-
Molecular Cell Mar 2023Mitochondria are not only central organelles in metabolism and energy conversion but are also platforms for cellular signaling cascades. Classically, the shape and... (Review)
Review
Mitochondria are not only central organelles in metabolism and energy conversion but are also platforms for cellular signaling cascades. Classically, the shape and ultrastructure of mitochondria were depicted as static. The discovery of morphological transitions during cell death and of conserved genes controlling mitochondrial fusion and fission contributed to establishing the concept that mitochondrial morphology and ultrastructure are dynamically regulated by mitochondria-shaping proteins. These finely tuned, dynamic changes in mitochondrial shape can in turn control mitochondrial function, and their alterations in human diseases suggest that this space can be explored for drug discovery. Here, we review the basic tenets and molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial morphology and ultrastructure, describing how they can coordinately define mitochondrial function.
Topics: Humans; Mitochondrial Dynamics; Mitochondria; Cell Death; Signal Transduction; Mitochondrial Proteins
PubMed: 36889315
DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.02.012 -
Biomolecules Dec 2022Mitochondria calcium is a double-edged sword. While low levels of calcium are essential to maintain optimal rates of ATP production, extreme levels of calcium overcoming... (Review)
Review
Mitochondria calcium is a double-edged sword. While low levels of calcium are essential to maintain optimal rates of ATP production, extreme levels of calcium overcoming the mitochondrial calcium retention capacity leads to loss of mitochondrial function. In moderate amounts, however, ATP synthesis rates are inhibited in a calcium-titratable manner. While the consequences of extreme calcium overload are well-known, the effects on mitochondrial function in the moderately loaded range remain enigmatic. These observations are associated with changes in the mitochondria ultrastructure and cristae network. The present mini review/perspective follows up on previous studies using well-established cryo-electron microscopy and poses an explanation for the observable depressed ATP synthesis rates in mitochondria during calcium-overloaded states. The results presented herein suggest that the inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation is not caused by a direct decoupling of energy metabolism via the opening of a calcium-sensitive, proteinaceous pore but rather a separate but related calcium-dependent phenomenon. Such inhibition during calcium-overloaded states points towards mitochondrial ultrastructural modifications, enzyme activity changes, or an interplay between both events.
Topics: Calcium; Cryoelectron Microscopy; Mitochondria; Energy Metabolism; Adenosine Triphosphate
PubMed: 36551319
DOI: 10.3390/biom12121891 -
Cell Death & Disease Aug 2023Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death induced by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, and it has been studied extensively since its discovery in 2012. Induced by... (Review)
Review
Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death induced by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, and it has been studied extensively since its discovery in 2012. Induced by iron overload and ROS accumulation, ferroptosis is modulated by various cellular metabolic and signaling pathways. The GSH-GPX4 pathway, the FSP1-CoQ10 pathway, the GCH1-BH4 pathway, the DHODH-CoQH2 system and the sex hormones suppress ferroptosis. Mitochondrial iron metabolism regulates ferroptosis and mitochondria also undergo a morphological change during ferroptosis, these changes include increased membrane density and reduced mitochondrial cristae. Moreover, mitochondrial energy metabolism changes during ferroptosis, the increased oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production rates lead to a decrease in the glycolysis rate. In addition, excessive oxidative stress induces irreversible damage to mitochondria, diminishing organelle integrity. ROS production, mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial fusion and fission, and mitophagy also function in ferroptosis. Notably, some ferroptosis inhibitors target mitochondria. Ferroptosis is a major mechanism for cell death associated with the progression of cancer. Metastasis-prone or metastatic cancer cells are more susceptible to ferroptosis. Inducing ferroptosis in tumor cells shows very promising potential for treating drug-resistant cancers. In this review, we present a brief retrospect of the discovery and the characteristics of ferroptosis, then we discuss the regulation of ferroptosis and highlight the unique role played by mitochondria in the ferroptosis of cancer cells. Furthermore, we explain how ferroptosis functions as a double-edged sword as well as novel therapies aimed at selectively manipulating cell death for cancer eradication.
Topics: Ferroptosis; Reactive Oxygen Species; Mitochondria; Oxidative Stress; Iron; Neoplasms
PubMed: 37580393
DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06045-y -
Circulation Nov 2021Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a complex disease partly explained by the effects of individual gene variants on sarcomeric protein biomechanics. At the cellular...
BACKGROUND
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a complex disease partly explained by the effects of individual gene variants on sarcomeric protein biomechanics. At the cellular level, HCM mutations most commonly enhance force production, leading to higher energy demands. Despite significant advances in elucidating sarcomeric structure-function relationships, there is still much to be learned about the mechanisms that link altered cardiac energetics to HCM phenotypes. In this work, we test the hypothesis that changes in cardiac energetics represent a common pathophysiologic pathway in HCM.
METHODS
We performed a comprehensive multiomics profile of the molecular (transcripts, metabolites, and complex lipids), ultrastructural, and functional components of HCM energetics using myocardial samples from 27 HCM patients and 13 normal controls (donor hearts).
RESULTS
Integrated omics analysis revealed alterations in a wide array of biochemical pathways with major dysregulation in fatty acid metabolism, reduction of acylcarnitines, and accumulation of free fatty acids. HCM hearts showed evidence of global energetic decompensation manifested by a decrease in high energy phosphate metabolites (ATP, ADP, and phosphocreatine) and a reduction in mitochondrial genes involved in creatine kinase and ATP synthesis. Accompanying these metabolic derangements, electron microscopy showed an increased fraction of severely damaged mitochondria with reduced cristae density, coinciding with reduced citrate synthase activity and mitochondrial oxidative respiration. These mitochondrial abnormalities were associated with elevated reactive oxygen species and reduced antioxidant defenses. However, despite significant mitochondrial injury, HCM hearts failed to upregulate mitophagic clearance.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, our findings suggest that perturbed metabolic signaling and mitochondrial dysfunction are common pathogenic mechanisms in patients with HCM. These results highlight potential new drug targets for attenuation of the clinical disease through improving metabolic function and reducing mitochondrial injury.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic; Cell Respiration; Computational Biology; Disease Management; Disease Susceptibility; Energy Metabolism; Female; Gene Expression Profiling; Heart Function Tests; Humans; Lipidomics; Male; Metabolome; Metabolomics; Middle Aged; Mitochondria; Mutation; Oxidative Stress; Reactive Oxygen Species; Transcriptome
PubMed: 34672721
DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.121.053575 -
Nature Reviews. Molecular Cell Biology Dec 2022Mitochondrial energetic adaptations encompass a plethora of conserved processes that maintain cell and organismal fitness and survival in the changing environment by... (Review)
Review
Mitochondrial energetic adaptations encompass a plethora of conserved processes that maintain cell and organismal fitness and survival in the changing environment by adjusting the respiratory capacity of mitochondria. These mitochondrial responses are governed by general principles of regulatory biology exemplified by changes in gene expression, protein translation, protein complex formation, transmembrane transport, enzymatic activities and metabolite levels. These changes can promote mitochondrial biogenesis and membrane dynamics that in turn support mitochondrial respiration. The main regulatory components of mitochondrial energetic adaptation include: the transcription coactivator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) coactivator 1α (PGC1α) and associated transcription factors; mTOR and endoplasmic reticulum stress signalling; TOM70-dependent mitochondrial protein import; the cristae remodelling factors, including mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS) and OPA1; lipid remodelling; and the assembly and metabolite-dependent regulation of respiratory complexes. These adaptive molecular and structural mechanisms increase respiration to maintain basic processes specific to cell types and tissues. Failure to execute these regulatory responses causes cell damage and inflammation or senescence, compromising cell survival and the ability to adapt to energetically demanding conditions. Thus, mitochondrial adaptive cellular processes are important for physiological responses, including to nutrient availability, temperature and physical activity, and their failure leads to diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction such as metabolic and age-associated diseases and cancer.
Topics: Mitochondria; Adaptation, Physiological; Mitochondrial Membranes; Transcription Factors; Signal Transduction; Mitochondrial Proteins
PubMed: 35804199
DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00506-6 -
European Journal of Cell Biology Jan 2020Ferroptosis is recognized as a new form of regulated cell death which is initiated by severe lipid peroxidation relying on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and... (Review)
Review
Ferroptosis is recognized as a new form of regulated cell death which is initiated by severe lipid peroxidation relying on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and iron overload. This iron-dependent cell death manifests evident morphological, biochemical and genetic differences from other forms of regulated cell death, such as apoptosis, autophagy, necrosis and pyroptosis. Ferroptosis was primarily characterized by condensed mitochondrial membrane densities and smaller volume than normal mitochondria, as well as the diminished or vanished of mitochondria crista and outer membrane ruptured. Mitochondria take the center role in iron metabolism, as well as substance and energy metabolism as it's the major organelle in iron utilization, catabolic and anabolic pathways. Interference of key regulators of mitochondrial lipid metabolism (e.g., ASCF2 and CS), iron homeostasis (e.g., ferritin, mitoferrin1/2 and NEET proteins), glutamine metabolism and other signaling pathways make a difference to ferroptotic sensitivity. Targeted induction of ferroptosis was also considered as a potential therapeutic strategy to some oxidative stress diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, ischemia-reperfusion injury, traumatic spinal cord injury. However, the pertinence between mitochondria and ferroptosis is still in dispute. Here we systematic elucidate the morphological characteristics and metabolic regulation of mitochondria in the regulation of ferroptosis.
Topics: Animals; Ferroptosis; Humans; Mitochondria
PubMed: 31810634
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2019.151058 -
Annual Review of Physiology 2016Permanent residency in the eukaryotic cell pressured the prokaryotic mitochondrial ancestor to strategize for intracellular living. Mitochondria are able to autonomously... (Review)
Review
Permanent residency in the eukaryotic cell pressured the prokaryotic mitochondrial ancestor to strategize for intracellular living. Mitochondria are able to autonomously integrate and respond to cellular cues and demands by remodeling their morphology. These processes define mitochondrial dynamics and inextricably link the fate of the mitochondrion and that of the host eukaryote, as exemplified by the human diseases that result from mutations in mitochondrial dynamics proteins. In this review, we delineate the architecture of mitochondria and define the mechanisms by which they modify their shape. Key players in these mechanisms are discussed, along with their role in manipulating mitochondrial morphology during cellular action and development. Throughout, we highlight the evolutionary context in which mitochondrial dynamics emerged and consider unanswered questions whose dissection might lead to mitochondrial morphology-based therapies.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Membrane Fusion; Mitochondria; Mitochondrial Dynamics; Mitochondrial Membranes; Mitochondrial Proteins
PubMed: 26667075
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-021115-105011 -
Biomedical Journal Feb 2018Respiration is one of the most vital and basic features of living organisms. In mammals, respiration is accomplished by respiratory chain complexes located on the... (Review)
Review
Respiration is one of the most vital and basic features of living organisms. In mammals, respiration is accomplished by respiratory chain complexes located on the mitochondrial inner membrane. In the past century, scientists put tremendous efforts in understanding these complexes, but failed to solve the high resolution structure until recently. In 2016, three research groups reported the structure of respiratory chain supercomplex from different species, and fortunately the structure solved by our group has the highest resolution. In this review, we will compare the recently solved structures of respirasome, probe into the relationship between cristae shape and respiratory chain organization, and discuss the highly disputed issues afterwards. Besides, our group reported the first high resolution structure of respirasome and medium resolution structure of megacomplex from cultured human cells this year. Definitely, these supercomplex structures will provide precious information for conquering the mitochondrial malfunction diseases.
Topics: Animals; Electron Transport; Electron Transport Chain Complex Proteins; Humans; Mitochondria; Phospholipids; Protein Conformation
PubMed: 29673555
DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2017.12.001 -
Cancer Discovery Jul 2019The BCL2 family plays important roles in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Venetoclax, a selective BCL2 inhibitor, has received FDA approval for the treatment of AML....
The BCL2 family plays important roles in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Venetoclax, a selective BCL2 inhibitor, has received FDA approval for the treatment of AML. However, drug resistance ensues after prolonged treatment, highlighting the need for a greater understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Using a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen in human AML, we identified genes whose inactivation sensitizes AML blasts to venetoclax. Genes involved in mitochondrial organization and function were significantly depleted throughout our screen, including the mitochondrial chaperonin . We demonstrated that CLPB is upregulated in human AML, it is further induced upon acquisition of venetoclax resistance, and its ablation sensitizes AML to venetoclax. Mechanistically, CLPB maintains the mitochondrial cristae structure via its interaction with the cristae-shaping protein OPA1, whereas its loss promotes apoptosis by inducing cristae remodeling and mitochondrial stress responses. Overall, our data suggest that targeting mitochondrial architecture may provide a promising approach to circumvent venetoclax resistance. SIGNIFICANCE: A genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen reveals genes involved in mitochondrial biological processes participate in the acquisition of venetoclax resistance. Loss of the mitochondrial protein CLPB leads to structural and functional defects of mitochondria, hence sensitizing AML cells to apoptosis. Targeting CLPB synergizes with venetoclax and the venetoclax/azacitidine combination in AML in a p53-independent manner...
Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic; Cell Line, Tumor; Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Endopeptidase Clp; GTP Phosphohydrolases; HEK293 Cells; HeLa Cells; Humans; K562 Cells; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute; Mice; Mice, Inbred NOD; Mice, SCID; Mitochondria; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; Sulfonamides; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
PubMed: 31048321
DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.CD-19-0117 -
Sub-cellular Biochemistry 2018Mitochondria are the power stations of the eukaryotic cell, using the energy released by the oxidation of glucose and other sugars to produce ATP. Electrons are... (Review)
Review
Mitochondria are the power stations of the eukaryotic cell, using the energy released by the oxidation of glucose and other sugars to produce ATP. Electrons are transferred from NADH, produced in the citric acid cycle in the mitochondrial matrix, to oxygen by a series of large protein complexes in the inner mitochondrial membrane, which create a transmembrane electrochemical gradient by pumping protons across the membrane. The flow of protons back into the matrix via a proton channel in the ATP synthase leads to conformational changes in the nucleotide binding pockets and the formation of ATP. The three proton pumping complexes of the electron transfer chain are NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase or complex I, ubiquinone-cytochrome c oxidoreductase or complex III, and cytochrome c oxidase or complex IV. Succinate dehydrogenase or complex II does not pump protons, but contributes reduced ubiquinone. The structures of complex II, III and IV were determined by x-ray crystallography several decades ago, but complex I and ATP synthase have only recently started to reveal their secrets by advances in x-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. The complexes I, III and IV occur to a certain extent as supercomplexes in the membrane, the so-called respirasomes. Several hypotheses exist about their function. Recent cryo-electron microscopy structures show the architecture of the respirasome with near-atomic detail. ATP synthase occurs as dimers in the inner mitochondrial membrane, which by their curvature are responsible for the folding of the membrane into cristae and thus for the huge increase in available surface that makes mitochondria the efficient energy plants of the eukaryotic cell.
Topics: Animals; Electron Transport Chain Complex Proteins; Energy Metabolism; Humans; Mitochondria; Mitochondrial Proteins
PubMed: 29464561
DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-7757-9_7