bims-mitdis Biomed News
on Mitochondrial disorders
Issue of 2023‒01‒08
thirty papers selected by
Catalina Vasilescu
Helmholz Munich


  1. Sci Adv. 2023 Jan 04. 9(1): eadd3216
      Myopathies secondary to mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) dysfunction can result in devastating disease. While the consequences of ETC defects have been extensively studied in culture, little in vivo data are available. Using a mouse model of severe, early-onset mitochondrial myopathy, we characterized the proteomic, transcriptomic, and metabolic characteristics of disease progression. Unexpectedly, ETC dysfunction in muscle results in reduced expression of glycolytic enzymes in our animal model and patient muscle biopsies. The decrease in glycolysis was mediated by loss of constitutive Hif1α signaling, down-regulation of the purine nucleotide cycle enzyme AMPD1, and activation of AMPK. In vivo isotope tracing experiments indicated that myopathic muscle relies on lactate import to supply central carbon metabolites. Inhibition of lactate import reduced steady-state levels of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates and compromised the life span of myopathic mice. These data indicate an unexpected mode of metabolic reprogramming in severe mitochondrial myopathy that regulates disease progression.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.add3216
  2. STAR Protoc. 2022 Dec 16. pii: S2666-1667(22)00702-X. [Epub ahead of print]3(4): 101822
      The accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria is a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases, yet the dynamics of mitochondrial turnover in neurons are unclear. Here, we describe a protocol to monitor the degradation of spectrally distinct, "aged" mitochondrial populations. We describe the preparation and transfection of primary rat hippocampal neuron cultures. We detail a mitochondrial-damaging assay, a SNAP pulse-chase labeling paradigm, and live imaging to visualize the mitochondrial network. Finally, we provide steps to quantify mitochondrial turnover via lysosomal fusion. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Evans and Holzbaur (2020a).
    Keywords:  Cell Biology; Cell culture; Cell-based Assays; Metabolism; Microscopy; Molecular Biology; Molecular/Chemical Probes; Neuroscience
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101822
  3. J Biol Chem. 2023 Jan 02. pii: S0021-9258(22)01308-4. [Epub ahead of print] 102865
      Mitochondrial ribosomes are specialized to translate the 13 membrane proteins encoded in the mitochondrial genome, which shapes the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes essential for cellular energy metabolism. Despite the importance of mitochondrial translation control, it is challenging to identify and quantify the mitochondrial-encoded proteins due to their hydrophobic nature and low abundance. Here, we introduce a mass spectrometry-based proteomic method that combines biochemical isolation of mitochondria with pulse stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (pSILAC). Our method provides the highest protein identification rate with the shortest measurement time among currently available methods, enabling us to quantify 12 out of the 13 mitochondrial-encoded proteins. We applied this method to uncover the global picture of (post-)translational regulation of both mitochondrial- and nuclear-encoded subunits of OXPHOS complexes. We found that inhibition of mitochondrial translation led to degradation of orphan nuclear-encoded subunits that are considered to form subcomplexes with the mitochondrial-encoded subunits. This method should be readily applicable to study mitochondrial translation programs in many contexts, including oxidative stress and mitochondrial disease.
    Keywords:  Mitochondria; OXPHOS; Protein complex; Proteomics; Translation; pulse SILAC
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102865
  4. Nat Commun. 2023 Jan 03. 14(1): 30
      The mitochondrial translation machinery highly diverged from its bacterial counterpart. This includes deviation from the universal genetic code, with AGA and AGG codons lacking cognate tRNAs in human mitochondria. The locations of these codons at the end of COX1 and ND6 open reading frames, respectively, suggest they might function as stop codons. However, while the canonical stop codons UAA and UAG are known to be recognized by mtRF1a, the release mechanism at AGA and AGG codons remains a debated issue. Here, we show that upon the loss of another member of the mitochondrial release factor family, mtRF1, mitoribosomes accumulate specifically at AGA and AGG codons. Stalling of mitoribosomes alters COX1 transcript and protein levels, but not ND6 synthesis. In addition, using an in vitro reconstituted mitochondrial translation system, we demonstrate the specific peptide release activity of mtRF1 at the AGA and AGG codons. Together, our results reveal the role of mtRF1 in translation termination at non-canonical stop codons in mitochondria.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-35684-6
  5. Biochem Pharmacol. 2023 Jan 02. pii: S0006-2952(22)00501-9. [Epub ahead of print] 115405
      Mitochondria and mitochondrial proteins represent a group of promising pharmacological-target candidates in the search of new molecular targets and drugs to counteract the onset of hypertension and more in general cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Indeed, several mitochondrial pathways result impaired in CVDs, showing ATP depletion and ROS production as common traits of cardiac tissue degeneration. Thus, targeting mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiomyocytes can represent a successful strategy to prevent heart failure. In this context, the identification of new pharmacological targets among mitochondrial proteins paves the way for the design of new selective drugs. Thanks to the advances in omics approaches, to a greater availability of mitochondrial crystallized protein structures and to the development of new computational approaches for protein 3D-modelling and drug-design, it is now possible to investigate in detail impaired mitochondrial pathways in CVDs. Furthermore, it is possible to design new powerful drugs able to hit the selected pharmacological targets in a highly selective way to rescue mitochondrial dysfunction and prevent cardiac tissue degeneration. The role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the onset of CVDs appears increasingly evident, as reflected by the impairment of proteins involved in lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial dynamics, respiratory chain complexes, and membrane polarization maintenance in CVD patients. Conversely, little is known about proteins responsible for the cross-talk between mitochondria and cytoplasm in cardiomyocytes. Mitochondrial transporters of the SLC25A family, in particular, are responsible for the translocation of nucleotides (e.g., ATP), amino acids (e.g., aspartate, glutamate, ornithine), organic acids (e.g. malate and 2-oxoglutarate), and other cofactors (e.g., inorganic phosphate, NAD+, FAD, carnitine, CoA derivatives) between the mitochondrial and cytosolic compartments. Thus, mitochondrial transporters play a key role in the mitochondria-cytosol cross-talk by leading metabolic pathways such as the malate/aspartate shuttle, the carnitine shuttle, the ATP export from mitochondria, and the regulation of permeability transition pore opening. Since all these pathways are crucial for maintaining healthy cardiomyocytes, mitochondrial carriers emerge as an interesting class of new possible pharmacological targets for CVD treatments.
    Keywords:  Aquaporin; Cardiolipin; Cardiovascular diseases; Drug-Repurposing; Genomics; Hypertension; Ischemia reperfusion injury; Metabolomics; Mitochondrial carriers; Mitochondrial diseases; Mitochondrial dynamics; Mitochondrial dysfunction; Mitochondrial impairment; Mitochondrial metabolite transport system; Mitochondrial permeability transition pore; Mitochondrial pharmacological targets; Mitochondrial pyruvate carrier; Molecular modeling of mitochondrial proteins; PEPTIDE-based treatments; Phospholipids; Respiratory chain; Transcriptomics; Voltage-dependent anion channels
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115405
  6. J Cell Sci. 2023 Jan 05. pii: jcs.260060. [Epub ahead of print]
      The TIM22 pathway cargos are essential for sustaining mitochondrial homeostasis as an excess of these proteins leads to proteostatic stress and cell death. Yme1 is an inner membrane metalloprotease that regulates protein quality control with chaperone-like and proteolytic activities. Although the mitochondrial translocase and protease machinery are critical for organelle health, their functional association remains unexplored. The present study unravels a novel genetic connection between the TIM22 complex and YME1 machinery in Saccharomyces cerevisiae required for maintaining mitochondrial health. Our genetic analyses indicate that impairment in the TIM22 complex rescues the respiratory growth defects of cells without Yme1. Further, Yme1 is essential for the stability of the TIM22 complex and regulates the proteostasis of the TIM22 pathway substrates. Moreover, impairment in the TIM22 complex suppressed the mitochondrial structural and functional defects of Yme1 devoid cells. In summary, excessive levels of the TIM22 pathway substrates could be one of the reasons for respiratory growth defects of cells lacking Yme1, and compromising the TIM22 complex can compensate for the imbalance in mitochondrial proteostasis caused by the loss of Yme1.
    Keywords:  Mitochondrial DNA maintenance; Mitochondrial protein translocation; Mitochondrial proteostasis; Mitochondrial quality control; TIM22 complex; YME1 machinery
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1242/jcs.260060
  7. STAR Protoc. 2022 Dec 16. pii: S2666-1667(22)00708-0. [Epub ahead of print]3(4): 101828
      Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) segregates functionally distinct subsets within highly purified hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Here, we detail a protocol for FACS isolation of MMP sub-fractions of phenotypically defined mouse and human HSCs. These steps are followed by high-/super-resolution immunofluorescence microscopy of HSCs' lysosomes. While the protocol describes the isolation of quiescent HSCs, which are the most potent subsets, it could also be applied to other HSC subsets. This protocol overcomes some experimental challenges associated with low HSC numbers. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Liang et al. (2020) and Qiu et al. (2021).
    Keywords:  Cell Biology; Cell culture; Cell isolation; Flow Cytometry/Mass Cytometry; Metabolism; Microscopy; Stem Cells
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101828
  8. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2023 Jan 10. 120(2): e2204750120
      Exercise is a nonpharmacological intervention that improves health during aging and a valuable tool in the diagnostics of aging-related diseases. In muscle, exercise transiently alters mitochondrial functionality and metabolism. Mitochondrial fission and fusion are critical effectors of mitochondrial plasticity, which allows a fine-tuned regulation of organelle connectiveness, size, and function. Here we have investigated the role of mitochondrial dynamics during exercise in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. We show that in body-wall muscle, a single exercise session induces a cycle of mitochondrial fragmentation followed by fusion after a recovery period, and that daily exercise sessions delay the mitochondrial fragmentation and physical fitness decline that occur with aging. Maintenance of proper mitochondrial dynamics is essential for physical fitness, its enhancement by exercise training, and exercise-induced remodeling of the proteome. Surprisingly, among the long-lived genotypes we analyzed (isp-1,nuo-6, daf-2, eat-2, and CA-AAK-2), constitutive activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) uniquely preserves physical fitness during aging, a benefit that is abolished by impairment of mitochondrial fission or fusion. AMPK is also required for physical fitness to be enhanced by exercise, with our findings together suggesting that exercise may enhance muscle function through AMPK regulation of mitochondrial dynamics. Our results indicate that mitochondrial connectivity and the mitochondrial dynamics cycle are essential for maintaining physical fitness and exercise responsiveness during aging and suggest that AMPK activation may recapitulate some exercise benefits. Targeting mechanisms to optimize mitochondrial fission and fusion, as well as AMPK activation, may represent promising strategies for promoting muscle function during aging.
    Keywords:  C. elegans; aging; exercise; mitochondrial fission; mitochondrial fusion
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2204750120
  9. Sci Rep. 2022 Dec 31. 12(1): 22632
      Mutations in the Mpv17 gene are responsible for MPV17-related hepatocerebral mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome and Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. Although several models including mouse, zebrafish, and cultured human cells, have been developed, the models do not show any neurological defects, which are often observed in patients. Therefore, we knocked down CG11077 (Drosophila Mpv17; dMpv17), an ortholog of human MPV17, in the nervous system in Drosophila melanogaster and investigated the behavioral and cellular phenotypes. The resulting dMpv17 knockdown larvae showed impaired locomotor activity and learning ability consistent with mitochondrial defects suggested by the reductions in mitochondrial DNA and ATP production and the increases in the levels of lactate and reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, an abnormal morphology of the neuromuscular junction, at the presynaptic terminal, was observed in dMpv17 knockdown larvae. These results reproduce well the symptoms of human diseases and partially reproduce the phenotypes of Mpv17-deficient model organisms. Therefore, we suggest that neuron-specific dMpv17 knockdown in Drosophila is a useful model for investigation of MPV17-related hepatocerebral mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome and CMT caused by Mpv17 dysfunction.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-27329-x
  10. Life Sci Alliance. 2023 Mar;pii: e202201457. [Epub ahead of print]6(3):
      Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a congenital neuromuscular disease caused by the mutation or deletion of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. Although the primary cause of progressive muscle atrophy in SMA has classically been considered the degeneration of motor neurons, recent studies have indicated a skeletal muscle-specific pathological phenotype such as impaired mitochondrial function and enhanced cell death. Here, we found that the down-regulation of SMN causes mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequent cell death in in vitro models of skeletal myogenesis with both a murine C2C12 cell line and human induced pluripotent stem cells. During myogenesis, SMN binds to the upstream genomic regions of MYOD1 and microRNA (miR)-1 and miR-206. Accordingly, the loss of SMN down-regulates these miRs, whereas supplementation of the miRs recovers the mitochondrial function, cell survival, and myotube formation of SMN-deficient C2C12, indicating the SMN-miR axis is essential for myogenic metabolic maturation. In addition, the introduction of the miRs into ex vivo muscle stem cells derived from Δ7-SMA mice caused myotube formation and muscle contraction. In conclusion, our data revealed novel transcriptional roles of SMN during myogenesis, providing an alternative muscle-oriented therapeutic strategy for SMA patients.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.26508/lsa.202201457
  11. Nat Commun. 2023 Jan 03. 14(1): 39
      The mitochondrial F1FO-ATP synthase produces the bulk of cellular ATP. The soluble F1 domain contains the catalytic head that is linked via the central stalk and the peripheral stalk to the membrane embedded rotor of the FO domain. The assembly of the F1 domain and its linkage to the peripheral stalk is poorly understood. Here we show a dual function of the mitochondrial Hsp70 (mtHsp70) in the formation of the ATP synthase. First, it cooperates with the assembly factors Atp11 and Atp12 to form the F1 domain of the ATP synthase. Second, the chaperone transfers Atp5 into the assembly line to link the catalytic head with the peripheral stalk. Inactivation of mtHsp70 leads to integration of assembly-defective Atp5 variants into the mature complex, reflecting a quality control function of the chaperone. Thus, mtHsp70 acts as an assembly and quality control factor in the biogenesis of the F1FO-ATP synthase.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-35720-5
  12. Free Radic Biol Med. 2022 Dec 31. pii: S0891-5849(22)01135-2. [Epub ahead of print]
      The metabolic patterns and energetics of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (HiPSC-CMs) are much less than those of normal adult cardiomyocytes, which has limited their application in disease therapy and regenerative medicine. It has been demonstrated that SIRT3, a mitochondria-target deacetylase, controls mitochondrial metabolism in physiological and pathological conditions. In this research, We investigated the role and regulatory mechanism of SIRT3 in energy metabolism in HiPSC-CMs. We found that the expression of SIRT3 was increased during the differentiation and maturation of HiPSC-CMs. Knocking down SIRT3 impaired mitochondrial structure, mitochondrial respiration capacity, and fatty acid oxidation but enhanced glycolysis. However, honokiol, a pharmacological activator of SIRT3, improved the mitochondrial ultrastructure and energetics, and promoted oxidative phosphorylation in HiPSC-CMs. Furthermore, SIRT3 regulated the acetylation of OPA1, and the knockdown of OPA1 blocked the promotion of energy metabolism by honokiol, meanwhile, knocking down OPA1 impaired mitochondrial fusion, mitochondrial respiration capacity, and fatty acid oxidation which were reversed by M1 (a mitochondrial fusion promoter) in HiPSC-CMs. In summary, SIRT3 regulated energetics and promoted metabolism remodeling by targeting the OPA1-controlled mitochondrial dynamics in HiPSC-CMs, and targeting SIRT3 may have revelatory implications in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and the application of HiPSC-CMs to regenerative medicine.
    Keywords:  Human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes; Metabolism remodeling; Mitochondrial dynamics; OPA1; SIRT3
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.12.101
  13. Cell Rep. 2022 Dec 23. pii: S2211-1247(22)01798-3. [Epub ahead of print] 111899
      Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis requires molecular regulators that tailor mitochondrial bioenergetics to the needs of protein folding. For instance, calnexin maintains mitochondria metabolism and mitochondria-ER contacts (MERCs) through reactive oxygen species (ROS) from NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4). However, induction of ER stress requires a quick molecular rewiring of mitochondria to adapt to new energy needs. This machinery is not characterized. We now show that the oxidoreductase ERO1⍺ covalently interacts with protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK) upon treatment with tunicamycin. The PERK-ERO1⍺ interaction requires the C-terminal active site of ERO1⍺ and cysteine 216 of PERK. Moreover, we show that the PERK-ERO1⍺ complex promotes oxidization of MERC proteins and controls mitochondrial dynamics. Using proteinaceous probes, we determined that these functions improve ER-mitochondria Ca2+ flux to maintain bioenergetics in both organelles, while limiting oxidative stress. Therefore, the PERK-ERO1⍺ complex is a key molecular machinery that allows quick metabolic adaptation to ER stress.
    Keywords:  CP: Metabolism; CP: Molecular biology; ER; ER stress; ERO1; MAMs; MERCs; PERK; bioenergetics; endoplasmic reticulum; mitochondria; mitochondria-associated membranes; mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum contacts; oxidoreductase
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111899
  14. Pediatr Neurol. 2022 Dec 07. pii: S0887-8994(22)00267-3. [Epub ahead of print]140 40-46
      BACKGROUND: This retrospective chart review evaluated the clinical characteristics of SURF1-related neurological disease spectrum to better characterize the phenotypes.METHODS: Patient demographics, magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities, neurological events, motor abnormalities, and gastrointestinal and respiratory assistance were evaluated in 27 patients with genetically diagnosed SURF1 deficiency.
    RESULTS: The mean (S.D.) age of symptom onset collected from 13 patients was 19.7 (11.8) months. Mean (S.D.) age of diagnosis collected from 24 patients was 44.0 (45.1) months. The most common symptoms were gross motor delay (14 of 14), fine motor delay (10 of 11), verbal delay (9 of 10), and intellectual and learning disability (14 of 19). Neurological symptoms included ataxia (14 of 15), other abnormal movements (8 of 9), hypotonia (9 of 11), and dystonia (6 of 9). Three of nine reporting patients (33.3%) had a history of seizure, and 84.6% (11 of 13) had a history of regression/loss of acquired skills. Extraneurological clinical features included pulmonary complications (10 of 11) and feeding difficulties (13 of 13); cardiac complications were noted in three patients. Brainstem is frequently involved with the medulla and midbrain being the most common sites. As of July 2021, three patients were deceased.
    CONCLUSIONS: The most common clinical symptoms were motor delay, verbal delay, intellectual and learning disability, dysphagia, feeding difficulties, and reflux. Neurological presentations include ataxia, hypotonia, visual/ocular abnormalities, dystonia, and imaging abnormalities include basal ganglia and brainstem lesions. Although heterogeneous, SURF1 deficiency should be considered with these clinical and imaging presentations and may support earlier identification.
    Keywords:  Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease 4K; Leigh syndrome; Mitochondrial disease; SURF1; SURF1 deficiency
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2022.12.002
  15. Nat Struct Mol Biol. 2023 Jan 05.
      Mitochondrial β-barrel proteins are essential for the transport of metabolites, ions and proteins. The sorting and assembly machinery (SAM) mediates their folding and membrane insertion. We report the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the yeast SAM complex carrying an early eukaryotic β-barrel folding intermediate. The lateral gate of Sam50 is wide open and pairs with the last β-strand (β-signal) of the substrate-the 19-β-stranded Tom40 precursor-to form a hybrid barrel in the membrane plane. The Tom40 barrel grows and curves, guided by an extended bridge with Sam50. Tom40's first β-segment (β1) penetrates into the nascent barrel, interacting with its inner wall. The Tom40 amino-terminal segment then displaces β1 to promote its pairing with Tom40's last β-strand to complete barrel formation with the assistance of Sam37's dynamic α-protrusion. Our study thus reveals a multipoint guidance mechanism for mitochondrial β-barrel folding.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41594-022-00897-2
  16. Histol Histopathol. 2022 Dec 16. 18576
      Ageing is a biological process caused by the malfunctioning of multiple cellular mechanisms, ascribable to nine hallmarks: genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, deregulated nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, and altered intercellular communication. These ageing pillars have three common traits: (i) they appear during normal ageing; (ii) their experimental intensification accelerates ageing; and (iii) their experimental reduction delays ageing. The evidence that the elderly are more prone to develop pathologies such as cancer, diabetes and degenerative diseases, together with data showing that the elderly population is steadily increasing, has stimulated an important effort to find specific countermeasures to physiological ageing. Unfortunately, the investigation of ageing processes and the search for countermeasures in humans is very difficult. Therefore, researchers must rely on a wide range of experimental models that span from unicellular to more complex organisms. Unfortunately, experimental models are not devoid of pitfalls, flaws or obstacles that can have an impact in ageing research. In the present review we describe the most exploited experimental models in the field, such as in vitro, animal and human models, highlighting the characteristics that justify their application in the laboratory routine, and translation to human research.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.14670/HH-18-576
  17. Subcell Biochem. 2023 ;102 77-98
      Mitochondria are subcellular organelles present in most eukaryotic cells which play a significant role in numerous aspects of cell biology. These include carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism to generate cellular energy through oxidative phosphorylation, apoptosis, cell signalling, haem biosynthesis and reactive oxygen species production. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a feature of many human ageing tissues, and since the discovery that mitochondrial DNA mutations were a major underlying cause of changes in oxidative phosphorylation capacity, it has been proposed that they have a role in human ageing. However, there is still much debate on whether mitochondrial DNA mutations play a causal role in ageing or are simply a consequence of the ageing process. This chapter describes the structure of mammalian mitochondria, and the unique features of mitochondrial genetics, and reviews the current evidence surrounding the role of mitochondrial DNA mutations in the ageing process. It then focusses on more recent discoveries regarding the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in stem cell ageing and age-related inflammation.
    Keywords:  Ageing; Cellular damage; DNA; Free radical damage; Mitochondria; Molecular damage; Mutations
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-21410-3_4
  18. FEBS J. 2023 Jan 03.
      Exploring mechanisms responsible for brown adipose tissue's (BAT) high metabolic activity is crucial to exploit its energy dissipating ability for therapeutic purposes. Basigin (Bsg), a multifunctional highly glycosylated transmembrane protein - was recently proposed as one of 98 critical markers allowing to distinguish "white" and "brown" adipocytes, yet its function in thermogenic brown adipocytes is unknown. Here, we report that Bsg is negatively associated with obesity in mice. In contrast, Bsg expression increased in the mature adipocyte fraction of BAT upon cold acclimation. Additionally, Bsg levels were highly induced during brown adipocyte maturation in vitro, and were further increased upon β-adrenergic stimulation in a HIF-1α dependent manner. siRNA-mediated Bsg gene silencing in cultured brown adipocytes did not impact adipogenesis nor mitochondrial function. However, a significant decrease in mitochondrial respiration, lipolysis and Ucp1 transcription was observed in adipocytes lacking Bsg, when activated by norepinephrine. Furthermore, using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry-time-of-flight (GC/MS-TOF) analysis to assess the composition of cellular metabolites, we demonstrate that brown adipocytes lacking Bsg have lower levels of intracellular lactate and acetoacetate (AcAc). Bsg was additionally required to regulate intracellular AcAc and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediate levels in NE-stimulated adipocytes. Our study highlights the critical role of Bsg in active brown adipocytes, possibly by controlling cellular metabolism.
    Keywords:  Adipocyte; Basigin; Brown adipose tissue; Metabolism; Mitochondria; Thermogenesis; Ucp1
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1111/febs.16716
  19. Front Microbiol. 2022 ;13 1064045
      Mitochondria are important organelles involved in cell metabolism and programmed cell death in eukaryotic cells and are closely related to the innate immunity of host cells against viruses. Mitophagy is a process in which phagosomes selectively phagocytize damaged or dysfunctional mitochondria to form autophagosomes and is degraded by lysosomes, which control mitochondrial mass and maintain mitochondrial dynamics and cellular homeostasis. Innate immunity is an important part of the immune system and plays a vital role in eliminating viruses. Viral infection causes many physiological and pathological alterations in host cells, including mitophagy and innate immune pathways. Accumulating evidence suggests that some virus promote self-replication through regulating mitophagy-mediated innate immunity. Clarifying the regulatory relationships among mitochondria, mitophagy, innate immunity, and viral infection will shed new insight for pathogenic mechanisms and antiviral strategies. This review systemically summarizes the activation pathways of mitophagy and the relationship between mitochondria and innate immune signaling pathways, and then discusses the mechanisms of viruses on mitophagy and innate immunity and how viruses promote self-replication by regulating mitophagy-mediated innate immunity.
    Keywords:  innate immunity; mechanisms; mitochondria; mitophagy; viral infection
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2022.1064045
  20. Sci Rep. 2023 Jan 02. 13(1): 18
      Autophagy of damaged mitochondria, called mitophagy, is an important organelle quality control process involved in the pathogenesis of inflammation, cancer, aging, and age-associated diseases. Many of these disorders are associated with altered expression of the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) protein Prohibitin 1. The mechanisms whereby dysfunction occurring internally at the IMM and matrix activate events at the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) to induce mitophagy are not fully elucidated. Using the gastrointestinal epithelium as a model system highly susceptible to autophagy inhibition, we reveal a specific role of Prohibitin-induced mitophagy in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. We demonstrate that Prohibitin 1 induces mitophagy in response to increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) through binding to mitophagy receptor Nix/Bnip3L and independently of Parkin. Prohibitin 1 is required for ROS-induced Nix localization to mitochondria and maintaining homeostasis of epithelial cells highly susceptible to mitochondrial dysfunction.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-26775-x
  21. Metabolism. 2023 Jan 02. pii: S0026-0495(22)00261-X. [Epub ahead of print] 155383
      BACKGROUND: The regulatory mechanisms involved in mitochondrial quality control (MQC) dysfunction during septic cardiomyopathy (SCM) remain incompletely characterized. Transmembrane BAX inhibitor motif containing 6 (TMBIM6) is an endoplasmic reticulum protein with Ca2+ leak activity that modulates cellular responses to various cellular stressors.METHODS: In this study, we evaluated the role of TMBIM6 in SCM using cardiomyocyte-specific TMBIM6 knockout (TMBIM6CKO) and TMBIM6 transgenic (TMBIM6TG) mice.
    RESULTS: Myocardial TMBIM6 transcription and expression were significantly downregulated in wild-type mice upon LPS exposure, along with characteristic alterations in myocardial systolic/diastolic function, cardiac inflammation, and cardiomyocyte death. Notably, these alterations were further exacerbated in LPS-treated TMBIM6CKO mice, and largely absent in TMBIM6TG mice. In LPS-treated primary cardiomyocytes, TMBIM6 deficiency further impaired mitochondrial respiration and ATP production, while defective MQC was suggested by enhanced mitochondrial fission, impaired mitophagy, and disrupted mitochondrial biogenesis. Structural protein analysis, Co-IP, mutant TMBIM6 plasmid transfection, and molecular docking assays subsequently indicated that TMBIM6 exerts cardioprotection against LPS-induced sepsis by interacting with and preventing the oligomerization of voltage-dependent anion channel-1 (VDAC1), the major route of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake.
    CONCLUSION: We conclude that the TMBIM6-VDAC1 interaction prevents VDAC1 oligomerization and thus sustains mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis as well as MQC, contributing to improved myocardial function in SCM.
    Keywords:  Mitochondria; Septic cardiomyopathy; TMBIM6; VDAC1
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.metabol.2022.155383
  22. Nature. 2023 Jan 04.
      
    Keywords:  Cell biology; Imaging; Stem cells
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-022-04227-w
  23. J Med Genet. 2022 Dec 08. pii: jmedgenet-2022-108607. [Epub ahead of print]
      BACKGROUND: Consanguineous couples have an increased risk of severe diseases in offspring due to autosomal recessive disorders. Exome sequencing (ES) offers the possibility of extensive preconception carrier screening (PCS) in consanguineous couples who may be at risk of rare genetic disorders.METHODS: We retrospectively analysed ES data from 65 probands affected with rare genetic disorders born from consanguineous couples. We explored diagnostic yield and carrier status for recessive disorders.
    RESULTS: The overall diagnostic yield in a singleton approach was 53.8%, mostly recessive variants. In a hypothetical exome-based PCS, only 11.7% of these causative rare variants would have been missed in the filtering process. Carrier screening for recessive conditions allowed the identification of at least one additional pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in 85.7% of the probands, being the majority with a gene carrier frequency <1 in 200. In addition, considering only clinically actionable conditions, we estimated that 12.3% of our close consanguineous couples may be at risk for an additional recessive disease.
    CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that ES outperforms panel-based screening in a PCS context in consanguineous couples and could potentially increase their reproductive autonomy and facilitate informed decision-making.
    Keywords:  consanguinity; genetic carrier screening; genetic counseling; human genetics; reproductive medicine
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1136/jmg-2022-108607
  24. Nat Biotechnol. 2023 Jan 05.
      Current methods for epigenomic profiling are limited in their ability to obtain genome-wide information with spatial resolution. We introduce spatial ATAC, a method that integrates transposase-accessible chromatin profiling in tissue sections with barcoded solid-phase capture to perform spatially resolved epigenomics. We show that spatial ATAC enables the discovery of the regulatory programs underlying spatial gene expression during mouse organogenesis, lineage differentiation and in human pathology.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41587-022-01603-9
  25. Biophys J. 2023 Jan 03. pii: S0006-3495(22)03941-8. [Epub ahead of print]
      Next-generation sequencing of human genomes reveals millions of missense variants, some of which may lead to loss of protein function and ultimately disease. We here investigate missense variants in membrane proteins - key drivers in cell signaling and recognition. We find enrichment of pathogenic variants in the transmembrane region across 19,000 functionally classified variants in human membrane proteins. To accurately predict variant consequences, one fundamentally needs to understand the reasons for pathogenicity. A key mechanism underlying pathogenicity in missense variants of soluble proteins has been shown to be loss of stability. Membrane proteins though are widely understudied. We here interpret variant effects on a larger scale by performing structure-based estimations of changes in thermodynamic stability under the usage of a membrane-specific force-field and evolutionary conservation analyses of 15 transmembrane proteins. We find evidence for loss of stability being the cause of pathogenicity in more than half of the pathogenic variants, indicating that this is a driving factor also in membrane-protein-associated diseases. Our findings show how computational tools aid in gaining mechanistic insights into variant consequences for membrane proteins. To enable broader analyses of disease-related and population variants, we include variant mappings for the entire human proteome.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpj.2022.12.031
  26. Redox Biol. 2022 Dec 30. pii: S2213-2317(22)00369-X. [Epub ahead of print]59 102597
      Tauopathies are a major type of proteinopathies underlying neurodegenerative diseases. Mutations in the tau-encoding MAPT-gene lead to hereditary cases of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD)-tau, which span a wide phenotypic and pathological spectrum. Some of these mutations, such as the N279K mutation, result in a shift of the physiological 3R/4R ratio towards the more aggregation prone 4R isoform. Other mutations such as V337M cause a decrease in the in vitro affinity of tau to microtubules and a reduced ability to promote microtubule assembly. Whether both mutations address similar downstream signalling cascades remains unclear but is important for potential rescue strategies. Here, we developed a novel and optimised forward programming protocol for the rapid and highly efficient production of pure cultures of glutamatergic cortical neurons from hiPSCs. We apply this protocol to delineate mechanisms of neurodegeneration in an FTLD-tau hiPSC-model consisting of MAPTN279K- or MAPTV337M-mutants and wild-type or isogenic controls. The resulting cortical neurons express MAPT-genotype-dependent dominant proteome clusters regulating apoptosis, ROS homeostasis and mitochondrial function. Related pathways are significantly upregulated in MAPTN279K neurons but not in MAPTV337M neurons or controls. Live cell imaging demonstrates that both MAPT mutations affect excitability of membranes as reflected in spontaneous and stimulus evoked calcium signals when compared to controls, albeit more pronounced in MAPTN279K neurons. These spontaneous calcium oscillations in MAPTN279K neurons triggered mitochondrial hyperpolarisation and fission leading to mitochondrial ROS production, but also ROS production through NOX2 acting together to induce cell death. Importantly, we found that these mechanisms are MAPT mutation-specific and were observed in MAPTN279K neurons, but not in MAPTV337M neurons, supporting a pathological role of the 4R tau isoform in redox disbalance and highlighting MAPT-mutation specific clinicopathological-genetic correlations, which may inform rescue strategies in different MAPT mutations.
    Keywords:  Cell death; FTLD; Forward programming; MAPT mutation; Mitochondria; ROS
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.redox.2022.102597
  27. Subcell Biochem. 2023 ;102 1-6
      We outline the progression of ageing research from ancient history to present day geroscience. Calorie restriction, genetic mutations, and the involvement of the sirtuins are highlighted, along with pharmaceutical interventions, in particular rapamycin. At the cellular level, replicative senescence and telomere shortening are presented in the history of ageing studies. We discuss the roles of macromolecular damage in ageing including damage to nuclear, and mitochondrial DNA, epigenetic and protein damage. The importance inflammation during ageing "inflammageing" is becoming increasingly recognized. Omics-based biomarkers are now proving to be a promising approach, along with comparative studies on long-lived animals. The science is getting closer to understanding the mechanisms of ageing and developing reliable interventions to improve human health.
    Keywords:  Calorie restriction; DNA damage; Genetic mutation; History of ageing; Inflammageing; Omics-based markers; Rapamycin; Senescent cells; Senolytic therapies; Sirtuins; Telomere shortening
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-21410-3_1
  28. Mol Neurobiol. 2023 Jan 03.
      Regardless of the progress made in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke, it remains a leading cause of adult disability and death. To date, the most effective treatment for ischemic stroke is the timely recanalization of the occluded artery. However, the short time window and reperfusion injury have greatly limited its application and efficacy. Mitochondrial dysfunction and ATP depletion have become regarded as being hallmarks of neuropathophysiology following ischemic stroke. Mitochondrial transplantation is a novel potential therapeutic intervention for ischemic stroke that has sparked widespread concern during the past few years. This review summarizes and discusses the effects of mitochondrial transplantation in in vitro and in vivo ischemic stroke models. In addition, pharmacological interventions promoting mitochondrial transplantation are reviewed and discussed. We also discuss the potential challenges to the clinical application of mitochondrial transplantation in the treatment of ischemic stroke.
    Keywords:  Brain; Cerebral ischemia; Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion; Ischemic stroke; Mitochondrial transfer; Mitochondrial transplantation
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s12035-022-03200-y