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Frontiers in Cell and Developmental... 2024Mitochondria play a central role in cellular metabolism producing the necessary ATP through oxidative phosphorylation. As a remnant of their prokaryotic past,... (Review)
Review
Mitochondria play a central role in cellular metabolism producing the necessary ATP through oxidative phosphorylation. As a remnant of their prokaryotic past, mitochondria contain their own genome, which encodes 13 subunits of the oxidative phosphorylation system, as well as the tRNAs and rRNAs necessary for their translation in the organelle. Mitochondrial protein synthesis depends on the import of a vast array of nuclear-encoded proteins including the mitochondrial ribosome protein components, translation factors, aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases or assembly factors among others. Cryo-EM studies have improved our understanding of the composition of the mitochondrial ribosome and the factors required for mitochondrial protein synthesis and the advances in next-generation sequencing techniques have allowed for the identification of a growing number of genes involved in mitochondrial pathologies with a defective translation. These disorders are often multisystemic, affecting those tissues with a higher energy demand, and often present with neurodegenerative phenotypes. In this article, we review the known proteins required for mitochondrial translation, the disorders that derive from a defective mitochondrial protein synthesis and the animal models that have been established for their study.
PubMed: 38855161
DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1410245 -
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 -
FEBS Open Bio Jun 2024The majority of mitochondrial proteins are encoded in the nucleus, translated on cytosolic ribosomes, and subsequently targeted to the mitochondrial surface. Their...
The majority of mitochondrial proteins are encoded in the nucleus, translated on cytosolic ribosomes, and subsequently targeted to the mitochondrial surface. Their further import into the organelle is facilitated by highly specialized protein translocases. Mitochondrial precursor proteins that are destined to the mitochondrial matrix and, to some extent, the inner membrane, utilize translocase of the inner membrane (TIM23). This indispensable import machinery has been extensively studied in yeast. The translocating unit of the TIM23 complex in yeast consists of two membrane proteins, Tim17 and Tim23. In contrast to previous findings, recent reports demonstrate the primary role of Tim17, rather than Tim23, in the translocation of newly synthesized proteins. Very little is known about human TIM23 translocase. Human cells have two orthologs of yeast Tim17, TIMM17A and TIMM17B. Here, using computational tools, we present the architecture of human core TIM23 variants with either TIMM17A or TIMM17B, forming two populations of highly similar complexes. The structures reveal high conservation of the core TIM23 complex between human and yeast. Interestingly, both TIMM17A and TIMM17B variants interact with TIMM23 and reactive oxygen species modulator 1 (ROMO1); a homolog of yeast Mgr2, a protein that can create a channel-like structure with Tim17. The high structural conservation of proteins that form the core TIM23 complex in yeast and humans raises an interesting question about mechanistic and functional differences that justify existence of the two variants of TIM23 in higher eukaryotes.
PubMed: 38837610
DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13840 -
Biochemical and neurophysiological effects of deficiency of the mitochondrial import protein TIMM50.BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... May 2024TIMM50, an essential TIM23 complex subunit, is suggested to facilitate the import of ∼60% of the mitochondrial proteome. In this study, we characterized a disease...
TIMM50, an essential TIM23 complex subunit, is suggested to facilitate the import of ∼60% of the mitochondrial proteome. In this study, we characterized a disease causing mutation in human fibroblasts, and noted significant decreases in TIM23 core protein levels (TIMM50, TIMM17A/B, and TIMM23). Strikingly, TIMM50 deficiency had no impact on the steady state levels of most of its substrates, challenging the currently accepted import dogma of the essential general import role of TIM23 and suggesting that fully functioning TIM23 complex is not essential for maintaining the steady state level of the majority of mitochondrial proteins. As TIMM50 mutations have been linked to severe neurological phenotypes, we aimed to characterize TIMM50 defects in manipulated mammalian neurons. TIMM50 knockdown in mouse neurons had a minor effect on the steady state level of most of the mitochondrial proteome, supporting the results observed in patient fibroblasts. Amongst the few affected TIM23 substrates, a decrease in the steady state level of components of the intricate oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial ribosome complexes was evident. This led to declined respiration rates in fibroblasts and neurons, reduced cellular ATP levels and defective mitochondrial trafficking in neuronal processes, possibly contributing to the developmental defects observed in patients with TIMM50 disease. Finally, increased electrical activity was observed in TIMM50 deficient mice neuronal cells, which correlated with reduced levels of KCNJ10 and KCNA2 plasma membrane potassium channels, likely underlying the patients' epileptic phenotype.
PubMed: 38826427
DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.20.594480 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Mitochondrial RNA modification (MRM) plays a crucial role in regulating the expression of key mitochondrial genes and promoting tumor metastasis. Despite its...
Mitochondrial RNA modification (MRM) plays a crucial role in regulating the expression of key mitochondrial genes and promoting tumor metastasis. Despite its significance, comprehensive studies on MRM in lower grade gliomas (LGGs) remain unknown. Single-cell RNA-seq data (GSE89567) was used to evaluate the distribution functional status, and correlation of MRM-related genes in different cell types of LGG microenvironment. We developed an MRM scoring system by selecting potential MRM-related genes using LASSO regression analysis and the Random Survival Forest algorithm, based on multiple bulk RNA-seq datasets from TCGA, CGGA, GSE16011, and E-MTAB-3892. Analysis was performed on prognostic and immunological features, signaling pathways, metabolism, somatic mutations and copy number variations (CNVs), treatment responses, and forecasting of potential small-molecule agents. A total of 35 MRM-related genes were selected from the literature. Differential expression analysis of 1120 normal brain tissues and 529 LGGs revealed that 22 and 10 genes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively. Most genes were associated with prognosis of LGG. METLL8, METLL2A, TRMT112, and METTL2B were extensively expressed in all cell types and different cell cycle of each cell type. Almost all cell types had clusters related to mitochondrial RNA processing, ribosome biogenesis, or oxidative phosphorylation. Cell-cell communication and Pearson correlation analyses indicated that MRM may promoting the development of microenvironment beneficial to malignant progression via modulating NCMA signaling pathway and ICP expression. A total of 11 and 9 MRM-related genes were observed by LASSO and the RSF algorithm, respectively, and finally 6 MRM-related genes were used to establish MRM scoring system (TRMT2B, TRMT11, METTL6, METTL8, TRMT6, and TRUB2). The six MRM-related genes were then validated by qPCR in glioma and normal tissues. MRM score can predict the malignant clinical characteristics, abundance of immune infiltration, gene variation, clinical outcome, the enrichment of signaling pathways and metabolism. In vitro experiments demonstrated that silencing METTL8 significantly curbs glioma cell proliferation and enhances apoptosis. Patients with a high MRM score showed a better response to immunotherapies and small-molecule agents such as arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone, MS.275, AH.6809, tacrolimus, and TTNPB. These novel insights into the biological impacts of MRM within the glioma microenvironment underscore its potential as a target for developing precise therapies, including immunotherapeutic approaches.
Topics: Humans; Glioma; Prognosis; Brain Neoplasms; RNA, Mitochondrial; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Tumor Microenvironment; RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional; Neoplasm Grading; Mitochondria; Biomarkers, Tumor; Gene Expression Profiling; Multiomics
PubMed: 38824202
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63592-w -
Science Advances May 2024Transporting and translating mRNAs in axons is crucial for neuronal viability. Local synthesis of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins protects long-lived axonal...
Transporting and translating mRNAs in axons is crucial for neuronal viability. Local synthesis of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins protects long-lived axonal mitochondria from damage; however, the regulatory factors involved are largely unknown. We show that CLUH, which binds mRNAs encoding mitochondrial proteins, prevents peripheral neuropathy and motor deficits in the mouse. CLUH is enriched in the growth cone of developing spinal motoneurons and is required for their growth. The lack of CLUH affects the abundance of target mRNAs and the corresponding mitochondrial proteins more prominently in axons, leading to ATP deficits in the growth cone. CLUH interacts with ribosomal subunits, translation initiation, and ribosome recycling components and preserves axonal translation. Overexpression of the ribosome recycling factor ABCE1 rescues the mRNA and translation defects, as well as the growth cone size, in CLUH-deficient motoneurons. Thus, we demonstrate a role for CLUH in mitochondrial quality control and translational regulation in axons, which is essential for their development and long-term integrity and function.
Topics: Animals; Motor Neurons; Mitochondria; Axons; Protein Biosynthesis; Mice; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Growth Cones; RNA, Messenger; Mitochondrial Proteins; Mice, Knockout
PubMed: 38809982
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn2050 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... May 2024The rapid and sustained proliferation in cancer cells requires accelerated protein synthesis. Accelerated protein synthesis and disordered cell metabolism in cancer...
The mitochondrial stress-induced protein carboxyl-terminal alanine and threonine tailing (msiCAT-tailing) promotes glioblastoma tumorigenesis by modulating mitochondrial functions.
UNLABELLED
The rapid and sustained proliferation in cancer cells requires accelerated protein synthesis. Accelerated protein synthesis and disordered cell metabolism in cancer cells greatly increase the risk of translation errors. ribosome-associated quality control (RQC) is a recently discovered mechanism for resolving ribosome collisions caused by frequent translation stalls. The role of the RQC pathway in cancer initiation and progression remains controversial and confusing. In this study, we investigated the pathogenic role of mitochondrial stress-induced protein carboxyl-terminal terminal alanine and threonine tailing (msiCAT-tailing) in glioblastoma (GBM), which is a specific RQC response to translational arrest on the outer mitochondrial membrane. We found that msiCAT-tailed mitochondrial proteins frequently exist in glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). Ectopically expressed msiCAT-tailed mitochondrial ATP synthase F1 subunit alpha (ATP5α) protein increases the mitochondrial membrane potential and blocks mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) formation/opening. These changes in mitochondrial properties confer resistance to staurosporine (STS)-induced apoptosis in GBM cells. Therefore, msiCAT-tailing can promote cell survival and migration, while genetic and pharmacological inhibition of msiCAT-tailing can prevent the overgrowth of GBM cells.
HIGHLIGHTS
The RQC pathway is disturbed in glioblastoma (GBM) cellsmsiCAT-tailing on ATP5α elevates mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibits MPTP openingmsiCAT-tailing on ATP5α inhibits drug-induced apoptosis in GBM cellsInhibition of msiCAT-tailing impedes overall growth of GBM cells.
PubMed: 38798583
DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.15.594447 -
Clinical and Translational Medicine May 2024Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) modifications, essential components of ribosome structure and function, significantly impact cellular proteomics and cancer biology. These chemical... (Review)
Review
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) modifications, essential components of ribosome structure and function, significantly impact cellular proteomics and cancer biology. These chemical modifications transcend structural roles, critically shaping ribosome functionality and influencing cellular protein profiles. In this review, the mechanisms by which rRNA modifications regulate both rRNA functions and broader cellular physiological processes are critically discussed. Importantly, by altering the translational output, rRNA modifications can shift the cellular equilibrium towards oncogenesis, thus playing a key role in cancer development and progression. Moreover, a special focus is placed on the functions of mitochondrial rRNA modifications and their aberrant expression in cancer, an area with profound implications yet largely uncharted. Dysregulation in these modifications can lead to metabolic dysfunction and apoptosis resistance, hallmark traits of cancer cells. Furthermore, the current challenges and future perspectives in targeting rRNA modifications are highlighted as a therapeutic approach for cancer treatment. In conclusion, rRNA modifications represent a frontier in cancer research, offering novel insights and therapeutic possibilities. Understanding and harnessing these modifications can pave the way for breakthroughs in cancer treatment, potentially transforming the approach to combating this complex disease.
Topics: Humans; Neoplasms; RNA, Ribosomal; Ribosomes; RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional
PubMed: 38797935
DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1705 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2024SUMOylation is an important post-translational modification that regulates the expression, localization, and activity of substrate proteins, thereby participating in...
INTRODUCTION
SUMOylation is an important post-translational modification that regulates the expression, localization, and activity of substrate proteins, thereby participating in various important cellular processes such as the cell cycle, cell metabolism, gene transcription, and antiviral activity. However, the function of SUMOylation in phytopathogenic fungi has not yet been adequately explored.
METHODS
A comprehensive analysis composed of proteomics, affinity pull-down, molecular and cellular approaches was performed to explore the roles of SUMOylation in , the fungal pathogen responsible for chestnut blight.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
, the gene encoding the SUMO protein CpSmt3 in was identified and characterized. Deletion of the gene resulted in defects in mycelial growth and hyphal morphology, suppression of sporulation, attenuation of virulence, weakening of stress tolerance, and elevated accumulation of hypovirus dsRNA. The Δ deletion mutant exhibited an increase in mitochondrial ROS, swollen mitochondria, excess autophagy, and thickened cell walls. About 500 putative SUMO substrate proteins were identified by affinity pull-down, among which many were implicated in the cell cycle, ribosome, translation, and virulence. Proteomics and SUMO substrate analyses further revealed that deletion of reduced the accumulation of CpRho1, an important protein that is involved in TOR signal transduction. Silencing of resulted in a phenotype similar to that of Δ, while overexpression of CpRho1 could partly rescue some of the prominent defects in Δ. Together, these findings demonstrate that SUMOylation by CpSmt3 is vitally important and provide new insights into the SUMOylation-related regulatory mechanisms in .
PubMed: 38784801
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1391855 -
IScience Jun 2024Iron serves as a cofactor for enzymes involved in several steps of protein translation, but the control of translation during iron limitation is not understood at the...
Iron serves as a cofactor for enzymes involved in several steps of protein translation, but the control of translation during iron limitation is not understood at the molecular level. Here, we report a genome-wide analysis of protein translation in response to iron deficiency in yeast using ribosome profiling. We show that iron depletion affects global protein synthesis and leads to translational repression of multiple genes involved in iron-related processes. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the RNA-binding proteins Cth1 and Cth2 play a central role in this translational regulation by repressing the activity of the iron-dependent Rli1 ribosome recycling factor and inhibiting mitochondrial translation and heme biosynthesis. Additionally, we found that iron deficiency represses mRNA translation through increased expression of antisense long non-coding RNA. Together, our results reveal complex gene expression and protein synthesis remodeling in response to low iron, demonstrating how this important metal affects protein translation at multiple levels.
PubMed: 38779483
DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109868