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Molecular Cell Aug 2022Protein import into mitochondria is a highly regulated process, yet how cells clear mitochondria undergoing dysfunctional protein import remains poorly characterized....
Protein import into mitochondria is a highly regulated process, yet how cells clear mitochondria undergoing dysfunctional protein import remains poorly characterized. Here we showed that mitochondrial protein import stress (MPIS) triggers localized LC3 lipidation. This arm of the mitophagy pathway occurs through the Nod-like receptor (NLR) protein NLRX1 while, surprisingly, without the engagement of the canonical mitophagy protein PINK1. Mitochondrial depolarization, which itself induces MPIS, also required NLRX1 for LC3 lipidation. While normally targeted to the mitochondrial matrix, cytosol-retained NLRX1 recruited RRBP1, a ribosome-binding transmembrane protein of the endoplasmic reticulum, which relocated to the mitochondrial vicinity during MPIS, and the NLRX1/RRBP1 complex in turn controlled the recruitment and lipidation of LC3. Furthermore, NLRX1 controlled skeletal muscle mitophagy in vivo and regulated endurance capacity during exercise. Thus, localization and lipidation of LC3 at the site of mitophagosome formation is a regulated step of mitophagy controlled by NLRX1/RRBP1 in response to MPIS.
Topics: Endoplasmic Reticulum; Mitochondria; Mitochondrial Proteins; Mitophagy; Protein Transport
PubMed: 35752171
DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.06.004 -
Journal of the American Society of... Aug 2023Renal gluconeogenesis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Proximal tubular phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase1 (PEPCK1) is the...
SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT
Renal gluconeogenesis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Proximal tubular phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase1 (PEPCK1) is the rate-limiting enzyme in gluconeogenesis. However, the functions of PEPCK1 have not been elucidated. We describe the novel role of PEPCK1 as a mitoribosomal protector using Pck1 transgenic (TG) mice and knockout mice. Pck1 blocks excessive glycolysis by suppressing the upregulation of excess HK2 (the rate-limiting enzyme of glycolysis). Notably, Pck1 overexpression retains mitoribosomal function and suppresses renal fibrosis. The renal and mitoribosomal protective roles of Pck1 may provide important clues for understanding DN pathogenesis and provide novel therapeutic targets.
BACKGROUND
Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) is part of the gluconeogenesis pathway, which maintains fasting glucose levels and affects renal physiology. PEPCK consists of two isoforms-PEPCK1 and PEPCK2-that the Pck1 and Pck2 genes encode. Gluconeogenesis increases in diabetic nephropathy (DN), escalating fasting and postprandial glucose levels. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors increase hepatic and renal gluconeogenesis. We used genetically modified mice to investigate whether renal gluconeogenesis and Pck1 activity are renoprotective in DN.
METHODS
We investigated the expression of Pck1 in the proximal tubule (PTs) of streptozotocin (STZ)-treated diabetic mice. We studied the phenotypic changes in PT-specific transgenic (TG) mice and PT-specific Pck1 conditional knockout (CKO) mice.
RESULTS
The expression of Pck1 in PTs was downregulated in STZ-treated diabetic mice when they exhibited albuminuria. TG mice overexpressing Pck1 had improved albuminuria, concomitant with the mitigation of PT cell apoptosis and deposition of peritubular type IV collagen. Moreover, CKO mice exhibited PT cell apoptosis and type IV collagen deposition, findings also observed in STZ-treated mice. Renal fibrotic changes in CKO mice were associated with increasing defects in mitochondrial ribosomes (mitoribosomes). The TG mice were protected against STZ-induced mitoribosomal defects.
CONCLUSION
PCK1 preserves mitoribosomal function and may play a novel protective role in DN.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Diabetic Nephropathies; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Collagen Type IV; Albuminuria; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Phosphoenolpyruvate; Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase (GTP); Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors; Disease Models, Animal; Mice, Transgenic; Fibrosis; Mice, Knockout; Glucose
PubMed: 37199399
DOI: 10.1681/ASN.0000000000000156 -
FEBS Open Bio Jun 2024Mitoribosome biogenesis is a complex process involving RNA elements encoded in the mitochondrial genome and mitoribosomal proteins typically encoded in the nuclear... (Review)
Review
Mitoribosome biogenesis is a complex process involving RNA elements encoded in the mitochondrial genome and mitoribosomal proteins typically encoded in the nuclear genome. This process is orchestrated by extra-ribosomal proteins, nucleus-encoded assembly factors, which play roles across all assembly stages to coordinate ribosomal RNA processing and maturation with the sequential association of ribosomal proteins. Both biochemical studies and recent cryo-EM structures of mammalian mitoribosomes have provided insights into their assembly process. In this article, we will briefly outline the current understanding of mammalian mitoribosome biogenesis pathways and the factors involved. Special attention is devoted to the recent identification of iron-sulfur clusters as structural components of the mitoribosome and a small subunit assembly factor, the existence of redox-sensitive cysteines in mitoribosome proteins and assembly factors, and the role they may play as redox sensor units to regulate mitochondrial translation under stress.
PubMed: 38849194
DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13844 -
Trends in Cell Biology Sep 2023Most mitochondrial proteins are synthesized in the cytosol and transported into mitochondria by protein translocases. Yet, mitochondria contain their own genome and gene... (Review)
Review
Most mitochondrial proteins are synthesized in the cytosol and transported into mitochondria by protein translocases. Yet, mitochondria contain their own genome and gene expression system, which generates proteins that are inserted in the inner membrane by the oxidase assembly (OXA) insertase. OXA contributes to targeting proteins from both genetic origins. Recent data provides insights into how OXA cooperates with the mitochondrial ribosome during synthesis of mitochondrial-encoded proteins. A picture of OXA emerges in which it coordinates insertion of OXPHOS core subunits and their assembly into protein complexes but also participates in the biogenesis of select imported proteins. These functions position the OXA as a multifunctional protein insertase that facilitates protein transport, assembly, and stability at the inner membrane.
Topics: Humans; Oxidoreductases; Electron Transport Complex IV; Mitochondria; Mitochondrial Proteins; Carrier Proteins
PubMed: 36863885
DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.02.001 -
American Journal of Physiology. Lung... Apr 2022Mitochondria are involved in a variety of critical cellular functions, and their impairment drives cell injury. The mitochondrial ribosome (mitoribosome) is responsible... (Review)
Review
Mitochondria are involved in a variety of critical cellular functions, and their impairment drives cell injury. The mitochondrial ribosome (mitoribosome) is responsible for the protein synthesis of mitochondrial DNA-encoded genes. These proteins are involved in oxidative phosphorylation, respiration, and ATP production required in the cell. Mitoribosome components originate from both mitochondrial and nuclear genomes. Their dysfunction can be caused by impaired mitochondrial protein synthesis or mitoribosome misassembly, leading to a decline in mitochondrial translation. This decrease can trigger mitochondrial ribosomal stress and contribute to pulmonary cell injury, death, and diseases. This review focuses on the contribution of the impaired mitoribosome structural components and function to respiratory disease pathophysiology. We present recent findings in the fields of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial lung disease, and asthma. We also include reports on the mitoribosome dysfunction in pulmonary hypertension, high-altitude pulmonary edema, and bacterial and viral infections. Studies of the mitoribosome alterations in respiratory diseases can lead to novel therapeutic targets.
Topics: Humans; Lung Diseases; Mitochondria; Mitochondrial Proteins; Mitochondrial Ribosomes; Protein Biosynthesis
PubMed: 34873929
DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00078.2021 -
Blood May 2023Pathogenic missense variants in SLFN14, which encode an RNA endoribonuclease protein that regulates ribosomal RNA (rRNA) degradation, are known to cause inherited...
Pathogenic missense variants in SLFN14, which encode an RNA endoribonuclease protein that regulates ribosomal RNA (rRNA) degradation, are known to cause inherited thrombocytopenia (TP) with impaired platelet aggregation and adenosine triphosphate secretion. Despite mild laboratory defects, the patients displayed an obvious bleeding phenotype. However, the function of SLFN14 in megakaryocyte (MK) and platelet biology remains unknown. This study aimed to model the disease in an immortalized MK cell line (imMKCL) and to characterize the platelet transcriptome in patients with the SLFN14 K219N variant. MK derived from heterozygous and homozygous SLFN14 K219N imMKCL and stem cells of blood from patients mainly presented with a defect in proplatelet formation and mitochondrial organization. SLFN14-defective platelets and mature MK showed signs of rRNA degradation; however, this was absent in undifferentiated imMKCL cells and granulocytes. Total platelet RNA was sequenced in 2 patients and 19 healthy controls. Differential gene expression analysis yielded 2999 and 2888 significantly (|log2 fold change| >1, false discovery rate <0.05) up- and downregulated genes, respectively. Remarkably, these downregulated genes were not enriched in any biological pathway, whereas upregulated genes were enriched in pathways involved in (mitochondrial) translation and transcription, with a significant upregulation of 134 ribosomal protein genes (RPGs). The upregulation of mitochondrial RPGs through increased mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling in SLFN14 K219N MK seems to be a compensatory response to rRNA degradation. mTORC1 inhibition with rapamycin resulted in further enhanced rRNA degradation in SLFN14 K219N MK. Taken together, our study indicates dysregulation of mTORC1 coordinated ribosomal biogenesis is the disease mechanism for SLFN14-related TP.
Topics: Humans; Thrombocytopenia; Blood Platelets; Ribosomes; Megakaryocytes; Ribosomal Proteins; Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1; RNA
PubMed: 36790527
DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022017712 -
Human Molecular Genetics May 2024Human mitochondrial DNA is one of the most simplified cellular genomes and facilitates compartmentalized gene expression. Within the organelle, there is no physical... (Review)
Review
Human mitochondrial DNA is one of the most simplified cellular genomes and facilitates compartmentalized gene expression. Within the organelle, there is no physical barrier to separate transcription and translation, nor is there evidence that quality control surveillance pathways are active to prevent translation on faulty mRNA transcripts. Mitochondrial ribosomes synthesize 13 hydrophobic proteins that require co-translational insertion into the inner membrane of the organelle. To maintain the integrity of the inner membrane, which is essential for organelle function, requires responsive quality control mechanisms to recognize aberrations in protein synthesis. In this review, we explore how defects in mitochondrial protein synthesis can arise due to the culmination of inherent mistakes that occur throughout the steps of gene expression. In turn, we examine the stepwise series of quality control processes that are needed to eliminate any mistakes that would perturb organelle homeostasis. We aim to provide an integrated view on the quality control mechanisms of mitochondrial protein synthesis and to identify promising avenues for future research.
Topics: Humans; Protein Biosynthesis; Mitochondrial Proteins; Mitochondria; DNA, Mitochondrial; RNA, Messenger; Mitochondrial Ribosomes; Animals
PubMed: 38280230
DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddae012 -
Science (New York, N.Y.) Feb 2021Mitochondrial ribosomes (mitoribosomes) are tethered to the mitochondrial inner membrane to facilitate the cotranslational membrane insertion of the synthesized...
Mitochondrial ribosomes (mitoribosomes) are tethered to the mitochondrial inner membrane to facilitate the cotranslational membrane insertion of the synthesized proteins. We report cryo-electron microscopy structures of human mitoribosomes with nascent polypeptide, bound to the insertase oxidase assembly 1-like (OXA1L) through three distinct contact sites. OXA1L binding is correlated with a series of conformational changes in the mitoribosomal large subunit that catalyze the delivery of newly synthesized polypeptides. The mechanism relies on the folding of mL45 inside the exit tunnel, forming two specific constriction sites that would limit helix formation of the nascent chain. A gap is formed between the exit and the membrane, making the newly synthesized proteins accessible. Our data elucidate the basis by which mitoribosomes interact with the OXA1L insertase to couple protein synthesis and membrane delivery.
Topics: Cryoelectron Microscopy; Electron Transport Complex IV; Humans; Membrane Proteins; Mitochondria; Mitochondrial Membranes; Mitochondrial Proteins; Mitochondrial Ribosomes; Models, Molecular; Nuclear Proteins; Protein Binding; Protein Biosynthesis; Protein Conformation; Protein Folding; Ribosomes
PubMed: 33602856
DOI: 10.1126/science.abe0763 -
Journal of Proteome Research Apr 2022Advanced analytic techniques, such as ribosome profiling and mass spectrometry, as well as improved bioinformatics technology, have promoted the field of genome... (Review)
Review
Advanced analytic techniques, such as ribosome profiling and mass spectrometry, as well as improved bioinformatics technology, have promoted the field of genome annotation forward and have identified thousands of likely coding short open reading frames (sORFs) in the human genome. The discovery of sORFs and their products allows us to realize that the complexity of the human genome is far greater than previously assumed. Here, we provide a review of human micropeptides encoded by various transcripts such as mitochondrial rRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, circular RNAs, upstream of mRNAs, and so on.
Topics: Computational Biology; Genome, Human; Humans; Open Reading Frames; Peptides; Ribosomes
PubMed: 35253438
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.1c00889 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2022Mitochondria are the power houses of eukaryote cells. These endosymbiotic organelles of prokaryote origin are considered as semi-autonomous since they have retained a... (Review)
Review
Mitochondria are the power houses of eukaryote cells. These endosymbiotic organelles of prokaryote origin are considered as semi-autonomous since they have retained a genome and fully functional gene expression mechanisms. These pathways are particularly interesting because they combine features inherited from the bacterial ancestor of mitochondria with characteristics that appeared during eukaryote evolution. RNA biology is thus particularly diverse in mitochondria. It involves an unexpectedly vast array of factors, some of which being universal to all mitochondria and others being specific from specific eukaryote clades. Among them, ribonucleases are particularly prominent. They play pivotal functions such as the maturation of transcript ends, RNA degradation and surveillance functions that are required to attain the pool of mature RNAs required to synthesize essential mitochondrial proteins such as respiratory chain proteins. Beyond these functions, mitochondrial ribonucleases are also involved in the maintenance and replication of mitochondrial DNA, and even possibly in the biogenesis of mitochondrial ribosomes. The diversity of mitochondrial RNases is reviewed here, showing for instance how in some cases a bacterial-type enzyme was kept in some eukaryotes, while in other clades, eukaryote specific enzymes were recruited for the same function.
Topics: Endoribonucleases; Eukaryota; Mitochondria; Mitochondrial Proteins; RNA; Ribonucleases; Transcriptome
PubMed: 35682820
DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116141