scholarly journals An essential role for cardiolipin in the stability and function of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter

2020 ◽  
Vol 117 (28) ◽  
pp. 16383-16390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sagnika Ghosh ◽  
Writoban Basu Ball ◽  
Travis R. Madaris ◽  
Subramanya Srikantan ◽  
Muniswamy Madesh ◽  
...  

Calcium uptake by the mitochondrial calcium uniporter coordinates cytosolic signaling events with mitochondrial bioenergetics. During the past decade all protein components of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter have been identified, including MCU, the pore-forming subunit. However, the specific lipid requirements, if any, for the function and formation of this channel complex are currently not known. Here we utilize yeast, which lacks the mitochondrial calcium uniporter, as a model system to address this problem. We use heterologous expression to functionally reconstitute human uniporter machinery both in wild-type yeast as well as in mutants defective in the biosynthesis of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, or cardiolipin (CL). We uncover a specific requirement of CL for in vivo reconstituted MCU stability and activity. The CL requirement of MCU is evolutionarily conserved with loss of CL triggering rapid turnover of MCU homologs and impaired calcium transport. Furthermore, we observe reduced abundance and activity of endogenous MCU in mammalian cellular models of Barth syndrome, which is characterized by a partial loss of CL. MCU abundance is also decreased in the cardiac tissue of Barth syndrome patients. Our work raises the hypothesis that impaired mitochondrial calcium transport contributes to the pathogenesis of Barth syndrome, and more generally, showcases the utility of yeast phospholipid mutants in dissecting the phospholipid requirements of ion channel complexes.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pingping Xue ◽  
Qian Chen ◽  
Xiuhua Ren ◽  
Yimin Yang ◽  
Xiaofan Yang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Protoapigenone, as a flavonoid compound with a specific nonaromatic B-ring, exhibits extraordinary antitumor activities against a broad spectrum of human cancer cells. Here we developed a novel protoapigenone analog RY10-4, which induces the apoptosis of various tumor cells, especially for breast cancer cells, but the underlying mechanism involved in the apoptotic process remains unclear. Methods MTT assay, colony-formation assay and flow cytometry were applied to evaluate the proliferation and apoptosis of breast cancer cells. Cytoplasmic calcium ([Ca2+]c) and mitochondrial calcium ([Ca2+]m) of the breast cancer cells were measured by the Fluo-2 and Rhod-2 probes, respectively. The mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), membrane potential (ΔΨm) and permeability transition pore (mPTP) were analyzed by MitoSOX, JC-1 probes and Calcein/AM, respectively. Furthermore, Western bolt assay was adopted for the exploration of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Besides, the xenograft assay was performed to investigate the role of RY10-4 in breast cancer cells in vivo. Results Obviously, RY10-4 could effectively suppress the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of breast cancer cells. Furthermore, the [Ca2+]c and [Ca2+]m of MDA-MB-231 cells were up-regulated after the treatment of RY10-4, resulting in the mtROS accumulation, ΔΨm depolarization and mPTP opening. And finally, the mitochondrial apoptosis was activated by the release of cytochrome C. Interestingly, the inhibition of mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) with Ru360 attenuated the overload of [Ca2+]m and blocked the apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells induced by RY10-4, which was also consistent with the in vivo results. Conclusions From the results we concluded that RY10-4 could induce apoptosis of breast cancer cells by elevating [Ca2+]m through MCU. Our work contributed previously unknown insights into the mechanisms involving in the clinical efficacy of RY10-4 on breast cancer cells, which also advanced calcium homeostasis as a potential target for chemotherapeutic drugs.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (11) ◽  
pp. 2225-2239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Bas-Orth ◽  
Justus Schneider ◽  
Andrea Lewen ◽  
Jamie McQueen ◽  
Kerstin Hasenpusch-Theil ◽  
...  

The role of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) gene ( Mcu) in cellular energy homeostasis and generation of electrical brain rhythms is widely unknown. We investigated this issue in mice and rats using Mcu-knockout and -knockdown strategies in vivo and in situ and determined the effects of these genetic manipulations on hippocampal gamma oscillations (30–70 Hz) and sharp wave-ripples. These physiological network states require precise neurotransmission between pyramidal cells and inhibitory interneurons, support spike-timing and synaptic plasticity and are associated with perception, attention and memory. Absence of the MCU resulted in (i) gamma oscillations with decreased power (by >40%) and lower synchrony, including less precise neural action potential generation (‘spiking'), (ii) sharp waves with decreased incidence (by about 22%) and decreased fast ripple frequency (by about 3%) and (iii) lack of activity-dependent pyruvate dehydrogenase dephosphorylation. However, compensatory adaptation in gene expression related to mitochondrial function and glucose metabolism was not detected. These data suggest that the neuronal MCU is crucial for the generation of network rhythms, most likely by influences on oxidative phosphorylation and perhaps by controlling cytoplasmic Ca2+ homeostasis. This work contributes to an increased understanding of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake in cortical information processing underlying cognition and behaviour.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam D. Langenbacher ◽  
Hirohito Shimizu ◽  
Welkin Hsu ◽  
Yali Zhao ◽  
Alexandria Borges ◽  
...  

Mitochondrial Ca2 + uptake influences energy production, cell survival, and Ca2 + signaling. The mitochondrial calcium uniporter, MCU, is the primary route for uptake of Ca2 + into the mitochondrial matrix. We have generated a zebrafish MCU mutant that survives to adulthood and exhibits dramatic cardiac phenotypes resembling cardiomyopathy and sinus arrest. MCU hearts contract weakly and have a smaller ventricle with a thin compact layer and reduced trabecular density. Damaged myofibrils and swollen mitochondria were present in the ventricles of MCU mutants, along with gene expression changes indicative of cell stress and altered cardiac structure and function. Using electrocardiography, we found that MCU hearts display conduction system defects and abnormal rhythm, with extended pauses resembling episodes of sinus arrest. Together, our findings suggest that proper mitochondrial Ca2 + homeostasis is crucial for maintaining a healthy adult heart, and establish the MCU mutant as a useful model for understanding the role of mitochondrial Ca2 + handling in adult cardiac biology.


Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hikaru Hagiwara ◽  
Masaya Watanabe ◽  
Yoichiro Fujioka, ◽  
Taro Koya ◽  
Motoki Nakao ◽  
...  

Background: Delayed after depolarization by calcium (Ca 2+ ) leak from sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) via Ryanodine receptor is one of the causes of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) in heart failure (HF). Ca 2+ uptake into mitochondria via mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) is participated in Ca 2+ handling, but the relationship between VAs in HF and Ca 2+ uptake into mitochondria is unclear. Purpose: We sought to investigate whether increased Ca 2+ uptake into mitochondria via MCU reduces diastolic Ca 2+ leak and suppresses VAs in ischemic HF mice. Methods: Ten-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were divided into 2 groups; sham operation mice (Sham) or HF mice (HF) in which myocardial infarction was induced by left coronary artery ligation. After 4-6 weeks, cardiomyocyte or mitochondria were isolated respectively from the myocardium of Sham and the non-infarct myocardium of HF. Ca 2+ waves (CaWs) were measured on an epifluorescence microscopy. Calcium transients and calcium sparks were measured on a confocal microscope in linescan mode. Mitochondrial Ca 2+ uptake were measured by estimating the extra-mitochondrial Ca 2+ reduction with Fluo-5N on a spectrofluoro-photometer. VAs was induced in the Langendorff perfused hearts. Left ventricular (LV) pressure was measured using a microtip transducer catheter . Results: HF mice showed left ventricular dysfunction and increased heart and lung weights compared to Sham. Kaempferol, a MCU activator, increased mitochondrial Ca 2+ uptake in the isolated mitochondria both in Sham and HF. CaWs and Ca spark frequency in the presence of isoproterenol was attenuated by 10 μM Kaempferol. Kaempferol did not show significant changes in Ca 2+ transient amplitude, however increased the time to 50% decay significantly. The incidence of induced VAs was suppressed by Kaempferol. In vivo measurements, intravenous administration of Kaempferol (5mg/kg) did not show significant changes in hemodynamic parameters in HF mice. Conclusions: Ca 2+ uptake into mitochondria via MCU suppresses VAs in HF. Despite the adverse influence of the traditional antiarrhythmic drugs for HF condition, a novel strategy that promotes Ca 2+ uptake into mitochondria might be a potential therapeutic approach for VA treatment in HF patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 127 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia C Liu ◽  
Nicole Syder ◽  
Nima Ghorashi ◽  
Thomas B Willingham ◽  
Randi J Parks ◽  
...  

Mitochondrial uptake of Ca 2+ plays critical roles in cardiac energy production as well as cell death. The mitochondrial calcium uniporter in mice and humans is a multi-protein complex that includes the channel-forming protein MCU and several other subunit proteins, including EMRE. EMRE is a single transmembrane protein that is conserved among metazoan species and is known to be essential for mitochondrial Ca 2+ uptake in cell culture. To investigate EMRE’s role in organismal physiology, we generated a mouse model of global germline EMRE deletion. We show that EMRE is indeed required for mitochondrial calcium uniporter function in isolated mitochondria from multiple tissues. Although the birth rate of Emre -/- mice is lower than expected by Mendelian genetics (~5-10% instead of ~25%), the mice that are born are viable and appear healthy. Oxygen consumption in isolated mitochondria and cells is not significantly affected by loss of EMRE, and similarly the mice do not exhibit overt metabolic impairment, even under strenuous exercise. No significant differences between Emre -/- and wild-type ( WT ) cardiac function at baseline and after isoproterenol stimulation are evident by echocardiography. Moreover, Emre -/ - hearts are not protected from ischemia/reperfusion injury in a Langendorff perfusion model (mean infarct area 61% in Emre -/- hearts; 57% in WT ). Collectively, these data and their similarities to results found via germline Mcu deletion demonstrate that EMRE is indeed essential for mitochondrial Ca 2+ uptake in vivo. Furthermore, we find evidence that EMRE protein expression is elevated in some mouse muscular dystrophy models, suggesting that modulation of EMRE levels may play a role in regulating uniporter activity in conditions of stress or disease. We therefore further explore whether and how EMRE expression changes with isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy in mice and in samples from human patients with heart failure. Understanding of how uniporter components such as EMRE can regulate MCU in a diseased state can inform better therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring mitochondrial metabolic homeostasis.


Cell Reports ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 1364-1375.e5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Flicker ◽  
Yasemin Sancak ◽  
Eran Mick ◽  
Olga Goldberger ◽  
Vamsi K. Mootha

2018 ◽  
Vol 123 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dhanendra Tomar ◽  
Santhanam Shanmughapriya ◽  
Rajika Roy ◽  
Xueqian Zhang ◽  
Jianliang Song ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (19) ◽  
pp. 4823 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadezhda Tarasova ◽  
Polina Vishnyakova ◽  
Yulia Logashina ◽  
Andrey Elchaninov

Calcium ions (Ca2+) influx to mitochondrial matrix is crucial for the life of a cell. Mitochondrial calcium uniporter (mtCU) is a protein complex which consists of the pore-forming subunit (MCU) and several regulatory subunits. MtCU is the main contributor to inward Ca2+ currents through the inner mitochondrial membrane. Extensive investigations of mtCU involvement into normal and pathological molecular pathways started from the moment of discovery of its molecular components. A crucial role of mtCU in the control of these pathways is now recognized in both health and disease. In particular, impairments of mtCU function have been demonstrated for cardiovascular and skeletal muscle-associated pathologies. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on mtCU structure, regulation, and function in different types of muscle tissues in health and disease.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (19) ◽  
pp. eaax9093 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Rimessi ◽  
Chiara Pozzato ◽  
Lorenzo Carparelli ◽  
Alice Rossi ◽  
Serena Ranucci ◽  
...  

Mitochondria physically associate with the endoplasmic reticulum to coordinate interorganelle calcium transfer and regulate fundamental cellular processes, including inflammation. Deregulated endoplasmic reticulum–mitochondria cross-talk can occur in cystic fibrosis, contributing to hyperinflammation and disease progression. We demonstrate that Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection increases endoplasmic reticulum–mitochondria associations in cystic fibrosis bronchial cells by stabilizing VAPB-PTPIP51 (vesicle-associated membrane protein–associated protein B–protein tyrosine phosphatase interacting protein 51) tethers, affecting autophagy. Impaired autophagy induced mitochondrial unfolding protein response and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, contributing to hyperinflammation. The mechanism by which VAPB-PTPIP51 tethers regulate autophagy in cystic fibrosis involves calcium transfer via mitochondrial calcium uniporter. Mitochondrial calcium uniporter inhibition rectified autophagy and alleviated the inflammatory response in vitro and in vivo, resulting in a valid therapeutic strategy for cystic fibrosis pulmonary disease.


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