Mitochondrial respiration is uniquely associated with the prooxidant and apoptotic effects of N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide

The synthetic retinoid N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (4HPR) is being examined in both chemoprevention and therapy clinical trials. Yet, its mechanism(s) of action is still not fully elucidated. In previous studies, an increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species has been proposed as one mechanism through which 4HPR could exert its proapoptotic effects. This study explored whether mitochondrial respiration is required for 4HPR action using human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma cells and respiration-deficient clones. In parental cells, 4HPR rapidly promoted hydroperoxide production followed by mitochondrial permeability transition, caspase activity, and DNA fragmentation. Short term exposure to 4HPR also inhibited oxygen consumption in parental cells. This activity was reversed by the antioxidant vitamin C indicating the prooxidant effect of 4HPR directly impaired mitochondrial function. In respiration-deficient clones, the proapoptotic qualities of 4HPR were conspicuously diminished illustrating a central role for mitochondrial respiration in 4HPR-induced cell death. In parental cells, various mitochondrial inhibitors were examined to determine potential sites associated with the prooxidant activity of 4HPR. Inhibitors of Complex II as well as center i inhibitors of Complex III enhanced 4HPR-induced hydroperoxide production. Complex I inhibitors, center o inhibitors of Complex III, cyanide, oligomycin A, and coenzyme Q analogues decreased 4HPR-induced hydroperoxide production. The coenzyme Q analogues were very effective in this respect, and they also blocked the enhanced hydroperoxide production obtained when center i inhibitors were combined with 4HPR. These results suggest the prooxidant property of 4HPR is associated with redox metabolism via an enzymatic process occurring at a quinone-binding site in Complex I and/or center o of Complex III.     

Selective apoptosis induction by the cancer chemopreventive agent N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide is achieved by modulating mitochondrial bioenergetics in premalignant and malignant human prostate epithelial cells

Prostate tumorigenesis is coupled with an early metabolic switch in transformed prostate epithelial cells that effectively increases their mitochondrial bioenergetic capacity. The synthetic retinoid N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (4HPR) inhibits prostate cancer development in vivo, and triggers reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent prostate cancer cell apoptosis in vitro. The possibility that 4HPR-induced ROS production is associated with mitochondrial bioenergetics and required for apoptosis induction in transformed prostate epithelial cells in vitro would advocate a prospective mechanistic basis for 4HPR-mediated prostate cancer chemoprevention in vivo. We investigated this tenet by comparing and contrasting 4HPR’s effects on premalignant PWR-1E and malignant DU-145 human prostate epithelial cells. 4HPR promoted a dose- and/or time-dependent apoptosis induction in PWR-1E and DU-145 cells, which was preceded by and dependent on an increase in mitochondrial ROS production. In this regard, the PWR-1E cells were more sensitive than the DU-145 cells, and they consumed roughly twice as much oxygen as the DU-145 cells suggesting oxidative phosphorylation was higher in the premalignant cells. Interestingly, increasing the [Ca²⁺] in the culture medium of the PWR-1E cells attenuated their proliferation as well as their mitochondrial bioenergetic capacity and 4HPR’s cytotoxic effects. Correspondingly, the respiration-deficient derivatives (i.e., ρ⁰ cells lacking mitochondrial DNA) of DU-145 cells were markedly resistant to 4HPR-induced ROS production and apoptosis. Together, these observations implied that the reduction of mitochondrial bioenergetics protected PWR-1E and DU-145 cells against the cytotoxic effects of 4HPR, and support the concept that oxidative phosphorylation is an essential determinant in 4HPR’s apoptogenic signaling in transformed human prostate epithelial cells.     

Reactive oxygen species generation is independent of de novo sphingolipids in apoptotic photosensitized cells

Our recent studies have shown that the de novo sphingolipids play a role in apoptosis of photosensitized cells. To elucidate the involvement of the de novo sphingolipids in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial depolarization during apoptosis, the stress inducer photodynamic therapy (PDT) with the photosensitizer Pc 4 was used. In Jurkat cells PDT-triggered ROS production or mitochondrial membrane potential (deltapsi(m)) loss was not prevented by the de novo sphingolipid synthesis inhibitor ISP-1. However, PDT + C16-ceramide led to enhanced mitochondrial depolarization and DEVDase activation. The superoxide dismutase mimic manganese (III) tetrakis (4-benzoic acid) porphyrin (MnTBAP) protected Jurkat cells from ROS generation and apoptosis, but not from deltapsi(m) reduction. Sphinganine or C16-ceramide counteracted MnTBAP-induced protection from apoptosis in Jurkat, as well as CHO cells. In LY-B cells, CHO-derived mutants deficient in serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) activity and the de novo sphingolipid synthesis, mitochondrial depolarization, but not ROS generation, was suppressed post-PDT. In LY-B cells transfected with the SPT component LCB1, deltapsi(m) collapse post-PDT was restored. The data support the following hypotheses: MnTBAP protects against apoptosis via steps downstream of deltapsi(m) loss; de novo sphingolipids are not required for ROS generation, but can play a role in deltapsi(m) dissipation in photosensitized apoptotic cells.     

Distinct patterns of mitochondrial changes precede induction of apoptosis by all-trans-retinoic acid and N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide in MCF7 breast cancer cells

The biochemical mechanisms of apoptosis-induction by all-trans-retinoic acid (atRA) and N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (4HPR) in cultured MCF7 cancer cells were studied by multiparameter flow cytometry. Retinoid treatment induced formation of two biochemically distinct cell subpopulations, which preceded the appearance of cells with fragmented nuclei. Exposure to atRA led to a transient increase in NADH level and mitochondrial oxidative turnover and a slow decline in reduced thiol level and mitochondrial membrane potential, suggesting that atRA treatment induces a transient defense mechanism. The synthetic retinoid 4HPR, in contrast, caused a gradual decrease in mitochondrial oxidative turnover and cardiolipin level together with a small decline in mitochondrial membrane potential, suggesting that 4HPR induces oxidation of cardiolipin and subsequent leakage of the mitochondria. Co-incubation with cyclosporin A, an inhibitor of the mitochondrial permeability transition, did not prevent formation of fragmented nuclei or induction of changes in mitochondrial parameters by retinoids. Thus, the mitochondrial permeability transition does not appear to be involved in retinoid induction of apoptosis in MCF7 cells. Retinoid exposure of diploid human mammary epithelial cells induced mild oxidative stress but did not lead to formation of two cell subpopulations. We conclude that atRA and 4HPR induce apoptosis in MCF7 cells by two distinct and novel biochemical mechanisms.     

Molecular ordering of ROS production,mitochondrial changes,and caspase activation during sodium salicylate-induced apoptosis

Salicylates and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) induce apoptosis in a variety of cancer cells, including those of colon, prostate, breast, and leukemia. We examined the effects of sodium salicylate (NaSal) on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the association of these effects with apoptotic tumor cell death. We demonstrate that NaSal mediates ROS production followed by a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (deltapsi(m)), release of cytochrome c, and activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3. However, expression of Bcl-2 or Bcl-x(L) prevents ROS production and subsequent loss of deltapsi(m), thereby inhibiting apoptotic cell death. The presence of ROS scavengers and an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase or expression of a dominant negative form of Rac1 blocks ROS production, deltapsi(m) collapse, and the subsequent activation of caspases. These observations indicate that NaSal mediates ROS production critical in the triggering of apoptotic tumor cell death through a Rac1-NADPH oxidase-dependent pathway. Our data collectively imply that NaSal-induced ROS are key mediators of deltapsi(m) collapse, which leads to the release of cytochrome c followed by caspase activation, culminating in tumor apoptosis.     

Glutathionylation of Adenine Nucleotide Translocase Induced by Carbon Monoxide Prevents Mitochondrial Membrane Permeabilization and Apoptosis

The present work demonstrates the ability of CO to prevent apoptosis in a primary culture of astrocytes. For the first time, the antiapoptotic behavior can be clearly attributed to the inhibition of mitochondrial membrane permeabilization (MMP), a key event in the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. In isolated non-synaptic mitochondria, CO partially inhibits (i) loss of potential, (ii) the opening of a nonspecific pore through the inner membrane, (iii) swelling, and (iv) cytochrome c release, which are induced by calcium, diamide, or atractyloside (a ligand of ANT). CO directly modulates ANT function by enhancing ADP/ATP exchange and prevents its pore-forming activity. Additionally, CO induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and its prevention by β-carotene decreases CO cytoprotection in intact cells as well as in isolated mitochondria, revealing the key role of ROS. On the other hand, CO induces a slight increase in mitochondrial oxidized glutathione, which is essential for apoptosis modulation by (i) delaying astrocytic apoptosis, (ii) decreasing MMP, and (iii) enhancing ADP/ATP translocation activity of ANT. Moreover, CO and GSSG trigger ANT glutathionylation, a post-translational process regulating protein function in response to redox cellular changes. In conclusion, CO protects astrocytes from apoptosis by preventing MMP, acting on ANT (glutathionylation and inhibition of its pore activity) via a preconditioning-like process mediated by ROS and GSSG.     

The late increase in intracellular free radical oxygen species during apoptosis is associated with cytochrome c release,caspase activation,and mitochondrial dysfunction

Mitochondria play central roles in cellular metabolism and apoptosis and are a major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We investigated the role of ROS and mitochondria in radiation-induced apoptosis in multiple myeloma cells. Two distinct levels of ROS were generated following irradiation: a small increase observed early, and a pronounced late increase, associated with depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH) and collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (deltapsi(m)). Exogenous ROS and caspase-3 induced deltapsi(m) drop and cytochrome c release from mitochondria, which could be prevented by molecular (dominant-negative caspase-9) and pharmacologic (zVAD-fmk) caspase inhibitors and overexpression of Bcl-2. Exogenous ROS also induced mitochondrial permeability transition (PT) pore opening and cytochrome c release in isolated mitochondria, which could be blocked by inhibition of PT with cyclosporin A. These results indicate that the late ROS production is associated with increased PT pore opening and decreased deltapsi(m), and GSH, events associated with caspase activation and cytochrome c release.     

Intracellular glutathione depletion and reactive oxygen species generation are important in α-hederin-induced apoptosis of P388 cells

alpha-Hederin, a pentacyclic triterpene saponin isolated from the seeds of Nigella sativa, was recently reported to have potent in vivo antitumor activity against LL/2 (Lewis Lung carcinoma) in BDF1 mice. In this study we observed that alpha-hederin caused a dose- and time-dependent increase in apoptosis of murine leukemia P388 cells. In order to evaluate the possible mechanisms for apoptosis, the effects of alpha-hederin on intracellular thiol concentration, including reduced glutathione (GSH), and protein thiols, and the effects of pretreatment with N-acetlycysteine (NAC), a precursor of intracellular GSH synthesis, or buthionine sulfoxime (BSO), a specific inhibitor of intracellular GSH synthesis, on alpha-hederin-induced apoptosis were investigated. It was found that alpha-hederin rapidly depleted intracellular GSH and protein thiols prior to the occurrence of apoptosis. NAC significantly alleviated alpha-hederin-induced apoptosis, while BSO augmented alpha-hederin-induced apoptosis significantly. The depletion of cellular thiols observed after alpha-hederin treatment caused disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential (deltapsi(m)) and subsequently increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in P388 cells at an early time point. Bongkrekic acid (BA), a ligand of the mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocator, and cyclosporin (CsA) attenuated the alpha-hederin-induced loss of deltapsi(m), and ROS production. Thus, oxidative stress after alpha-hederin treatment is an important event in alpha-hederin-induced apoptosis. As observed in this study, permeability transition of mitochondrial membrane occurs after depletion of GSH and precedes a state of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Further, we observed that alpha-hederin caused the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to cytosol, leading to caspase-3 activation. Our findings thus demonstrate that changes in intracellular thiols and redox status leading to perturbance of mitochondrial functions are important components in the mechanism of alpha-hederin-induced cell death.     

Elevated zinc induces endothelial apoptosis via disruption of glutathione metabolism: role of the ADP translocator

Zinc is the second-most abundant transition metal within cells and an essential micronutrient. Although adequate zinc is essential for cellular function, intracellular free zinc (Zn²⁺) is tightly controlled, as sustained increases in free Zn²⁺ levels can directly contribute to apoptotic endothelial cell death. Moreover, exposure of endothelial cells to acute nitrosative and/or oxidative stress induces a rapid rise of Zn²⁺ with mitochondrial dysfunction and the initiation of apoptosis. This apoptotic induction can be mimicked through addition of exogenous ZnCl₂ and mitigated by zinc-chelation strategies, indicating Zn²⁺-dependent mechanisms in this process. However, the molecular mechanisms of Zn²⁺-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction are unknown. Here we report that free Zn²⁺ disrupts cellular redox status through inhibition of glutathione reductase, and induces apoptosis by redox-mediated inhibition of the mitochondrial adenine nucleotide transporter (ANT). Inhibition of ANT causes increased mitochondrial oxidation, loss of ADP uptake, mitochondrial translocation of bax, and apoptosis. Interestingly, pre-incubation with glutathione ethyl ester protects endothelial cells from these observed effects. We conclude that key mechanisms of Zn²⁺-mediated apoptotic induction include disruption of cellular glutathione homeostasis leading to ANT inhibition and decreases in mitochondrial ATP synthesis. These pathways could represent novel therapeutic targets during acute oxidative or nitrosative stress in cells and tissues.     

Adenine nucleotide (ADP/ATP) translocase 3 participates in the tumor necrosis factor induced apoptosis of MCF-7 cells

Mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT) is believed to be a component or a regulatory component of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mtPTP), which controls mitochondrial permeability transition during apoptosis. However, the role of ANT in apoptosis is still uncertain, because hepatocytes isolated from ANT knockout and wild-type mice are equally sensitive to TNF- and Fas-induced apoptosis. In a screen for genes required for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced apoptosis in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells using retrovirus insertion-mediated random mutagenesis, we discovered that the ANT3 gene is involved in TNF-alpha-induced cell death in MCF-7 cells. We further found that ANT3 is selectively required for TNF- and oxidative stress-induced cell death in MCF-7 cells, but it is dispensable for cell death induced by several other inducers. This data supplements previous data obtained from ANT knockout studies, indicating that ANT is involved in some apoptotic processes. We found that the resistance to TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis observed in ANT3 mutant (ANT3(mut)) cells is associated with a deficiency in the regulation of the mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome c release. It is not related to intracellular ATP levels or survival pathways, supporting a previous model in which ANT regulates mtPTP. Our study provides genetic evidence supporting a role of ANT in apoptosis and suggests that the involvement of ANT in cell death is cell type- and stimulus-dependent.     

Why are some mitochondria more powerful than others: insights from comparisons of muscle mitochondria from three terrestrial vertebrates

We studied the molecular composition of muscle mitochondria to evaluate whether the contents of cytochromes or adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT) or phospholipid acyl compositions reflect differences in mitochondrial oxidative capacities. We isolated mitochondria from three vertebrates of similar size and preferred temperature, the rat (Rattus norvegicus), the cane toad (Bufo marinus) and the bearded dragon lizard (Pogona vitticeps). Mitochondrial oxidative capacities were higher in rats and cane toads than in bearded dragon, whether rates were expressed relative to protein, cytochromes or ANT. Inter-specific differences were least pronounced when rates were expressed relative to cytochrome A, a component of cytochrome C oxidase (CCO), or ANT. In mitochondria from rat and cane toad, cytochrome A was more abundant than C followed by B and then C(1), while in bearded dragon mitochondria, the cytochromes were present in roughly equal levels. Analysis of correlations between mitochondrial oxidative capacities and macromolecular components revealed that cytochrome A explained at least half of the intra- and inter-specific variability in substrate oxidation rates. ANT levels were an excellent correlate of state 3 rates while phospholipid contents were correlated with state 4 rates. As the % poly-unsaturation and the % 20:4n-6 in mitochondrial phospholipids were equivalent in toads and rats, and exceeded the levels in lizards, they may contribute to the inter-specific differences in oxidative capacities. We suggest that the numbers of CCO and ANT together with the poly-unsaturation of phospholipids explain the higher oxidative capacities in muscle mitochondria from rats and cane toads.     

Cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV is essential for assembly and respiratory function of the enzyme complex

Cytochrome c oxidase or complex IV, catalyzes the final step in mitochondrial electron transfer chain, and is regarded as one of the major regulation sites for oxidative phosphorylation. This enzyme is controlled by both nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. Among its 13 subunits, three are encoded by mitochondrial DNA and ten by nuclear DNA. In this work, an RNA interference approach was taken which led to the generation of mouse A9 cell derivatives with suppressed expression of nuclear-encoded subunit IV (COX IV) of this complex. The amounts of this subunit are decrease by 86% to 94% of normal level. A detail biosynthetic and functional analysis of several cell lines with suppressed COX IV expression revealed a loss of assembly of cytochrome c oxidase complex and, correspondingly, a reduction in cytochrome c oxidase-dependent respiration and total respiration. Furthermore, dysfunctional cytochrome c oxidase in the cells leads to a compromised mitochondrial membrane potential, a decreased ATP level, and failure to grow in galactose medium. Interestingly, suppression of COX IV expression also sensitizes the cells to apoptosis. These observations provide the evidence of the essential role of the COX IV subunit for a functional cytochrome c oxidase complex and also demonstrate a tight control of cytochrome c oxidase over oxidative phosphorylation. Finally, our results further shed some insights into the pathogenic mechanism of the diseases caused by dysfunctional cytochrome c oxidase complex.     

家鸭细胞色素C氧化酶Ⅲ（COⅢ）基因的克隆及序列分析

线粒体是存在于绝大多数真核细胞内的一种基本的、重要的细胞器,是细胞进行氧化磷酸化的场所。不同脊椎动物同源基因序列的比较显示,细胞色素b(Cytb)、细胞色素C氧化酶Ⅰ（COⅠ）、细胞色素C氧化酶Ⅱ（COⅡ）、细胞色素C氧化酶Ⅲ（COⅢ） 基因最保守,同源性最高,ATPase6、ATPase8基因、ND基因变异比较大。本试验以家鸭（家鸭起源于绿头鸭：Anas platyrhynchos）肝脏的线粒体DNA为模板,按照GenBank已经公布的潜鸭族（AF090337）的全序列及其绿头鸭的mtDNA部分序列（L22476、L16770、L22477）设计合成特异引物进行PCR扩增,克隆并测定了线粒体细胞色素C氧化酶Ⅲ亚基（COⅢ）的全序列784bp以及ATPase6基因的3'端和tRNA-Gly基因的5'端序列共934bp。 用DNAStar分析软件对家鸭与GenBank中7种禽类的COⅢ序列进行比较分析,显示家鸭与这些动物的COⅢ基因具有较高的同源性,与同科潜鸭属中的Aythya Americana的相似性 最高为90.6 %,与同目不同科的加拿大雁、小天鹅、白额雁的相似性分别为89%、88.6%、88.6%。根据家鸭与其他7种禽类的COⅢ基因序列相似性所建立的进化树,与传统的分类地位基本吻合。     

Increased mitochondrial cytochrome c levels and mitochondrial hyperpolarization precede camptothecin-induced apoptosis in Jurkat cells

Mitochondria play a central role in apoptosis through release of cytochrome c and activation of caspases. In the present study, we showed that, in Jurkat human T cells, camptothecin-induced apoptosis is preceded by (i) an increase in cytochrome c and subunit IV of cytochrome c oxidase (COX IV) levels in mitochondria; and (ii) an elevation of the mitochondrial membrane potential (Delta(Psi)m). These events are followed by cytochrome c release into the cytosol, cytochrome c and COX IV depletion from mitochondria, externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS), disruption of Delta(Psi)m, caspase activation, poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase cleavage and DNA fragmentation. The pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD.fmk blocked camptothecin-induced PS externalization, disruption of Delta(Psi)m and DNA fragmentation, suggesting that these events are mediated by caspase activation. In contrast, z-VAD did not prevent cytochrome c release, despite preventing cytochrome c and COX IV depletion from mitochondria. Together, these data suggest that mitochondrial cytochrome c and COX IV enrichment are early events preceding the onset of apoptosis and that cytochrome c release is upstream of caspase activation and loss of Delta(Psi)m. Furthermore, prevention by z-VAD of cytochrome c and COX IV depletion in mitochondria suggests the possibility that a caspase-like activity in mitochondria is involved in the proteolytic depletion of respiratory chain proteins. Activation of this activity may play an important role in drug-induced apoptosis.