-
Immunity Nov 2023Gasdermin D (GSDMD)-activated inflammatory cell death (pyroptosis) causes mitochondrial damage, but its underlying mechanism and functional consequences are largely...
Gasdermin D (GSDMD)-activated inflammatory cell death (pyroptosis) causes mitochondrial damage, but its underlying mechanism and functional consequences are largely unknown. Here, we show that the N-terminal pore-forming GSDMD fragment (GSDMD-NT) rapidly damaged both inner and outer mitochondrial membranes (OMMs) leading to reduced mitochondrial numbers, mitophagy, ROS, loss of transmembrane potential, attenuated oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), and release of mitochondrial proteins and DNA from the matrix and intermembrane space. Mitochondrial damage occurred as soon as GSDMD was cleaved prior to plasma membrane damage. Mitochondrial damage was independent of the B-cell lymphoma 2 family and depended on GSDMD-NT binding to cardiolipin. Canonical and noncanonical inflammasome activation of mitochondrial damage, pyroptosis, and inflammatory cytokine release were suppressed by genetic ablation of cardiolipin synthase (Crls1) or the scramblase (Plscr3) that transfers cardiolipin to the OMM. Phospholipid scramblase-3 (PLSCR3) deficiency in a tumor compromised pyroptosis-triggered anti-tumor immunity. Thus, mitochondrial damage plays a critical role in pyroptosis.
Topics: Pyroptosis; Gasdermins; Neoplasm Proteins; Cardiolipins; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Inflammasomes
PubMed: 37924812
DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2023.10.004 -
Circulation Research Sep 2023Hypoxia is a major cause and promoter of pulmonary hypertension (PH), a representative vascular remodeling disease with poor prognosis and high mortality. However, the...
BACKGROUND
Hypoxia is a major cause and promoter of pulmonary hypertension (PH), a representative vascular remodeling disease with poor prognosis and high mortality. However, the mechanism underlying how pulmonary arterial system responds to hypoxic stress during PH remains unclear. Endothelial mitochondria are considered signaling organelles on oxygen tension. Results from previous clinical research and our studies suggested a potential role of posttranslational SUMOylation (small ubiquitin-like modifier modification) in endothelial mitochondria in hypoxia-related vasculopathy.
METHODS
Chronic hypoxia mouse model and Sugen/hypoxia rat model were employed as PH animal models. Mitochondrial morphology and subcellular structure were determined by transmission electron and immunofluorescent microscopies. Mitochondrial metabolism was determined by mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate and extracellular acidification rate. SUMOylation and protein interaction were determined by immunoprecipitation.
RESULTS
The involvement of SENP1 (sentrin-specific protease 1)-mediated SUMOylation in mitochondrial remodeling in the pulmonary endothelium was identified in clinical specimens of hypoxia-related PH and was verified in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells under hypoxia. Further analyses in clinical specimens, hypoxic rat and mouse PH models, and human pulmonary artery endothelial cells and human embryonic stem cell-derived endothelial cells revealed that short-term hypoxia-induced SENP1 translocation to endothelial mitochondria to regulate deSUMOylation (the reversible process of SUMOylation) of mitochondrial fission protein FIS1 (mitochondrial fission 1), which facilitated FIS1 assembling with fusion protein MFN2 (mitofusin 2) and mitochondrial gatekeeper VDAC1 (voltage-dependent anion channel 1), and the membrane tethering activity of MFN2 by enhancing its oligomerization. Consequently, FIS1 deSUMOylation maintained the mitochondrial integrity and endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria calcium communication across mitochondrial-associated membranes, subsequently preserving pulmonary endothelial function and vascular homeostasis. In contrast, prolonged hypoxia disabled the FIS1 deSUMOylation by diminishing the availability of SENP1 in mitochondria via inducing miR (micro RNA)-138 and consequently resulted in mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic reprogramming in pulmonary endothelium. Functionally, introduction of viral-packaged deSUMOylated FIS1 within pulmonary endothelium in mice improved pulmonary endothelial dysfunction and hypoxic PH development, while knock-in of SUMO (small ubiquitin-like modifier)-conjugated FIS1 in mice exaggerated the diseased cellular and tissue phenotypes.
CONCLUSIONS
By maintaining endothelial mitochondrial homeostasis, deSUMOylation of FIS1 adaptively preserves pulmonary endothelial function against hypoxic stress and consequently protects against PH. The FIS1 deSUMOylation-SUMOylation transition in pulmonary endothelium is an intrinsic pathogenesis of hypoxic PH.
Topics: Humans; Mice; Rats; Animals; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Endothelial Cells; Mitochondria; Vascular Diseases; Disease Models, Animal; Endothelium; Ubiquitins; Membrane Proteins; Mitochondrial Proteins
PubMed: 37589160
DOI: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.122.321200 -
Nature Reviews. Molecular Cell Biology Oct 2023The proteins of the BCL-2 family are key regulators of mitochondrial apoptosis, acting as either promoters or inhibitors of cell death. The functional interplay and... (Review)
Review
The proteins of the BCL-2 family are key regulators of mitochondrial apoptosis, acting as either promoters or inhibitors of cell death. The functional interplay and balance between the opposing BCL-2 family members control permeabilization of the outer mitochondrial membrane, leading to the release of activators of the caspase cascade into the cytosol and ultimately resulting in cell death. Despite considerable research, our knowledge about the mechanisms of the BCL-2 family of proteins remains insufficient, which complicates cell fate predictions and does not allow us to fully exploit these proteins as targets for drug discovery. Detailed understanding of the formation and molecular architecture of the apoptotic pore in the outer mitochondrial membrane remains a holy grail in the field, but new studies allow us to begin constructing a structural model of its arrangement. Recent literature has also revealed unexpected activities for several BCL-2 family members that challenge established concepts of how they regulate mitochondrial permeabilization. In this Review, we revisit the most important advances in the field and integrate them into a new structure-function-based classification of the BCL-2 family members that intends to provide a comprehensive model for BCL-2 action in apoptosis. We close this Review by discussing the potential of drugging the BCL-2 family in diseases characterized by aberrant apoptosis.
Topics: Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; Apoptosis; Mitochondria; Mitochondrial Membranes; Caspases
PubMed: 37438560
DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00629-4 -
Nature Feb 2024Ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death that is driven by iron-dependent phospholipid peroxidation, has been implicated in multiple diseases, including cancer,...
Ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death that is driven by iron-dependent phospholipid peroxidation, has been implicated in multiple diseases, including cancer, degenerative disorders and organ ischaemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Here, using genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screening, we identified that the enzymes involved in distal cholesterol biosynthesis have pivotal yet opposing roles in regulating ferroptosis through dictating the level of 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC)-an intermediate metabolite of distal cholesterol biosynthesis that is synthesized by sterol C5-desaturase (SC5D) and metabolized by 7-DHC reductase (DHCR7) for cholesterol synthesis. We found that the pathway components, including MSMO1, CYP51A1, EBP and SC5D, function as potential suppressors of ferroptosis, whereas DHCR7 functions as a pro-ferroptotic gene. Mechanistically, 7-DHC dictates ferroptosis surveillance by using the conjugated diene to exert its anti-phospholipid autoxidation function and shields plasma and mitochondria membranes from phospholipid autoxidation. Importantly, blocking the biosynthesis of endogenous 7-DHC by pharmacological targeting of EBP induces ferroptosis and inhibits tumour growth, whereas increasing the 7-DHC level by inhibiting DHCR7 effectively promotes cancer metastasis and attenuates the progression of kidney IRI, supporting a critical function of this axis in vivo. In conclusion, our data reveal a role of 7-DHC as a natural anti-ferroptotic metabolite and suggest that pharmacological manipulation of 7-DHC levels is a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer and IRI.
Topics: Humans; Cell Membrane; Cholesterol; CRISPR-Cas Systems; Dehydrocholesterols; Ferroptosis; Genome, Human; Kidney Diseases; Mitochondrial Membranes; Neoplasm Metastasis; Neoplasms; Phospholipids; Reperfusion Injury
PubMed: 38297130
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06983-9 -
Molecular Cell Oct 2023Mitochondrial DNA double-strand breaks (mtDSBs) lead to the degradation of circular genomes and a reduction in copy number; yet, the cellular response in human cells...
Mitochondrial DNA double-strand breaks (mtDSBs) lead to the degradation of circular genomes and a reduction in copy number; yet, the cellular response in human cells remains elusive. Here, using mitochondrial-targeted restriction enzymes, we show that a subset of cells with mtDSBs exhibited defective mitochondrial protein import, reduced respiratory complexes, and loss of membrane potential. Electron microscopy confirmed the altered mitochondrial membrane and cristae ultrastructure. Intriguingly, mtDSBs triggered the integrated stress response (ISR) via the phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) by DELE1 and heme-regulated eIF2α kinase (HRI). When ISR was inhibited, the cells experienced intensified mitochondrial defects and slower mtDNA recovery post-breakage. Lastly, through proteomics, we identified ATAD3A-a membrane-bound protein interacting with nucleoids-as potentially pivotal in relaying signals from impaired genomes to the inner mitochondrial membrane. In summary, our study delineates the cascade connecting damaged mitochondrial genomes to the cytoplasm and highlights the significance of the ISR in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis amid genome instability.
Topics: Humans; Mitochondria; eIF-2 Kinase; Cytoplasm; Phosphorylation; DNA, Mitochondrial; Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-2; ATPases Associated with Diverse Cellular Activities; Membrane Proteins; Mitochondrial Proteins
PubMed: 37832546
DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.09.026 -
Molecular Cell Jan 2024Mitophagy mediated by BNIP3 and NIX critically regulates mitochondrial mass. Cellular BNIP3 and NIX levels are tightly controlled by SCF-mediated ubiquitination to...
Mitophagy mediated by BNIP3 and NIX critically regulates mitochondrial mass. Cellular BNIP3 and NIX levels are tightly controlled by SCF-mediated ubiquitination to prevent excessive mitochondrial loss and lethal disease. Here, we report that knockout of PPTC7, a mitochondrial matrix protein, hyperactivates BNIP3-/NIX-mediated mitophagy and causes perinatal lethality that is rescued by NIX knockout in mice. Biochemically, the PPTC7 precursor is trapped by BNIP3 and NIX to the mitochondrial outer membrane, where PPTC7 scaffolds assembly of a substrate-PPTC7-SCF holocomplex to degrade BNIP3 and NIX, forming a homeostatic regulatory loop. PPTC7 possesses an unusually weak mitochondrial targeting sequence to facilitate its outer membrane retention and mitophagy control. Starvation upregulates PPPTC7 expression in mouse liver to repress mitophagy, which critically maintains hepatic mitochondrial mass, bioenergetics, and gluconeogenesis. Collectively, PPTC7 functions as a mitophagy sensor that integrates homeostatic and physiological signals to dynamically control BNIP3 and NIX degradation, thereby maintaining mitochondrial mass and cellular homeostasis.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Membrane Proteins; Mitochondria; Mitochondrial Membranes; Mitochondrial Proteins; Mitophagy; Proteolysis; Protein Phosphatase 2C
PubMed: 38151018
DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.11.038 -
Cell Death and Differentiation Aug 2023The mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) describes a Ca-dependent and cyclophilin D (CypD)-facilitated increase of inner mitochondrial membrane permeability that... (Review)
Review
The mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) describes a Ca-dependent and cyclophilin D (CypD)-facilitated increase of inner mitochondrial membrane permeability that allows diffusion of molecules up to 1.5 kDa in size. It is mediated by a non-selective channel, the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). Sustained mPTP opening causes mitochondrial swelling, which ruptures the outer mitochondrial membrane leading to subsequent apoptotic and necrotic cell death, and is implicated in a range of pathologies. However, transient mPTP opening at various sub-conductance states may contribute several physiological roles such as alterations in mitochondrial bioenergetics and rapid Ca efflux. Since its discovery decades ago, intensive efforts have been made to identify the exact pore-forming structure of the mPT. Both the adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT) and, more recently, the mitochondrial FF (F)-ATP synthase dimers, monomers or c-subunit ring alone have been implicated. Here we share the insights of several key investigators with different perspectives who have pioneered mPT research. We critically assess proposed models for the molecular identity of the mPTP and the mechanisms underlying its opposing roles in the life and death of cells. We provide in-depth insights into current controversies, seeking to achieve a degree of consensus that will stimulate future innovative research into the nature and role of the mPTP.
Topics: Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore; Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins; Consensus; Mitochondria; Mitochondrial Membranes
PubMed: 37460667
DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01187-0 -
Nature Communications Oct 2023Cold stimulation dynamically remodels mitochondria in brown adipose tissue (BAT) to facilitate non-shivering thermogenesis in mammals, but what regulates mitochondrial...
Cold stimulation dynamically remodels mitochondria in brown adipose tissue (BAT) to facilitate non-shivering thermogenesis in mammals, but what regulates mitochondrial plasticity is poorly understood. Comparing mitochondrial proteomes in response to cold revealed FAM210A as a cold-inducible mitochondrial inner membrane protein. An adipocyte-specific constitutive knockout of Fam210a (Fam210a) disrupts mitochondrial cristae structure and diminishes the thermogenic activity of BAT, rendering the Fam210a mice vulnerable to lethal hypothermia under acute cold exposure. Induced knockout of Fam210a in adult adipocytes (Fam210a) does not affect steady-state mitochondrial structure under thermoneutrality, but impairs cold-induced mitochondrial remodeling, leading to progressive loss of cristae and reduction of mitochondrial density. Proteomics reveals an association between FAM210A and OPA1, whose cleavage governs cristae dynamics and mitochondrial remodeling. Mechanistically, FAM210A interacts with mitochondrial protease YME1L and modulates its activity toward OMA1 and OPA1 cleavage. These data establish FAM210A as a key regulator of mitochondrial cristae remodeling in BAT and shed light on the mechanism underlying mitochondrial plasticity in response to cold.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Adipocytes, Brown; Adipose Tissue, Brown; Cold Temperature; Hypothermia; Metalloendopeptidases; Mitochondria; Mitochondrial Membranes; Thermogenesis; Mitochondrial Proteins
PubMed: 37816711
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41988-y -
Cell Metabolism May 2024Mitochondrial cristae, infoldings of the mitochondrial inner membrane, undergo aberrant changes in their architecture with age. However, the underlying molecular...
Mitochondrial cristae, infoldings of the mitochondrial inner membrane, undergo aberrant changes in their architecture with age. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms and their contribution to brain aging are largely elusive. Here, we observe an age-dependent accumulation of Glu-5'tsRNA-CTC, a transfer-RNA-derived small RNA (tsRNA), derived from nuclear-encoded tRNA in the mitochondria of glutaminergic neurons. Mitochondrial Glu-5'tsRNA-CTC disrupts the binding of mt-tRNA and leucyl-tRNA synthetase2 (LaRs2), impairing mt-tRNA aminoacylation and mitochondria-encoded protein translation. Mitochondrial translation defects disrupt cristae organization, leading to damaged glutaminase (GLS)-dependent glutamate formation and reduced synaptosomal glutamate levels. Moreover, reduction of Glu-5'tsRNA-CTC protects aged brains from age-related defects in mitochondrial cristae organization, glutamate metabolism, synaptic structures, and memory. Thus, beyond illustrating a physiological role for normal mitochondrial cristae ultrastructure in maintaining glutamate levels, our study defines a pathological role for tsRNAs in brain aging and age-related memory decline.
Topics: Animals; Glutamic Acid; Aging; Mitochondria; Mice; Protein Biosynthesis; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Male; Humans; Neurons; Glutaminase; Mitochondrial Membranes; Brain
PubMed: 38458203
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2024.02.011 -
Nature Aug 2023Distinct morphologies of the mitochondrial network support divergent metabolic and regulatory processes that determine cell function and fate. The mechanochemical...
Distinct morphologies of the mitochondrial network support divergent metabolic and regulatory processes that determine cell function and fate. The mechanochemical GTPase optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) influences the architecture of cristae and catalyses the fusion of the mitochondrial inner membrane. Despite its fundamental importance, the molecular mechanisms by which OPA1 modulates mitochondrial morphology are unclear. Here, using a combination of cellular and structural analyses, we illuminate the molecular mechanisms that are key to OPA1-dependent membrane remodelling and fusion. Human OPA1 embeds itself into cardiolipin-containing membranes through a lipid-binding paddle domain. A conserved loop within the paddle domain inserts deeply into the bilayer, further stabilizing the interactions with cardiolipin-enriched membranes. OPA1 dimerization through the paddle domain promotes the helical assembly of a flexible OPA1 lattice on the membrane, which drives mitochondrial fusion in cells. Moreover, the membrane-bending OPA1 oligomer undergoes conformational changes that pull the membrane-inserting loop out of the outer leaflet and contribute to the mechanics of membrane remodelling. Our findings provide a structural framework for understanding how human OPA1 shapes mitochondrial morphology and show us how human disease mutations compromise OPA1 functions.
Topics: Humans; Biocatalysis; Cardiolipins; GTP Phosphohydrolases; Membrane Fusion; Mitochondria; Mitochondrial Membranes; Mutation; Protein Domains; Protein Multimerization; Mitochondrial Dynamics
PubMed: 37612504
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06441-6