scholarly journals Phosphorylation of the GARP Subunit Vps53 by Snf1 Leads to the Formation of a Golgi – Mitochondria Contact Site (GoMiCS) in Yeast

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne A. Wycislo ◽  
Celine Sundag ◽  
Stefan Walter ◽  
Sebastian Schuck ◽  
Florian Fröhlich

AbstractThe canonical function of the Golgi-associated retrograde protein (GARP) complex is the tethering of transport carriers. GARP belongs to the complexes associated with tethering containing helical rods (CATCHR) family and is a hetero-tetrameric complex consisting of the subunits Vps51, Vps52, Vps53 and Vps54. How the activity of GARP is regulated and if it possesses other functions besides tethering remains largely unknown. Here we identify the GARP subunit Vps53 as a novel regulatory target of the S. cerevisiae AMP kinase (AMPK) homolog Snf1. We find that Vps53 is both an in vivo and in vitro target of Snf1 and show that phosphorylation depends on the nature and quantity of the available carbon source. Phosphorylation of Vps53 does not affect the canonical trafficking pathway, but results in altered mitochondrial dynamics and the formation of a previously unknown contact site between the Golgi apparatus and mitochondria, termed GoMiCS. Our results provide an example of a subunit of a CATCHR complex with a constitutive function in membrane trafficking and an inducible role in organelle contact site formation. We anticipate our results to be the starting point for the characterization of this novel contact site.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer K. Dowling ◽  
Remsha Afzal ◽  
Linden J. Gearing ◽  
Mariana P. Cervantes-Silva ◽  
Stephanie Annett ◽  
...  

AbstractMitochondria are important regulators of macrophage polarisation. Here, we show that arginase-2 (Arg2) is a microRNA-155 (miR-155) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) regulated protein localized at the mitochondria in inflammatory macrophages, and is critical for IL-10-induced modulation of mitochondrial dynamics and oxidative respiration. Mechanistically, the catalytic activity and presence of Arg2 at the mitochondria is crucial for oxidative phosphorylation. We further show that Arg2 mediates this process by increasing the activity of complex II (succinate dehydrogenase). Moreover, Arg2 is essential for IL-10-mediated downregulation of the inflammatory mediators succinate, hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and IL-1β in vitro. Accordingly, HIF-1α and IL-1β are highly expressed in an LPS-induced in vivo model of acute inflammation using Arg2−/− mice. These findings shed light on a new arm of IL-10-mediated metabolic regulation, working to resolve the inflammatory status of the cell.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Garrett M. Fogo ◽  
Anthony R. Anzell ◽  
Kathleen J. Maheras ◽  
Sarita Raghunayakula ◽  
Joseph M. Wider ◽  
...  

AbstractThe mitochondrial network continually undergoes events of fission and fusion. Under physiologic conditions, the network is in equilibrium and is characterized by the presence of both elongated and punctate mitochondria. However, this balanced, homeostatic mitochondrial profile can change morphologic distribution in response to various stressors. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a method that robustly measures mitochondrial morphology with high accuracy. Here, we developed a semi-automated image analysis pipeline for the quantitation of mitochondrial morphology for both in vitro and in vivo applications. The image analysis pipeline was generated and validated utilizing images of primary cortical neurons from transgenic mice, allowing genetic ablation of key components of mitochondrial dynamics. This analysis pipeline was further extended to evaluate mitochondrial morphology in vivo through immunolabeling of brain sections as well as serial block-face scanning electron microscopy. These data demonstrate a highly specific and sensitive method that accurately classifies distinct physiological and pathological mitochondrial morphologies. Furthermore, this workflow employs the use of readily available, free open-source software designed for high throughput image processing, segmentation, and analysis that is customizable to various biological models.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zheng Chen ◽  
Xiangyu Wei ◽  
Xueyi Wang ◽  
Xuan Zheng ◽  
Bowen Chang ◽  
...  

AbstractNADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] 1 alpha subcomplex, 4-like 2 (NDUFA4L2) is a subunit of Complex I of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, which is important in metabolic reprogramming and oxidative stress in multiple cancers. However, the biological role and molecular regulation of NDUFA4L2 in glioblastoma (GBM) are poorly understood. Here, we found that NDUFA4L2 was significantly upregulated in GBM; the elevated levels were correlated with reduced patient survival. Gene knockdown of NDUFA4L2 inhibited tumor cell proliferation and enhanced apoptosis, while tumor cells initiated protective mitophagy in vitro and in vivo. We used lentivirus to reduce expression levels of NDUFA4L2 protein in GBM cells exposed to mitophagy blockers, which led to a significant enhancement of tumor cell apoptosis in vitro and inhibited the development of xenografted tumors in vivo. In contrast to other tumor types, NDUFA4L2 expression in GBM may not be directly regulated by hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, because HIF-1α inhibitors failed to inhibit NDUFA4L2 in GBM. Apatinib was able to effectively target NDUFA4L2 in GBM, presenting an alternative to the use of lentiviruses, which currently cannot be used in humans. Taken together, our data suggest the use of NDUFA4L2 as a potential therapeutic target in GBM and demonstrate a practical treatment approach.


Diabetologia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yukina Takeichi ◽  
Takashi Miyazawa ◽  
Shohei Sakamoto ◽  
Yuki Hanada ◽  
Lixiang Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims/hypothesis Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles continuously undergoing fission and fusion, referred to as mitochondrial dynamics, to adapt to nutritional demands. Evidence suggests that impaired mitochondrial dynamics leads to metabolic abnormalities such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) phenotypes. However, how mitochondrial dynamics are involved in the development of NASH is poorly understood. This study aimed to elucidate the role of mitochondrial fission factor (MFF) in the development of NASH. Methods We created mice with hepatocyte-specific deletion of MFF (MffLiKO). MffLiKO mice fed normal chow diet (NCD) or high-fat diet (HFD) were evaluated for metabolic variables and their livers were examined by histological analysis. To elucidate the mechanism of development of NASH, we examined the expression of genes related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and lipid metabolism, and the secretion of triacylglycerol (TG) using the liver and primary hepatocytes isolated from MffLiKO and control mice. Results MffLiKO mice showed aberrant mitochondrial morphologies with no obvious NASH phenotypes during NCD, while they developed full-blown NASH phenotypes in response to HFD. Expression of genes related to ER stress was markedly upregulated in the liver from MffLiKO mice. In addition, expression of genes related to hepatic TG secretion was downregulated, with reduced hepatic TG secretion in MffLiKO mice in vivo and in primary cultures of MFF-deficient hepatocytes in vitro. Furthermore, thapsigargin-induced ER stress suppressed TG secretion in primary hepatocytes isolated from control mice. Conclusions/interpretation We demonstrated that ablation of MFF in liver provoked ER stress and reduced hepatic TG secretion in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, MffLiKO mice were more susceptible to HFD-induced NASH phenotype than control mice, partly because of ER stress-induced apoptosis of hepatocytes and suppression of TG secretion from hepatocytes. This study provides evidence for the role of mitochondrial fission in the development of NASH. Graphical abstract


2013 ◽  
Vol 168 (6) ◽  
pp. R85-R93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felix Beuschlein

Arterial hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor that affects between 10 and 40% of the population in industrialized countries. Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common form of secondary hypertension with an estimated prevalence of around 10% in referral centers and 4% in a primary care setting. Despite its high prevalence until recently, the underlying genetic and molecular basis of this common disease had remained largely obscure. Over the past decade, a number of insights have been achieved that have relied onin vitrocellular systems, wild-type and genetically modifiedin vivomodels, as well as clinical studies in well-characterized patient populations. This progress has been made possible by a number of independent technical developments including that of specific hormone assays that allow measurement in small sample volumes as well as genetic techniques that enable high-throughput sequencing of a large number of samples. Furthermore, animal models have provided important insights into the physiology of aldosterone regulation that have served as a starting point for investigation of mechanisms involved in autonomous aldosterone secretion. Finally, national and international networks that have built up registries and biobanks have been instrumental in fostering translational research endeavors in PA. Therefore, it is to be expected that in the near future, further pathophysiological mechanisms that result in autonomous aldosterone secretion will be unraveled.


1993 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 590-597 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephane Mottin ◽  
Canh Tran-Minh ◽  
Pierre Laporte ◽  
Raymond Cespuglio ◽  
Michel Jouvet

At pH 7 and with the excitation at wavelengths above 315 nm, previously unreported fluorescence of 5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine) is observed. Two fluorescence bands were observed for 5-HT; the first emits at around 390 nm with an associated lifetime near 1 ns, and the other (well known) emits at 340 nm with an associated lifetime of 2.7 ns. With both static and time-resolved fluorescences, the spectral and temporal effects of the excitation wavelength were studied between 285 and 340 nm. With these basic spectroscopic properties as a starting point, a fiber-optic chemical sensor (FOCS) was developed in order to measure 5-HT with a single-fiber configuration, nitrogen laser excitation, and fast digitizing techniques. Temporal effects including fluorescence of the optical fiber were studied and compared with measurements both directly in cuvette and through the fiber-optic sensor. Less than thirty seconds are required for each measurement. A detection limit of 5-HT is reached in the range of 5 μM. Our system, with an improved sensitivity, could therefore be a possible and convenient “tool” for in vivo determination of 5-HT.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 601
Author(s):  
Fanpeng Zhao ◽  
Quillan Austria ◽  
Wenzhang Wang ◽  
Xiongwei Zhu

Mitochondrial dysfunction represents a critical event in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Increasing evidence demonstrates that disturbed mitochondrial dynamics and quality control play an important role in mitochondrial dysfunction in PD. Our previous study demonstrated that MPP+ induces mitochondrial fragmentation in vitro. In this study, we aimed to assess whether blocking MPTP-induced mitochondrial fragmentation by overexpressing Mfn2 affords neuroprotection in vivo. We found that the significant loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) induced by MPTP treatment, as seen in wild-type littermate control mice, was almost completely blocked in mice overexpressing Mfn2 (hMfn2 mice). The dramatic reduction in dopamine neuronal fibers and dopamine levels in the striatum caused by MPTP administration was also partially inhibited in hMfn2 mice. MPTP-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory response in the SN and striatum were significantly alleviated in hMfn2 mice. The impairment of motor function caused by MPTP was also blocked in hMfn2 mice. Overall, our work demonstrates that restoration of mitochondrial dynamics by Mfn2 overexpression protects against neuronal toxicity in an MPTP-based PD mouse model, which supports the modulation of mitochondrial dynamics as a potential therapeutic target for PD treatment.


Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yedan Liu ◽  
Shaoxun Wang ◽  
Ya Guo ◽  
Huawei Zhang ◽  
Richard Roman ◽  
...  

Diabetes is the primary pathological factor attributed to Alzheimer’s disease and vascular cognitive impairment. Previous studies demonstrated that hyperglycemia promoted oxidative stress in the cerebral vasculature. Cerebrovascular pericytes contribute to maintaining blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and regulating cerebral blood flow (CBF). However, whether hyperglycemia diminishes the contractile capability of pericytes, impairs CBF autoregulation and increases BBB permeability are unclear. In the present study, we examined the role of pericytes in cerebrovascular function and cognition in diabetes using cell culture in vitro , isolated penetrating arterioles ex vivo and CBF autoregulation in vivo . Reactive oxygen species were elevated in high glucose (HG, 30 mM) treated vs. normal glucose (NG, 5.5 mM) treated pericytes. Further, mitochondrial superoxide production was increased in HG-treated vs. NG-treated group (13.24 ± 1.01 arbitrary unit (a.u.)/30min vs. 6.98 ± 0.36 a.u./30min). Mitochondrial respiration decreased in HG-treated vs. NG-treated pericytes (3718 ± 185.9 pmol/min/mg, n=10 vs. 4742 ± 284.5 pmol/min/mg, n=10) as measured by a Seahorse XFe24 analyzer. HG-treated pericytes displayed fragmented mitochondria in association with increased fission protein (DRP1) and decreased fusion protein (OPA1) expression. HG-treated pericytes displayed lower contractile capability than NG-treated cells (20.23 ± 7.15% vs. 29.46 ± 9.41%). The myogenic response was impaired in penetrating arterioles isolated from diabetic rats in comparison with non-diabetic rats. Autoregulation of CBF measured by a laser Doppler flowmeter was impaired in diabetic rats compared with non-diabetic rats. Diabetic rats exhibited greater BBB leakage than control rats. The cognitive function was examined using an eight-arm water maze. Diabetic rats took longer time to escape than the non-diabetic rats indicating learning and memory deficits. In conclusion, hyperglycemia induces pericyte dysfunction by altering mitochondrial dynamics and diminishing contractile capability, which promotes BBB leakage, decreases CBF autoregulation and contributes to diabetes-related dementia.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott B Biering ◽  
Francielle Tramontini Gomes de Sousa ◽  
Laurentia V. Tjang ◽  
Felix Pahmeier ◽  
Richard Ruan ◽  
...  

Severe COVID-19 is associated with epithelial and endothelial barrier dysfunction within the lung as well as in distal organs. While it is appreciated that an exaggerated inflammatory response is associated with barrier dysfunction, the triggers of this pathology are unclear. Here, we report that cell-intrinsic interactions between the Spike (S) glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 and epithelial/endothelial cells are sufficient to trigger barrier dysfunction in vitro and vascular leak in vivo, independently of viral replication and the ACE2 receptor. We identify an S-triggered transcriptional response associated with extracellular matrix reorganization and TGF-β signaling. Using genetic knockouts and specific inhibitors, we demonstrate that glycosaminoglycans, integrins, and the TGF-β signaling axis are required for S-mediated barrier dysfunction. Our findings suggest that S interactions with barrier cells are a contributing factor to COVID-19 disease severity and offer mechanistic insight into SARS-CoV-2 triggered vascular leak, providing a starting point for development of therapies targeting COVID-19 pathogenesis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 117 (7) ◽  
pp. 3543-3550 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Huang ◽  
Lu Sun ◽  
Leonidas Pierrakeas ◽  
Linchang Dai ◽  
Lu Pan ◽  
...  

The SWR complex edits the histone composition of nucleosomes at promoters to facilitate transcription by replacing the two nucleosomal H2A-H2B (A-B) dimers with H2A.Z-H2B (Z-B) dimers. Swc5, a subunit of SWR, binds to A-B dimers, but its role in the histone replacement reaction was unclear. In this study, we showed that Swc5 uses a tandem DEF/Y motif within an intrinsically disordered region to engage the A-B dimer. A 2.37-Å X-ray crystal structure of the histone binding domain of Swc5 in complex with an A-B dimer showed that consecutive acidic residues and flanking hydrophobic residues of Swc5 form a cap over the histones, excluding histone–DNA interaction. Mutations in Swc5 DEF/Y inhibited the nucleosome editing function of SWR in vitro. Swc5 DEF/Y interacts with histones in vivo, and the extent of this interaction is dependent on the remodeling ATPase of SWR, supporting a model in which Swc5 acts as a wedge to promote A-B dimer eviction. Given that DEF/Y motifs are found in other evolutionary unrelated chromatin regulators, this work provides the molecular basis for a general strategy used repeatedly during eukaryotic evolution to mobilize histones in various genomic functions.


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