cation TPMP, enabling small changes in potential to be determined. The ATP/ADP ratio, mitochondrial and cell volumes, plasma membrane potential and the mitochondrial membrane potential in permeabilised cells were also measured. Before cytochrome c release the mitochondrial membrane potential increased, followed by a decrease in potential associated with mitochondrial swelling and the release of cytochrome c and DDP-1, an intermembrane space house keeping protein. Mitochondrial swelling and cytochrome c release were both blocked by bongkrekic acid, an inhibitor of the permeability transition. We conclude that during apoptosis mitochondria undergo an initial priming phase associated with hyperpolarisation which leads to an effector phase, during which mitochondria swell and release cytochrome c.     

Disruption of mitochondrial function during apoptosis is mediated by caspase cleavage of the p75 subunit of complex I of the electron transport chain

Mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization and cytochrome c release promote caspase activation and execution of apoptosis through cleavage of specific caspase substrates in the cell. Among the first targets of activated caspases are the permeabilized mitochondria themselves, leading to disruption of electron transport, loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (DeltaPsim), decline in ATP levels, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and loss of mitochondrial structural integrity. Here, we identify NDUFS1, the 75 kDa subunit of respiratory complex I, as a critical caspase substrate in the mitochondria. Cells expressing a noncleavable mutant of p75 sustain DeltaPsim and ATP levels during apoptosis, and ROS production in response to apoptotic stimuli is dampened. While cytochrome c release and DNA fragmentation are unaffected by the noncleavable p75 mutant, mitochondrial morphology of dying cells is maintained, and loss of plasma membrane integrity is delayed. Therefore, caspase cleavage of NDUFS1 is required for several mitochondrial changes associated with apoptosis.     

Bcl-2 sensitive mitochondrial potassium accumulation and swelling in apoptosis

During etoposide-induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells, cytochrome c release was associated with mitochondrial swelling caused by increased mitochondrial potassium uptake. The mitochondrial permeability transition was also observed; however, it was not the primary cause of mitochondrial swelling. Potassium uptake and swelling of mitochondria were blocked by bcl-2 overexpression. As a result, cytochrome c release was reduced, and apoptosis delayed. Residual cytochrome c release in the absence of swelling in bcl-2 expressing cells could be due to observed Bax translocation into mitochondria. This study suggests several novel aspects of apoptotic signaling: (1) potassium related swelling of mitochondria; (2) inhibition of mitochondrial potassium uptake by bcl-2; (3) co-existence within one system of multiple mechanisms of cytochrome c release: mitochondrial swelling and swelling-independent permeabilization of the outer mitochondrial membrane.     

Mitochondrial release of apoptosis-inducing factor occurs downstream of cytochrome c release in response to several proapoptotic stimuli

Mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization by proapoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins, such as Bax, plays a crucial role in apoptosis induction. However, whether this only causes the intracytosolic release of inducers of caspase-dependent death, such as cytochrome c, or also of caspase-independent death, such as apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) remains unknown. Here, we show that on isolated mitochondria, Bax causes the release of cytochrome c, but not of AIF, and the association of AIF with the mitochondrial inner membrane provides a simple explanation for its lack of release upon Bax-mediated outer membrane permeabilization. In cells overexpressing Bax or treated either with the Bax- or Bak-dependent proapoptotic drugs staurosporine or actinomycin D, or with hydrogen peroxide, caspase inhibitors did not affect the intracytosolic translocation of cytochrome c, but prevented that of AIF. These results provide a paradigm for mitochondria-dependent death pathways in which AIF cannot substitute for caspase executioners because its intracytosolic release occurs downstream of that of cytochrome c.     

Bid,Bax, and lipids cooperate to form supramolecular openings in the outer mitochondrial membrane

Bcl-2 family proteins regulate the release of proteins like cytochrome c from mitochondria during apoptosis. We used cell-free systems and ultimately a vesicular reconstitution from defined molecules to show that outer membrane permeabilization by Bcl-2 family proteins requires neither the mitochondrial matrix, the inner membrane, nor other proteins. Bid, or its BH3-domain peptide, activated monomeric Bax to produce membrane openings that allowed the passage of very large (2 megadalton) dextran molecules, explaining the translocation of large mitochondrial proteins during apoptosis. This process required cardiolipin and was inhibited by antiapoptotic Bcl-x(L). We conclude that mitochondrial protein release in apoptosis can be mediated by supramolecular openings in the outer mitochondrial membrane, promoted by BH3/Bax/lipid interaction and directly inhibited by Bcl-x(L).     

Is MAC the knife that cuts cytochrome c from mitochondria during apoptosis?

Apoptosis is a phenomenon fundamental to higher eukaryotes and essential to mechanisms controlling tissue homeostasis. Bcl-2 family proteins tightly control this cell death program by regulating the permeabilization of the mitochondrial outer membrane and, hence, the release of cytochrome c and other proapoptotic factors. Mitochondrial apoptosis-induced channel (MAC) is the mitochondrial apoptosis-induced channel and is responsible for cytochrome c release early in apoptosis. MAC activity is detected by patch clamping mitochondria at the time of cytochrome c release. The Bcl-2 family proteins regulate apoptosis by controlling the formation of MAC. Depending on cell type and apoptotic inducer, Bax and/or Bak are structural component(s) of MAC. Overexpression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 eliminates MAC activity. The focus of this review is a biophysical characterization of MAC activity and its regulation by Bcl-2 family proteins, and ends with some discussion of therapeutic targets.     

Bilirubin and amyloid-beta peptide induce cytochrome c release through mitochondrial membrane permeabilization

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of bilirubin encephalopathy and Alzheimer's disease appears to result from accumulation of unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) and amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptide, respectively, which may cause apoptosis. Permeabilization of the mitochondrial membrane, with release of intermembrane proteins, has been strongly implicated in cell death. Inhibition of the mitochondrial permeability is one pathway by which ursodeoxycholate (UDC) and tauroursodeoxycholate (TUDC) protect against apoptosis in hepatic and nonhepatic cells. In this study, we further characterize UCB- and Abeta-induced cytotoxicty in isolated neural cells, and investigate membrane perturbation during incubation of isolated mitochondria with both agents. In addition, we evaluate whether the anti-apoptotic drugs UDC and TUDC prevent any changes from occurring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Primary rat neuron and astrocyte cultures were incubated with UCB or Abeta peptide, either alone or in the presence of UDC. Apoptosis was assessed by DNA fragmentation and nuclear morphological changes. Isolated mitochondria were treated with each toxic, either alone or in combination with UDC, TUDC, or cyclosporine A. Mitochondrial swelling was measured spectrophotometrically and cytochrome c protein levels determined by Western blot. RESULTS: Incubation of neural cells with both UCB and Abeta induced apoptosis (p < 0.01). Coincubation with UDC reduced apoptosis by > 50% (p < 0.05). Both toxins caused membrane permeabilization in isolated mitochondria (p < 0.001); whereas, pretreatment with UDC was protective (p < 0.05). TUDC was even more effective at preventing matrix swelling mediated by Abeta (p < 0.01). UDC and TUDC markedly reduced cytochrome c release associated with mitochondrial permeabilization induced by UCB and Abeta, respectively (p < 0.05). Moreover, cyclosporine A significantly inhibited mitochondrial swelling and cytochrome c efflux mediated by UCB (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: UCB and Abeta peptide activate the apoptotic machinery in neural cells. Toxicity occurs through a mitochondrial-dependent pathway, which in part involves opening of the permeability transition pore. Furthermore, membrane permeabilization is required for cytochrome c release from mitochondria and can be prevented by UDC or TUDC. These data suggest that the mitochondria is a pharmacological target for cytoprotection during unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia and neurodegenerative disorders, and that UDC or TUDC may be potential therapeutic agents.     

Correlated light and electron microscopy illuminates the role of mitochondrial inner membrane remodeling during apoptosis

In addition to their role in providing ATP for cellular functions via oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondria also play a critical role in initiating and/or regulating apoptosis through the release of proteins such as cytochrome c from intermembrane and intracristal compartments. The mechanism by which these proteins are able to cross the outer mitochondrial membrane has been a subject of controversy. This paper will review some recent results that demonstrate that inner mitochondrial membrane remodeling does occur during apoptosis in HeLa cells but does not appear to be a requirement for release of cytochrome c from intracristal compartments. Inner membrane remodeling does appear to be related to fragmentation of the mitochondrial matrix, and the form of the remodeling suggests a topological mechanism for inner membrane fission and fusion.     

Identification of a novel protein MICS1 that is involved in maintenance of mitochondrial morphology and apoptotic release of cytochrome c

Mitochondrial morphology dynamically changes in a balance of membrane fusion and fission in response to the environment, cell cycle, and apoptotic stimuli. Here, we report that a novel mitochondrial protein, MICS1, is involved in mitochondrial morphology in specific cristae structures and the apoptotic release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria. MICS1 is an inner membrane protein with a cleavable presequence and multiple transmembrane segments and belongs to the Bi-1 super family. MICS1 down-regulation causes mitochondrial fragmentation and cristae disorganization and stimulates the release of proapoptotic proteins. Expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-XL does not prevent morphological changes of mitochondria caused by MICS1 down-regulation, indicating that MICS1 plays a role in maintaining mitochondrial morphology separately from the function in apoptotic pathways. MICS1 overproduction induces mitochondrial aggregation and partially inhibits cytochrome c release during apoptosis, regardless of the occurrence of Bax targeting. MICS1 is cross-linked to cytochrome c without disrupting membrane integrity. Thus, MICS1 facilitates the tight association of cytochrome c with the inner membrane. Furthermore, under low-serum condition, the delay in apoptotic release of cytochrome c correlates with MICS1 up-regulation without significant changes in mitochondrial morphology, suggesting that MICS1 individually functions in mitochondrial morphology and cytochrome c release.     

The role of dynamin-related protein 1, a mediator of mitochondrial fission, in apoptosis.

In healthy cells, fusion and fission events participate in regulating mitochondrial morphology. Disintegration of the mitochondrial reticulum into multiple punctiform organelles during apoptosis led us to examine the role of Drp1, a dynamin-related protein that mediates outer mitochondrial membrane fission. Upon induction of apoptosis, Drp1 translocates from the cytosol to mitochondria, where it preferentially localizes to potential sites of organelle division. Inhibition of Drp1 by overexpression of a dominant-negative mutant counteracts the conversion to a punctiform mitochondrial phenotype, prevents the loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential and the release of cytochrome c, and reveals a reproducible swelling of the organelles. Remarkably, inhibition of Drp1 blocks cell death, implicating mitochondrial fission as an important step in apoptosis.     

Assessing mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization during apoptosis

Mitochondria play a pivotal role in the regulation of apoptosis. An imbalance in apoptosis can lead to disease. Unscheduled apoptosis has been linked to neurodegeneration while inhibition of apoptosis can cause cancer. An early and key event during apoptosis is the release of factors from mitochondria. In apoptosis the mitochondrial outer membrane becomes permeable, leading to release of apoptogenic factors into the cytosol. One such factor, cytochrome c, is an electron carrier of the respiratory chain normally trapped within the mitochondrial intermembrane space. Many apoptotic studies investigate mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) by monitoring the release of cytochrome c. Here, we describe three reliable techniques that detect cytochrome c release from mitochondria, through subcellular fractionation or immunocytochemistry and fluorescence microscopy, or isolated mitochondria and recombinant Bax and t-Bid proteins in vitro. These techniques will help to identify mechanisms and characterize factors regulating MOMP.     

Bax assembles into large ring‐like structures remodeling the mitochondrial outer membrane in apoptosis

The Bcl‐2 family proteins Bax and Bak are essential for the execution of many apoptotic programs. During apoptosis, Bax translocates to the mitochondria and mediates the permeabilization of the outer membrane, thereby facilitating the release of pro‐apoptotic proteins. Yet the mechanistic details of the Bax‐induced membrane permeabilization have so far remained elusive. Here, we demonstrate that activated Bax molecules, besides forming large and compact clusters, also assemble, potentially with other proteins including Bak, into ring‐like structures in the mitochondrial outer membrane. STED nanoscopy indicates that the area enclosed by a Bax ring is devoid of mitochondrial outer membrane proteins such as Tom20, Tom22, and Sam50. This strongly supports the view that the Bax rings surround an opening required for mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP). Even though these Bax assemblies may be necessary for MOMP, we demonstrate that at least in Drp1 knockdown cells, these assemblies are not sufficient for full cytochrome c release. Together, our super‐resolution data provide direct evidence in support of large Bax‐delineated pores in the mitochondrial outer membrane as being crucial for Bax‐mediated MOMP in cells.     

The relevance of mitochondrial membrane topology to mitochondrial function

This review summarizes recent findings from electron tomography about the three-dimensional shape of mitochondrial membranes and its possible influence on a range of mitochondrial functions. The inner membrane invaginations called cristae are pleomorphic, typically connected by narrow tubular junctions of variable length to the inner boundary membrane. This design may restrict intra-mitochondrial diffusion of metabolites such as ADP, and of soluble proteins such as cytochrome c. Tomographic images of a variety of mitochondria suggest that inner membrane topology reflects a balance between membrane fusion and fission. Proteins that can affect cristae morphology include tBid, which triggers cytochrome c release in apoptosis, and the dynamin-like protein Mgm1, involved in inter-mitochondrial membrane fusion. In frozen-hydrated rat-liver mitochondria, the space between the inner and outer membranes contains 10-15 nm particles that may represent macromolecular complexes involved in activities that span the two membranes.     

A mechanism of virulence: virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain H37Rv, but not attenuated H37Ra, causes significant mitochondrial inner membrane disruption in macrophages leading to necrosis

Infection of human monocyte-derived macrophages with Mycobacterium tuberculosis at low multiplicities of infection leads 48-72 h after the infection to cell death with the characteristics of apoptosis or necrosis. Predominant induction of one or the other cell death modality depends on differences in mitochondrial membrane perturbation induced by attenuated and virulent strains. Infection of macrophages with the attenuated H37Ra or the virulent H37Rv causes mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization characterized by cytochrome c release from the mitochondrial intermembrane space and apoptosis. Mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization is transient, peaks 6 h after infection, and requires Ca(2+) flux and B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia/lymphoma 2-associated protein X translocation into mitochondria. In contrast, only the virulent H37Rv induces significant mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Deltapsi(m)) loss caused by mitochondrial permeability transition. Dissipation of Deltapsi(m) also peaks at 6 h after infection, is transient, is inhibited by the classical mitochondrial permeability transition inhibitor cyclosporine A, has a requirement for mitochondrial Ca(2+) loading, and is independent of B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia/lymphoma translocation into the mitochondria. Transient dissipation of Deltapsi(m) 6 h after infection is essential for the induction of macrophage necrosis by Mtb, a mechanism that allows further dissemination of the pathogen and development of the disease.     

Bak and Bax are non-redundant during infection- and DNA damage-induced apoptosis

Mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) and release of mitochondrial intermembrane proteins like cytochrome c are critical steps in the control of apoptosis. Previous work has shown that MOMP depends on the functionally redundant multidomain proapoptotic proteins, Bak and Bax. Here we demonstrate that Bak and Bax are functionally non-redundant during Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ngo)- and cisplatin-induced apoptosis. While the activation of Bak is caspase independent Bax activation needs Bak and active caspases. Silencing of either Bak or Bax resists both Ngo- and cisplatin- but not TNFalpha-induced apoptosis. Activation of Bak is required to release cytochrome c from the mitochondria; however, Bax is still required to activate effector caspases. Thus, both Bak and Bax are necessary to accomplish DNA damage and Ngo-induced apoptosis.